AllFreeNovel
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There’s a couple of hours between exams today, so Garrett and I wander around the outside of the stadium to our spot at the back of the school to eat our lunch and chill before my Maths exam.
“You’re quiet today.” My big guy comments as we unwrap our sangas. We’re sitting on the top stoop of the usual steps we occupy, leaning against the blue double exit doors.
“I’m baked,” I admit, smirking at Garrett’s raised brows.
“Shit, really? I can’t even tell.” He takes a bite of his sandwich, which is smaller than his big hands.
I nod. “Yeah. Probably not the brightest of Rhys George ideas, but what’s done is done.”
He chuckles.
I bite into my ham and cheese-filled sanga and rest back against the door as I chew, thinking about last night and the hell Simon must be going through trying to figure out a way to stay in Fox Pines.
“Has Simon told you that his mum is selling their house and moving to Perth?”
Garrett’s frown speaks for itself.
“Not exactly. He said his mum wants to move. But that’s all he’s said.”
I sigh, shaking my head and putting my sandwich back into its bag. “When I was there last night for dinner, his mum said she was selling the house and asked me how I feel about Simon moving away.”
“What the fuck?” Garrett snaps, screwing up his empty brown paper bag.
“He got so mad. He lost his shit at her. It was kinda pretty, really. Bitch deserved it, but it makes me wonder how long this shit has been going on. Sy always seems so playful and happy, but last night, I could see that he’s not happy at all. He’s angry and upset, and I feel like it’s been going on for a while.”
“Don’t kill me for saying this, but Simon’s kinda like you. The life of the party. Carefree and fun, yet behind closed doors, there’s heartache and pain. And just like you, he probably thinks he can figure this out on his own.”
I shoot Garrett a narrowed glare, “It’s lucky I like you, or I’d throat punch you for calling me out right now.”
Throwing his head back, Garrett laughs, the sound a deep rumble that breaks through my steel walls and fills my veins with warmth.
“Baby girl, I’m grateful you like me. I’m not ready to die.”
I grin as Garrett leans in, pressing his soft lips to mine. It’s a brief kiss. Not meant for anything more than to show affection, and instead of my Kitty purring, my heart flips. Is this what romance does to a girl?
As he draws back, I feel an invisible chain tugging at me, urging me to stay close to him. Keep in his space and never move away. I feel the same thing with all the guys, which is how I know I’ll never handle Simon leaving.
“We can’t let Simon go. I need him.” I cringe as pain twists around my heart and constricts. “We have to figure out a way for him to stay here. Can he move in with you?”
“Yeah-Nah. That wouldn’t be a good idea.” Garrett frowns, his eyes flicking away briefly. “My old man is being released from prison next week. He’s a prick. Sy can’t be around his sort of toxic.”
“What!” I jerk back. “Your dad is coming home next week? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You have enough going on, Rhys.” I slap his arm, and his brows hitch. “What was that for?”
“Not telling me! I don’t care what I have going on. I need to know what’s happening in your lives. Isn’t that what you’re meant to do in a relationship?”
I’m not expecting the grin that morphs Garrett’s face. “You’re right. It is what you’re meant to do in a relationship. Sorry beautiful. I should have told you.”
“Damn right!” I snap, and he grins harder. “What the fuck are you smiling at?”
“My girl.” He reaches forward and takes my hand in his. “You’ve come a long way since that day a couple of weeks ago in the gym when I asked you to hit the bags.”
Naturally, I relax the moment my hand is in his. These guys are like mind-altering drugs to me. They have the ability to calm me in an instant.
“Yeah, I guess I have.” I shrug, looking up into Garrett’s icy-blue eyes, and he lifts our hands, pressing his lips to the back of mine.
“Don’t worry about Simon. I’ll talk with the guys. Between us, I’m sure we can figure out a way to keep him here. None of us want to lose him.”
