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What's even worse is the sounds I faintly hear as I lay in my bed. The moans and distinguishable tones of Asher and Jenny as they make up across the hall.
Chapter nineteen
"I'mseriouslyworried."
Phoebe looks at me with concern as I sit on her couch, scrolling on my phone.
"Why?" I ask, looking over the top of the phone at her.
She crosses her arms, looking at me with narrowed eyes. "In the history of our friendship, the last few years, you have never once asked to stay over. You love your own bed too much."
This is true. Very rarely do I make an exception, even when I have sex with guys. Sleeping is such a personal, intimate thing and I prefer to avoid that as much as possible.
I left the house early this morning, avoiding Asher and Jenny. I can't face Asher right now. Last night was such a clusterfuck. So, I called Phoebe this morning and asked if I could stay with her until college resumed after the weekend.
Except, I'm not sure if I'm going back. College is such a fleeting memory now. I was already on the verge of leaving, and now, last night's situation has pushed me to consider taking my chances early.
I'm searching for jobs on my phone, applying for anything and everything. I'm also looking at ads for roommates, contacting people to see if I can apply to move in.
It's risky – I barely have enough money to last a few weeks. But, maybe this is the push I needed. If I give it a few weeks, maybe I'll get lucky and land a job.
A few people have written back about available rooms. Some are gone, but a few are still available. I filter out the ones that will chew into the savings too quick and start making arrangements to meet people next week.
"My bed is pretty awesome," I agree, putting my phone down. "But, I just need to clear my head."
Phoebe looks at me suspiciously. "And you need to do that from my couch?"
"It's a nice couch," I say, gesturing at the tiny two-seater with a grin.
Phoebe and Connor have just gotten back from visiting Connor's parents. They stayed longer than expected but I was glad she was home when I called. My only other options would have been Chuck, or maybe even Butch. But, I'm laying low after the bar carpark fight, giving them space. Some got really hurt because of me, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Norsemen try again. It's a thought I try not to dwell on because next time I might not be so lucky. It's also another reason I'm skipping town. No one wants to be the punching bag for angry, misogynistic bikers.
"Scoot over," she says, sitting next to me. "I think you're full of shit."
"Rude," I tease.
Phoebe rolls her eyes. "The only thing at home you would need space from, is Asher. Tell me I'm wrong."
I have amazing poker and resting bitch faces. But lying… I'm not so good at that.
"He's just annoying me," I offer, quickly.
"Right," she says, unconvinced. "So, nothing to do with your crush on him?"
My mouth falls open like a gaping fish. "I donothave a crush on him. He's my stepbrother."
"You're a shit liar, Ry. Pretty sure you've been crushing on him for years. But, from what I've heard, the two of you are getting pretty close."
Huh? That's news to me. We rarely interact with each other in front of others. That could only mean…
"Jenny?" I ask, nervously.
Phoebe nods. "There's a bit of a rumor going around in their circle of friends that she thinks Asher is having an affair. Apparently, you're the number one culprit."
I quickly deflect the conversation. "And how haveyouheard their circle gossip, anyway?"
"A friend of a friend. So, any truth to it?"
"We're not having an affair," I mumble. "We're just friends. I think."
