Текст книги "Unbreakable"

Автор книги: Adrienne Torrisi

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 10 (всего у книги 16 страниц)

 

 

 

Chapter 14: The Date

 

ASHLEY

It’s the night of my big date with Casey. Unfortunately, ever since my dad let out the secret that Todd and I are broken up, Casey wouldn’t let it go and kept asking me out. I don’t like the idea of going out with him, but it is the perfect decoy date to prove to my parents that Todd and I are not together. I have been dreading it for the past few weeks. But there are no more excuses, I have used all of them up, so I finally just need to do it.

I was grounded for the first week because I got a detention thanks to our lunchtime excursion, but thankfully, my parents don’t know why I was late to class. I actually did use the period excuse with my mom, and it worked like a charm. I said I was too embarrassed to say something in class, so point for Todd. Our lunch was totally worth a detention, and being grounded gave me the perfect excuse for Casey. Therefore, the first week was easy to avoid, but it became increasingly more difficult to come up with excuses.

The next week, I used the bad cramps excuse with Casey. Good thing none of these people talk to one another about my menstrual cycle. Then there was a big paper due and then a huge test, and that brings me to tonight. I figured washing my hair wasn’t really a viable excuse, but I was just short of using that one.

There is a huge party that someone from Casey’s school is organizing, so we are going to dinner—painful—and then to the party—even more painful.

I just keep telling myself to make it through dinner, and then I’ll be home free. I like Casey. I like spending time with him, but I hate that he thinks Todd and I are broken up and I can’t tell him the truth.

Ryan and Brian are taking Todd out tonight to keep him distracted, to which I am grateful. I wish I was going out with Sid and Shane, though.

The hate for my dad just keeps growing.

***

I’m sitting across the table from Casey. I see his lips moving, but I don’t hear the words coming out of his mouth. Well, I hear them; I just don’t comprehend them. I can’t stop thinking about Todd. I want to know what he is doing right now. I try to pretend that I’m here at Olive’s with him, but when I open my eyes, it’s still Casey.

“Ashley, what’s going on with you? You’ve been practically avoiding me for the past three weeks. I’ve never seen you scurry out of practice so quickly.”

I hear those words and absorb them, and when my eyes connect with his, I notice how intently he’s studying me. I don’t want to hurt him, and I don’t want to lead him on. I’m using him to appease my parents, and it’s wrong. I need to tell him the truth.

Then I hear Todd in my head, and I know I can’t. I care about Casey, yet I don’t trust him. He will tell my dad the truth if he knows, because for some reason, he sees me as a conquest.

I look down at the tablecloth and start to study the pieces of cracked bread littering the pristine white cloth. I will do anything to avoid locking eyes with Casey.

“I told you. I’m not over him.”

He reaches his hand across the table, his thumb gently caressing mine. “Why? I’m here, sitting right across from you. Be here with me. Be in this moment. I like you. You know that. That’s one thing I’ve never hidden from you. I know you have feelings for me, too. Don’t fight them anymore.”

I feel the sweat on my palms. I wasn’t expecting this. I wasn’t expecting Casey to be so honest, so upfront. I don’t know why, though. It is Casey, after all.

My mouth is dry, and I don’t think I can speak, even if I knew what to say.

“Ashley, it’s done with Todd. Forget him. Be with me.”

“Um … Excuse me.” I push back my chair so quickly I almost take out a waiter carrying a whole tray of food. I need the bathroom, right now.

Another waiter must see my panicked look, because he points me in the direction of the ladies room.

Once I’m safely inside, I lose it. The tears won’t stop pouring out. I need Todd. I need to hear his voice. I do care about Casey, but only as a friend. Todd will know what to do.

Before I know it, his phone is ringing, but instead of Todd’s voice, I hear Ryan’s.

“Aren’t you on a date? You really shouldn’t be calling your ex-boyfriend.”

“Funny. Put Todd on. Actually, wait, how is he?”

“About as good as you. Man, you two make me sick. And that is said with love,” Ryan quips.

“Just put him on the phone, please.”

I hear a scuffle before I hear his voice. “Hi, Ash. How’s it going?”

“Well, I’ve locked myself in the bathroom to call you, so I’d say it’s going great.” I try to disguise my voice to mask my tears, but I know it’s not working.

“Hang in there, Ash. It’s one night, one date. I hate that you are there with him, but if it buys us time and distracts your parents, it’s worth it.”

I listen to his words and I hear them, but I hate them almost as much as I hate my parents for not trusting me.

I wipe my tears with the back of my hand to try to make the reflection in the mirror look human again. I can’t bring myself to form words yet without sounding like a blubbering idiot.

