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I’m so done with all of this.
When I walk into school the next morning, any confidence I had about the test is rapidly fading. I head straight for my locker, and that’s when I see Davey leaning against it, waiting for me. I feel frustrated just looking at him. I force air through my nostrils like I’m a bull, then I walk toward my locker as fiercely as one, ready to rip Davey to shreds if I need to.
He must sense it because he immediately says, “I’m so sorry. I was a jerk last night. And yesterday. I know I have a bunch of things to apologize for.”
I flare my eyes and nod. “You think?”
“I’ve been jealous and insecure and I… I know who I’ve been in the past. It makes it easy to think someone else might do that to me. And I know that’s not fair to you. You haven’t given me a reason not to trust you. So, I’m sorry.”
I soften a bit. Butonlya little bit.
Because I’m tired of apologies and excuses.
“Okay. Thanks for apologizing.”
“You’re mad still.”
“I’m frustrated.”
“Well, I know something that usually helps with that.” He brings his lips to mine. And I can’t lie, it helps.
When he pulls away, I give him a little smile. “Walk me to class?”
“Of course, baby.”
He throws his arm around me, and as we walk to my first class, I let myself believe things are not as shitty with him as they actually are.
“It’s gonna be awesome!” our friend Greg says, riling up the whole table—which right now includes Miles, Joel, Sarah, Aaron, Mackie, Hyla, Trevor, and Jenny.
Greg and Jenny are best friends and have been since birth. Their parents are so close they bought houses next door to each other. Both of their parents will be gone for the weekend, so they’re throwing a double house party.
What’s that? I hate parties? Yes, yes, I do. Not to mention that we were planning on hanging at Joel’s tonight, since Jesse is home from college. As much of a pain in the ass as he can be, I’ve missed him. I barely got to see him when he was back for the birthday party.
“Seriously?” Nick’s voice cuts through the noise of the cafeteria. I turn and look up at him. “You’re going to throw a massive party?”
I exchange a glance with Trevor, then quickly look around. Maia, Vince, and Leigh haven’t made it to the table yet.
It’s strange to hear Nick being against a party. Normally, he’s the first one to jump on board for one. Then again, his life has changed lately. And given that his best friend, Braden, was severely injured in a drunk driving accident after the last huge party—and is still in the hospital—I can’t say I blame him.
“Come on,” Greg says, “it’s just a party. You know I’d never let it get out of control like at—”
“Whatever. It’s all bullshit,” Nick mutters before walking away.
Trevor stands to go after him, but I wave him off and follow Nick. His girlfriend, Leigh, who is in the cafeteria line, gives me a curious glance, but I give her a smile, trying to let her know I’ve got it. I’m sure she’ll be over in a minute, though. She’s crazy about him and super protective.
“Hey,” I say, walking up to him. “I’d ask if you’re okay, but it’s pretty obvious you’re not. Do you want to talk about it?”
He shakes his head, but starts talking anyway. “It’s a double house party. He’s not going to be able to control shit. I’m all for having a good time, but not at the expense of people’s lives.”
I wrap my arms around him and hug him tightly. “I know. And you have every right to feel how you do. They don’t get it.Parties are life.”
He laughs bitterly. “I used to feel the same way. Then life gave me a reality check.”
“Several. But I’m proud of you for that. For growing in the midst of shitty circumstances.”
He smiles at me. “Thanks, Rae. You’re a good friend.”
“Any time, Nicholas Asshole.”
