Page 131 of Under the Influence

Nash holds his hands up. “Chill. I’m just saying someone else is gonna hop on that real quick, so if you want to change your mind, you better do it now.”

The sound of a locker slamming shut makes us both jump, Madden pushing by us. Nash and I share another glance. I don’t really have any beef with him, but we aren’t exactly friends.

“That is prime suspect number one,” Nash points.

I’ve heard the rumors, but thanks for the reminder. Jerk.

I lean against my locker, wondering if Avery and Madden really are a thing. I’ve seen the way they act around each other, and it’s not friendly. Actually, Madden looks at her like Edward looked at Bella, like he hasn’t satisfied his thirst in a thousand years. It’s possessive, actually.

Crew rounds the corner of the lockers, sitting on the wooden bench that splits them. “So I was listening,” he laughs. “Sinclair is hot. I’d definitely line up to take your place.”

I chuckle, trying to throw him off, “Wouldn’t do you any good. She’s a tease, man.”

Crew rolls his eyes, “It’s either one extreme or the other. Takes months to get it in, or they’ll spread their legs right away. Either way, I’d take my chances with her.”

Nash agrees, fucking with me, “Yeah, I think I could get to second base… ”

I can’t take this shit anymore,“Shut up, Nash. Neither one of you are bangin’ my girlfriend, idiots.”

Crew howls with laughter, “Oh, I know I’m not. She wouldn’t give me the time of day. The only way I’m getting unlimited pussy around here is if I pretend I’m Nash. Everyone in this damn school is afraid of him, but it doesn’t stop the girls from falling at his feet and fighting over who sucks his dick next.”

He’s not wrong. Nash has never really been selective about who his dick disappears into. Well, not until recently. Not until the one girl he wants he can’t have. Which just so happens to be the same girl I want.

“I’ve been picky as of late,” Nash winks, looking at me. He wants me to know that it’s Cori.

Crew makes a face. “Yeah, Jovie has told the entire school that you accepted her Hoco invitation. I thought y’all were just”—he pauses mid-sentence, trying to think of a good label—“Friends with benefits… but good for you, man. Jovie’s hot.”

Confusion cuts into Nash’s expression, “Jovie is psycho. She hasn’t even asked me to Homecoming.”

Crew shrugs, standing up to grab his bag, “I’ll catch you guys tomorrow at Carson’s party.”

Nash sighs, “I won’t be there, gotta work.”

“Right,” he groans. “That sucks.”

“Yeah, it does.” I agree, watching his back as the locker room door closes. “How are we supposed to wear our annual bestie costumes if you won’t be there?”

Nash rolls his eyes, “Guess it’s time to kick you out of the nest and see if you can fly.”

“Okay, thanks daddy,” I tease.

“Is Corinne going to be there?”

“I hope so,” I shrug. “I invited her.”

He gives me a sideways glance, “You did?”

“Yeah,” I quip. “I did.”

“Why?”

“You made your point that you want her,” I remind him. “We’re just friends.”

His jaw tightens, “I don’t really consider inviting her to your house as backing off.”

I snap, “What do you want from me, Nash? I’m treating her like I treat everyone else. It would be more strange for me to ban her from a party that literally everyone is invited to.”

“Just watch out for her, okay? I won’t be there to do it.”