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Frozen in the doorway, I watch them breathe for what feels like hours. Finally, I tear my gaze away and slip out of the room before they wake up and see me.
My heart drops into my stomach and my back collides with the wall, opposite of the door.
I can’t compete with him. I’ll never win.
* * *
Riley: Why weren’t you in psych class today?
Riley: Is everything ok?
Riley: Can we talk?
Riley: Skipping lunch, too? Is it me, or are you sick?
Riley: Ok. It’s obvious you’re ignoring me so can you please tell me why?
I read the last one, sent only three minutes ago.
Riley: I’m heading to the campus square to decorate with the Delta Chi girls. If you feel like talking, swing by.
I slam my phone onto my bed and it bounces in the air. “Dammit,” I curse loudly. How could she do this to me?
It was only a couple weeks ago that she was certain of her decision, and she chose me. Ridge was even on board, then they pull this bullshit. Fucking around behind my back. I’m not even sure she’s not doing the same thing with Lev.
The door flies open as I pace in front of the bed, stroking my chin deep in thought. My eyes lift to Lev as he steps inside.
“Where is Ridge?” is my first question. And when he strolls casually to his dresser in silence, I follow behind him. “And, what the fuck is going on with you and Riley?”
He pulls open his top drawer, where he keeps all his junk, and he drops his shit inside then closes it. “Haven’t seen Ridge all day, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“All right. Answer the second question.”
“What do you care what’s going on with me and that girl?” He raises a brow with a glassy stare. “If you were smart, you’d quit worrying so damn much about what I’m doing and start asking yourself what’s going on with her and Ridge.”
Little does he know, I’m well aware what’s going on with her and Ridge. Saw it with my own eyes this morning. What I need to know is where Ridge is now. It’s about time we set this shit straight.
I’m hot on Lev’s trail as he walks to the mini fridge.
“Jesus Christ, Maddox.” He spins around, glowering. “Back the hell up. And if you’re so damn concerned, why don’t you call him, or send out a search party. Whatever the fuck you need to do, but get off my ass.” He snatches a bottle of water from the fridge. “I’ve got a meeting. Then I’m paying Cade a visit. It’s time we quit dragging this shit out. It needs to end. Soon.”
I let him leave because every conversation with Lev is pointless. He’s unreasonable and so damn private about everything.
Snatching my phone off the bed, I dial Ridge. But just like all my calls to Riley, it goes to voicemail.
“If you got this message it means I probably don’t wanna talk to you. Leave a message and I’ll decide.”
My heart races through the beep, and when it ends, I unleash all my fury through the speaker of the phone. “Fifteen fucking years of friendship and this is how it’s gonna end? Did you get it out of your system, Ridge? Are you done fucking with her now? You couldn’t just walk away with your pride intact when she chose me, could you? You had to test the limits. Well congrat-u-fucking-lations, you won her and you lost me.”
I end the call, internally screaming. Without another thought, I yank open the door and slam it closed behind me.
An hour later, I find myself at the top of the water tower a mile from campus. A bottle of whiskey in my hand and my feet dangling over the ledge of the elevated structure. I rest my chin on the bars and look out at the setting sun.
Never thought I’d be here. Not here, per se, but in this situation. Me and the guys are being torn apart. Riley is slipping away, and while our relationship was short-lived, I saw a future with her and this shit fucking sucks.
Gripping my phone in my other hand, it vibrates against my palm. At first, I expect it to be Riley, butDadpops up on the screen. Against my better judgment, given my intoxicated state, I answer it.
“Hey, Daddy-o,” I sing into the speaker. “What’s poppin’?”