“I love you. Just remember that. One step at a time.” His voice resonates through me.

I take a deep breath. “I love you, too. I needed to hear your voice. It’s just hard, because Casey thinks we’re broken up, and he keeps saying I should forget you and be with him.”

I hear cursing and then the phone slam down. Then I hear Ryan’s muffled voice and Todd say, “I’m gonna kill him.” I can’t make out what Ryan is saying. I know it’s his voice, though, and I can tell he’s trying to calm Todd down.

“Ashley?” Ryan’s voice comes back on the phone.

“Yeah?”

“Maybe you can spare the details.” The anger in Ryan’s voice is clear, and I know he’s right. “He’s ready to come there and kill Casey, and we all know that is a bad idea.” The way he says it lets me know he’s staring Todd down. “We’re going out to the field for a pick-up football game. Just finish your date, okay?”

I know exactly what he means without him saying the words—stop calling. So I will. I need to go out there and be on my date with Casey. I will eat dinner and then go home. That’s it.

As soon as I approach the table, Casey stands up, his eyes studying me.

“Are you okay?” he asks as I sit down, and he follows my lead.

I merely nod my head.

“I’m sorry, Ashley. I know the break up is still fresh. Maybe I was laying it on too thick. I’ll stop.”

My eyes lock with his. I know he’s sincere, so my heart rate starts to slow down. I’m sure he can tell I was crying because, although I wiped my tears, I can’t wipe away my bloodshot eyes or red nose. He doesn’t say anything, though. For the first time in a long time, he’s the understanding Casey, the boy I cared so much about this summer.

We don’t talk about Todd again. There’s no more pressure. Instead, we talk about his parents, his sister Dylan, how he broke up with Vivian because he knew she was nothing more than a good time, and he really wants more than that deep down. However, he doesn’t follow it up with anything about us. He talks about everything except that, and I can finally breathe, finally relax, finally, genuinely enjoy his company. As a friend.

I feel my phone buzz a few times, but I don’t check it, figuring it’s Sid or Shane. Once Casey excuses himself to go to the bathroom, I glance down at it to find a text from Todd.

Listen to your voice mail.

I glance back in the direction of the bathroom, and with no sign of Casey, I quickly check his message.

“Okay, Ash. Ryan will never let me live this down because he can hear everything right now, but I don’t really care. Here it goes, anyway ...”

Then I hear the notes of his guitar. It’s beautiful. He’s played for me a million times, but hearing it now, through the speaker of my phone, it’s simple and clear. I hear the pain in each note, but I hear the love, too. Then his gorgeous voice cuts through. I love everything he plays, but there is something special about hearing him sing the words of “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars.

I try hard to keep it together when Casey comes back to the table. I give him a head nod and a smile. “My parents,” I mouth to him.

He nods and smiles as he pays the bill while I continue to listen.

I can’t help smiling as Todd’s song comes to an end. It is perfect and just what I needed to make it through the rest of my date.

“Okay, thanks, Mom. See you soon,” I say to end my pretend call.

“Everything okay?” Casey asks when I hang up.

“Yeah. They were just checking in.”

***

Being in Casey’s Range Rover reminds me of the last time I was in Mark’s truck with Todd except it’s high-end everything, and Mark’s truck barely has an automatic gearshift.

“You still up for the party?” Casey glances over in my direction with a smile, his bright green eyes searing through me.

I nod and shrug. “I don’t know. I’m kind of tired.”

“Oh, come on, Ashley Taylor; you look like you need a good party.”

I can’t help the laugh that escapes. “You’ve got me there, but I need to be home by ten.”

“So we’ve got an hour, plenty of time,” he says as he drives in the opposite direction of my house.

Here goes nothing.

When we pull into the field—mine and Todd’s field—my stomach drops. Shit. I didn’t know this is where the party would be.

All of the cars are lining the field with their headlights on, filling it with light. And then I see it—Ryan’s car—and I know Todd is here. This is their pick-up game. It’s here, at our field.

As we walk toward the crowd, Casey drapes his arm around me, and I have to fight every urge not to push it off. We are on a date. You and Todd are broken up, I repeat to myself.

“Casey, I’m suddenly not feeling well. I think we should go.” I try to turn around, but he catches me and spins me back.

“Come on, Ashley Taylor; it’ll be fine.” He gives me his bright, flawless smile. Even when his skin isn’t sun-kissed, it’s hard to miss how stunningly white his teeth are. “It looks like there are a lot of people from Easthaven here, so you’ll know people.” He says it like that’s a positive thing.

