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Anger flashed through me. Bryan wasn’t the only person standing here that wanted to go teach Farrow a lesson. But I was the adult here, I was supposed to be the voice of reason.
Fuck.
When had life gotten so complicated?
When you pulled her near-lifeless body from the river.
A shudder ripped through me as I gave the guys a small nod and excused myself. If I stood around to listen to any more talk of Sean Farrow and Peyton, there was every chance I would do something stupid.
And I’d done enough of that already.
* * *
I didn’t seePeyton over the next couple of days, and despite looking for her around school, I knew it was for the best. It was bad enough that we’d be spending the holidays together. It was Jason and Felicity’s turn to host, so there was no escaping. Even if I only turned up for the food, he expected me to be there.
It was Wednesday afternoon, and I was ready to head out.
“You good?” Jase asked me before I reached the door.
“I’m okay.”
“Good. Go do what you gotta do then come back tomorrow with a clear head, okay?”
I managed a small nod. Today was never easy, but it felt different this year. Or maybe I was different.
Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I yanked open the door and slipped out of the locker room. No doubt Huckley would have something to say about me taking the afternoon off so close to the finals, but the team was ready. Kaiden was ready. There wasn’t anything more we could do except put all the practice and hard work into play on Saturday and hope it was enough.
I’d almost reached the parking lot when I noticed a flash of blonde out the corner of my eye. Turning, I watched Peyton as she hurried out of the side entrance of the school grounds.
Where the fuck was she going? There was still three hours until the final bell.
Hopping in my truck, I backed out of my parking spot and headed for the gates, taking a right, in the same direction Peyton would be headed. My mind was reeling with reasons she would be leaving school in the middle of the day. Had something happened with Farrow? Had he said something to her again? Had he… hurt her?”
Fuck. My hands tightened around the wheel as I surveyed the sidewalk for any sign of her.
“Bingo,” I breathed, spotting her up ahead. It was a dreary day, with dark, angry clouds swarming overhead. It looked like it might storm. Even so, it wouldn’t stop me doing what I needed to do, not today.
Peyton on the other hand…
I eased my foot off the gas and wound down the passenger side window. “Hey.”
“Xander? Oh my God.” She clutched her throat. “You almost gave me a heart attack.”
“What are you doing?” I asked, keeping one eye on the road.
“Are you stalking me?”
Laughter rumbled in my chest. “Seriously?”
“Ugh, whatever. Just… go.” She adjusted the knitted hat, burrowing deeper into her coat just as a loud crack of thunder rumbled overhead. “Crap.” Peyton almost jumped out of her skin.
“Want a ride? It’s looking nasty out here.”
“No, I’m fine. I need the fresh air.”
“Get in the truck, Peyton.”
“You can’t tell me what to do. Besides, someone might see.” One of her brows lifted.
