Page 83 of Under the Influence

Yeah, she was pissed. Dad was pissed. They're over it now though. I told them the truth, they're fine.

Cori

What did you tell them?

Carson

That I couldn't stay away from you.

I watch my phone as the three dots appear and then disappear from the screen.

Shit. Why did I say that?

I look over at Nash. My best friend is probably sitting right next to me, texting her too. She made it pretty clear the other night that she chose him. I don't even blame her for it. I do the same thing every single day.

I choose Nash too.

For someone who thinks the world is against him, he sure has a lot of people on his side.

The next day passes in a blur of fastballs and sweat, but I do my job. I showcase my talent, and the coaches are genuinely impressed.

I think.

Now, we focus on winning ball games this season. Well, winning ballgames and everything else in-between. Homecoming is at the center of things now that it's October. It will be the first year I don't have a date. Well, I take that back. It'll be my first year not going with Avery.

Nash and I grab our stuff and make our way around campus, waiting for my dad to pick us up. He wanted to come today, but I pitch better without him lingering over me. It takes a little bit of the pressure off. Not that he's the type of dad who pushes sports or rides me over performance, but making him proud is important to me. I didn't need him there to possibly distract me.

The campus is an uphill walk, no matter which direction you are going, so when we reach the top of the hill, Nash speaks, "It will be easy to lose the freshman fifteen living here."

I laugh at him, "I will live in the gym, and I don't drink, you know that."

Nash stops, seeing a couple of girls exit a building in short shorts and orange shirts, "I think I'm gonna live in there."

I sneer, "They remind me of Jovie."

Nash glares at me, "Why ruin it for me? Why?"

"Oh, come on, you can deny it all you want, but she does it for you."

Nash rolls his eyes, "She does when I close my eyes and pretend she's someone else. The second she opens her mouth, I'm reminded what a bitch she is."

Pretend she's someone else? Someone like Cori?

My dad pulls up, and we jump in the truck. Dad and Judson spent the day setting up camp on the mountain where we plan to go trail riding. Luckily it isn't too cold yet, so it should make for a pretty good night ride.

Judson throws some steaks on the grill when we get to camp, and I pull out a map of the ATV park, trying to plan our ride.

"Can you not just go with the flow?" Nash asks. "Everything's gotta be so damn calculated with you."

Judson laughs, nudging my dad, "Sounds familiar."

"Oh, for christ's sake," I huff. "It's not like I'm some control freak."

"You both are," Nash admits.

"There's nothing wrong with us," Dad grins. "Besides being great at everything."

"Cocky much?" Nash laughs.