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My life was forever changedthat day, and that’s why I will never forgive her. But I also won’t let them have her.
ChapterTwenty-One
“This has gone on long enough,” Carter snaps as we sit outside on the steps, waiting for Dom to get Gracie. “Why the fuck would he take her there? And leave her?” Carter tosses his phone into his backpack, then stands and starts to pace.
I shrug and send Ash a text. I don’t know what the fuck is up with him, but we’re supposed to go to this consultation together.
Me: Still planning to go see Srgt. Michaels?
I wait for him to reply, but after two minutes of it sitting unread, I sigh and turn my phone off. I don’t like to have it on during school. I get distracted easily. Dom’s SUV pulls into the parking lot, and Carter rushes down the steps to get to them.
I wait until Dom parks, then move after him. Gracie gives us a big smile and a wave, then runs toward the school. I wait until she’s gone before asking Dom what the fuck is going on. He groans and then laughs.
“He took her there to talk. Gracie said that he seemed okay until the end. I guess he’s giving her whiplash, but he told her to stay away from him, so I guess that’s that. For now, at least. We better get to class,” he says, then locks his vehicle and walks toward the school.
“What the hell kind of game is Ash playing now?” Carter mutters, and I shrug, following after Dom.
* * *
“Thanks for comingto see me today, Kingston. Where is your partner in crime?” Srgt. Michaels asks with a laugh. I shake his hand, then take the chair he points to.
“I honestly don’t know, sir. Ash has been going off on his own lately. I’ll be sure to recall everything we discussed today so he won’t fall behind,” I tell him, and he nods, then hands me a packet.
“Okay, our first step will be getting your grades up. They aren’t bad, but I would suggest finding a tutor in English. Your math and science are good. I hate reading myself, so trust me, I get it,” he mutters as he hands me a printout of my grades.
“I didn't even know they had posted our quarter grades yet?” I ask, and he gives me a smirk.
“I have my ways. You have a few months still before the ASVAB, so work on getting English up, and also, I know you are on the football team, but we need to have a full physical, all the works, including blood tests, done.” I nod and read over the checklist he handed me.
“I can do that,” I say, and he writes something down on a piece of paper.
“Listen, I know your friend wants to sign in with you, but I’m worried. Make sure you give this to Ash, and the packet I handed you. His is a little different,” he says, giving me a note for Ash. I nod and stick everything into my bag.
“I’m going to swing by his place now, so I will. Thank you for everything. I’ll see you next month.” I stand and shake his hand again as he moves away from his desk and opens the door for me.
“You’re a good kid, Kingston. Don’t let anyone pull you from your path. Including reading some books,” he says with a smile, trying to lighten the mood, and I chuckle.
“Will do, Sir. I have someone in mind to help.”
* * *
I leave the meeting,then start the five-mile walk to Ash’s place. I’m over his shit. This is our future he’s starting to fuck with. Do you know how goddamn disrespectful it is not to show up? It’s rude as fuck.
When I reach his driveway, it’s lightly raining, and my mood has not changed. I’m glad Srgt. Michaels is understanding, but I will not have Ash ruin shit for me. I am graduating and getting out of this fucking town. With or without him. We all have plans. I’m hoping to get stationed in Vegas, but if not, I know Dom and Carter will follow me. I’m not so sure about Ash.
I ring his bell. I don’t use my key or just walk in. Things are strained between us, and it feels awkward. It doesn’t take long for him to open his door. He looks like shit. Wearing ratty sweatpants and a stained shirt, he has sauce all over his face, and he smells like a bar.
I scoff and shove him aside so I can enter. He grumbles and slams the door closed. I clench my fists and take a few deep breaths, but it’s not helping. Spinning to face him, I grab him by the throat and shove his back against the door.
He barely puts up a fight, just blinks at me. He’s wasted. “So this is what you’ve been doing? Getting drunk and throwing your future away?” I sneer in his face, and he gives me a sloppy smile.
“What do you care?” he slurs, trying to shove me away. “You have my girl now. You don’t need to pretend we’re friends,” he whispers, and I blink, letting him go. He sags to the floor, then rests his head in his hands.
“What are you talking about, Ash? You’re one of my best friends. I will always care about you. Gracie has nothing to do with that.”
He laughs and shakes his head. “You, Dom, and King have her now, and I have no one,” he mumbles, then tries to stand, but he keeps falling back onto the floor. Deciding to lie down on the hardwood, he sighs.
“Just leave me here, King. Go off and join the military. Give Gracie a good life. Even when I hate her, I can’t stop caring,” he mumbles, closing his eyes. Then I watch as one of my best friends truly gives up.