Every instinct tells me to turn back, but deep down, I know this will be good. If people see me with someone else, it will solidify that Todd and I are over. Despite hating it, I need to do it to keep our secret.

As we make our way through the crowd, the warm breeze blows through us. It’s hot for the end of November as well as muggy and humid from the rain last night. The field is a muddy mess, and I can tell from here that the guys playing are already covered with mud.

My eyes scan the crowd and land on Gretchen and Blythe. Even in the dark, you can’t miss Gretchen’s blonde hair. Unfortunately, RTS is still attached to her hip. Then I see Shane and Sid. Everyone is here. Emma, Shane’s dance partner from homecoming, is next to him. Since the dance she’s been trying to get closer to Shane, but he’s been able to keep a safe distance. I’m not sure I can say the same thing for Johnny and Courtney. They’ve been hanging out a lot lately, but luckily, Johnny has just earned the reputation of being a gentleman who respects girls. As far as Shane and Johnny go, they are still friends with secret benefits.

Shane’s eyes are locked on the field, so I know Johnny must be playing. Sid, Shane, Blythe, and Mark are the only ones who know the truth. Gretchen thinks we’re broken up since it was too risky to let her in on the truth because of RTS.

As we approach, a look of shock crosses Blythe’s face before she quickly tries to cover it with a disingenuous smile. “Casey. Good to see you,” she says with an air that negates her words.

“Case!” one of Casey’s friends shouts out from across the field. “Casey’s here,” someone on the field says to another player. “Casey, play. We need you. Easthaven is killing us.”

“What else is new?” Brian’s voice shouts out from the center of the field.

My stomach does a flip. The only thing that is worse than Casey being here with me is Casey being on the field with Todd.

“You okay?” Casey runs his hands over my arms, looking for permission to leave me.

“Yeah. Go,” I say, masking my fears with a smile.

“So you’re going out with Casey now? You’re a big fan of my leftovers.” The shrill voice pulls me out of my concern-induced haze.

I pivot on my heel, and my eyes land on RTS.

“You wish,” I snap back. Something about this girl makes me want to punch her every time I see her, but before we can get into it, we are interrupted by shouting on the field. I guess I’ll have to put picking a fight with her on hold.

Casey looks back and smiles at me as someone calls out the play. Todd is kicking off, and as soon as my eyes land on him, butterflies start to flutter.

“Wooo, Todd. Kick that ball, baby!” RTS shouts out then glares at me.

Everyone lining the field is holding red solo cups that I’m sure aren’t filled with water. They are watching the game and cheering on their school, while music is blaring out of speakers set up in the back of Mark’s truck. If I weren’t so worried, this would be pretty amazing.

Just relax and take it all in. It’s a friendly game of tackle football. Yeah, tackle football with two boys who hate each other.

Once Todd kicks off, he starts playing defense since Casey’s team has the ball. Both teams are playing full tackle, so it’s pretty rough, and everyone is showered with mud. Even though Casey has only been out there for a few plays, he’s already caked with it, but so far, so good.

I take my place next to Sid and Shane.

“So how was the date?” Sid asks under her breath.

“Good.” I give her a smile that says it was anything but good, knowing I need to be cautious of the ears all around us.

“That’s good.” She gives me the same smile back.

“Johnny looks great,” I say, noticing he’s just as skilled at defense as he is at quarterback.

“Just friends, remember,” Shane says without taking his eyes off the field.

I know I should be watching Casey to keep up the act, but I can’t take my eyes off Todd.

Adam, one of his teammates, says something to him, and he changes positions on the field, so now he’s right in front of Casey.

Why? How did Ryan let this happen?

Ryan notices at the same time I do, but it’s too late; the ball is already in the air. When Todd leaps up and catches the ball our side erupts. People start screaming, “Interception! Go, Hamilton.”

Todd is an incredible athlete. He could have been a receiver or even a quarterback, but he chose to be a kicker, mostly because that was the only way his mom would let him play and also because he’s really good.

Casey rams him and slams him down hard. Really hard. Then the cheers of celebration from our side turn into shouting at the players from Ridgewood.

“What the fuck? Not cool.”

My heart stops. Todd is on the ground. Ryan is running over to him, Brian, Mark, and Adam, whom I could kill right now, are right behind him, poised for a fight. I see the realization in Casey’s face as he glances back at me.

Todd slowly sits up. “I’m good,” he says to the guys surrounding him, but I can tell he’s still a little stunned. Ryan helps him up, and Todd shakes it off.

“This should be fun,” Shane says, laced with sarcasm.

I just glare at him then quickly bring my attention back to the field.

