to bite me. Without thinking, I lift my fist as I would to any threat. I’m not walking through life, letting people bite me.
Shelby catches sight of my fist and goes still. Her eyes stare in horror, and I hear her whisper her brother’s name. For just a second, I see myself through her eyes. I’m a fucking monster.
“You’re not worth all this trouble,” I say, resting my hands on my lap. “Just get your shit and leave.”
Shelby doesn’t move for a few seconds. She’s like one of those spooked deer, thinking they’re invisible as long as they stay real still. Then her face does some kind of sad girl thing, and she scoots away rather than turn her back on me. Sure, I’m the threat. She’s the fucking bitch that can tell her brother to end me over her hurt feelings. But, yeah, I’m the bad guy here.
In such a rush, Shelby doesn’t even put on her shoes or jacket before making a run for her SUV. I don’t look outside to watch her go. If I’m dying tonight because of Shelby Campbell, I might as well sit back and enjoy the feel of her pussy still on my cock.
THE WEIRDO
The edible keeps me from completely panicking. Otherwise, I’d drive straight to Ellsberg and hide at my parents’ house for a few days, or weeks, a month maybe. Mom has kept my room untouched since I moved out. I could just cuddle up in my home with two of my favorite people and forget all about Shasta with its stink, a serial killer, and my bruised heart.
Though I don’t flee to Ellsberg, I do speed away from the angry man’s trailer in the woods. After nearly losing control and killing a tree, I pull over to get myself under control.
“You’re stoned and scared,” I say to the crying chick in the mirror. “You are a menace on the road. What if you run over a squirrel or a mama bunny rabbit? Calm yourself.”
Instead, I cry harder. Why did I let my guard down? I need to remain alert, be smart, strap a gun to my lucky charms. Instead, I got naked and tried to bond with a bully.
I think to call Taylor, but she’ll overreact to my crying and call Shane. He’ll overreact to my tears by killing Goliath. Maybe I’m a prima donna, but I feel as if I’m the only one who should be overreacting about this situation.
Rather than call my best friends or brother, I dial Mom. She answers, sounding worried.
“Are you okay?”
“Uh-huh.”
“You already called today. Did something bad happen?”
“I had sex, and it wasn’t as rewarding an experience as I hoped,” I say, sniffling like a snotty kid. “Is Dad there?”
“No, he’s at Whiskey Kirk’s with the guys.”
“Are you alone?”
“Yes. I’m reading.”
“Will you read to me so I can calm down?”
“Where’s Shane?”
“He didn’t come with me to have sex,” I say, and she chuckles. “I don’t want him getting upset and acting like a protective little brother. Will you help me calm down?”
“But I’m reading a historical romance, Shelby. I don’t think you want to hear that.”
“As long as it’s not a sex part, I don’t care.”
I climb out of my SUV, crawl in the back, and curl up under a blanket I always keep for emergencies. I’m relieved my nephews’ car seats aren’t in the way, so I can baby myself. Mom starts to read, and I imagine how bad everyone in the story must stink.
Goliath smelled soapy when I nuzzled his hot skin. Under different circumstances, I could have learned to overlook the natural man-stink for him. Like if he had a different personality. Or liked me. Yeah, under different circumstances, I could focus on his good smells. Just like I focus on the good stuff about Shasta and not all the crap I hate.
The sun goes down while Mom reads to me. I’m now in a dark car on the side of the road next to the woods. It’s as if I want to be murdered!
Sitting up, I tell Mom that I love her more than anyone but not to share that information with Dad since his feelings might be hurt.
“I’m sorry sex wasn’t what you hoped.”
“My expectations were probably too high, and I fell for a guy who didn’t fall for me. That last part was probably the bigger problem, but I feel okay to drive home now.”
“Where are you right now?” she asks, alarmed.
“On the side of the road. I