Page 52 of Changing Lanes

“What about me?” Spinning in my seat, I’ll be damned if she isn’t standing there.

“You. You fucked me.” Chugging my water, I wipe my mouth with my forearm. “And you broke my heart.” Not holding back. I’m not drunk, I’m relaxed, laughing to myself when I think it.

“Torrie, he’s had a rough day, we’re about to take him home.” One stands, taking me by the arm.

“Nope. Not until she dances with me.” Jerking my arm from him, I put my hand out in front of me.

She looks from me to One and then Hardy but surprises us all by taking it. “Let’s go.”

“Torrie.” Hardy stands.

“I’ve got this.” She waves them off as we walk to the dance floor. We begin swaying from side to side to Brad Paisley’s ‘Then’. Arm in arm with a space of distance between us, we look everywhere but at each other. Then the floodgates open. “What’s going on, Brannon?”

“Are you kidding me? How did you know I was here?” My eyes narrow as I fight to get a little clarity.

“I was driving by, saw everyone’s trucks.” Her eyes scan the room rather than looking at me.

“So, you thought you’d stop and grab a drink?” Sliding my hand around the small of her back, I pull her to me. “Torrie.”

Her eyes flash to mine. “What? No. I wanted to see you, okay? You–said things earlier.”

“I said several things, which are you talking about?” I wait on her.

“I guess I should hear your side of the story,” she huffs, saying it almost unwillingly.

“Don’t do me any favors, Torrie.” Dropping my hands to my side, I glare at her.

“I wasn’t doing you any favors.” Crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m trying here, okay?”

“Trying what? To make me feel worse than I do? You can’t, someone beat you to it!” I choke out the words.

“So, it’s my fault you feel bad? I’m the one you left.” Her voice drips with disdain.

“Yes, I know. I kick my own ass everyday about it.” Shaking my head, I continue, “Damn, Torrie. Can’t you see, I’ve never stopped loving you.” Now, I could choke her but before I get the chance, Ava walks through the door.

“Well, what have we here?” She saunters up in skintight, ripped jeans and a tank top.

“Don’t. I am not playing with you, Ava.” I point at her as she gets closer.

“Don’t what? Tell your secrets or hers?” Ava jerks her chin in Torrie’s direction.

“Leave. I’m not asking you.” Venom drips from my words. “Leave now.”

“Oh, no. Please, go on.” Torrie stands beside me. “’Cause, I’m going to tell you a few things.”

“Like the fuck what? What could you possibly have to tell me?” Ava yells.

Torrie takes a step toward her, I touch her arm. “I don’t give a fuck what you have to say about me or the things he’s done the past ten years. It means nothing to me.”

My fingers flex from her arm as my hand falls to my side. “It’s time for me to go.”

Torrie’s hand finds mine when I turn. “Please, wait,” she asks.

“Yes, wait. I think rich bitch with a stick up her ass needs to hear what I have to say,” Ava yells at her again.

“Tell me,” Torrie says with contempt.

“Get the fuck outta here, Ava.” Why will she not listen?

“You don’t deserve him.” Torrie nods slowly at Ava’s words. “When you let him walk away from you, you fucked up,” Ava hisses at Torrie.

Torrie snarls at her. “Don’t you think I fucking know that?”

“Why are you here then?” Ava growls.

“To fuck him when I want.” Torrie leans into Ava’s space. I give Hardy and One a heads up. If these to go at it, I’m gonna need help.

“Well, you have to kick me outta his bed, darlin’, ‘cause I’m the only person fuckin’ him,” Ava declares making Torrie narrow her eyes.

I might just go to jail. Releasing Torrie’s arm, I pick Ava up, slinging her over my shoulder. “Shut the hell up, damn it.”

“Hey, Ava,” Torrie yells, “I fuck him in mine before he gets in yours.”

Ava screams as we walk out the door. For fuck’s sake, what in the hell just went on? Sitting Ava down, I open her car door. “Get the fuck in and go the hell home. Now,” I bark at her.

“Fine but you better be behind me,” she says.

“Why? You have to stop this, Ava. And it isn’t fair to Andi, this nonsense you’re always spouting. Stop it.” I’m done, I’m over taking care of her shit. I slam her door, turning just in time to see Torrie drive away.