Todd turns away from Casey, and I’m proud that he’s not taking the bait. Then Casey says something that I can’t make out, and Todd turns back around, his focus locked on Casey. In three quick strides, his hands are on Casey’s chest, pushing him back hard, the mud on his shirt flying through the air from the impact.

Shit.

All of the Ridgewood players stand taller, as if they are ready for this fight, while Todd is backed by the entire Easthaven team who all instinctively step forward with raised chests.

“What? You can’t handle that I’m on a date with your ex-girlfriend?” Casey shouts.

Todd glances at me, and I shake my head. I see it all over his face; he wants to tell him.

When Ryan grabs Todd’s shoulder as a warning and reminder, Todd takes Ryan in and then turns back to Casey. He’s in a zone, his eyes zeroed in on him, and my heart is pounding in my ears.

Don’t do it. Don’t say it.

Then Todd’s voice cuts through the pounding.

“She’s not my ex-girlfriend. She’s my girlfriend.”

I can’t move. This must be what being in shock feels like. My mouth is dry; my heart is pounding; I can’t speak. All I can do is stand here, motionless. I can’t believe he just said that out loud in front of everyone.

“Dream on!” Casey shouts back.

Neither of them look in my direction; they are locked on each other.

I start to step forward, but Sid and Shane sandwich me on either side.

“Don’t, Ash. Just stay back.” Shane rests his hand on my arm.

I can’t believe this is happening here in front of all of these people, but if I don’t say anything, I know they are going to fight again.

I take a deep breath and shout as loud as my voice will allow, “It’s true.”

All heads turn in my direction, all eyes now on me.

“What?” Casey asks, his face filled with confusion.

I feel Shane drop his hand, and I take a step forward, finding the strength in my voice again. “I said … it’s true.”

I sense RTS stiffen and hear a few murmurs around me, but my focus is on Todd and Casey; everyone else melts away.

“What’s true?” Casey asks with trepidation.

“We’re still together. We’re lying because of our parents. They made us break up, and they can’t know the truth.” There, I said it. Now everyone knows.

My eyes lock on Todd’s, and his smile tells me I did the right thing. I don’t care anymore. I can’t hide it. I won’t hide it. If we have to run away to be together, so be it.

Ryan starts to pace and run his muddy hands through his hair, his stress palpable. I know he thinks I’m wrong, but I needed to do this.

“Well, they will know now. It’s a good thing me and Mr. Taylor are so tight,” Casey says to Todd with a calm grin. Then he turns to me. “He’s bad for you, Ashley. You just can’t see it.”

Todd steps up, inches from Casey’s face, his voice rigid, and I can see him trying to control himself, calm himself down.

“You listen to me,” Todd says, and Ryan steps up so he is right behind him while the rest of the team is right behind Ryan. “You won’t say a word, not one word, or that will be the last breath you take. Here’s how it’s going to go down. You went out with Ashley, and you had a great time. Maybe you’ll even go out again. That’s what her parents need to know.” With each word, he’s getting closer and closer to Casey. They are practically chest to chest. “But you won’t. You understand me. You won’t go out with her again.” Todd is now fully in his face, his finger slamming into Casey’s chest. “You won’t touch her, talk to her, breathe on her.”

I know what’s coming next; we have been here before, too many times.

My eyes land on my brother. I need his help.

“Ryan, stop him!” I shout, pleading.

Todd continues, “You have no idea how hard it is for me to stand here and see your arm around her, to see you holding her hand. So I hope you enjoyed it, because it’s done.” He fully pushes him in the chest, and Casey stumbles backward.

Ryan pulls Todd back as soon as his hand makes full contact with Casey’s chest, and the rest of the team steps in.

Casey isn’t backing down. He regains his stance in front of Todd. “You really have issues, you know that? We’re on a date because I asked and she said yes. If that hurts you, then maybe you should talk to her.” Casey gestures in my direction, and once again, all eyes are on me, but the only ones I care about are Todd’s.

His lips break into a smile as soon as our eyes lock. I feel my heartbeat start to slow to a steady pace, my entire body relaxing with just his smile.

His eyes are on me, but his words are for Casey. “She told me every detail. I knew everything. She loves me; she used you.”

I see Casey flinch from those words and then his fist slams into Todd’s jaw.

“Damn!” Todd shouts, his hand flying to his face, and then he shakes his head as if he’s shaking off the impact.

Not again. He can’t get into any more trouble.

Then, out of nowhere, Ryan nails Casey hard with a right hook to the center of his face.

“You just don’t know when to stop, do you?” Ryan shouts to Casey who is now on the ground.

That one hit from Ryan is like an invitation for everyone on the field to jump in. Mud and fists start flying everywhere, and I lose sight of Todd and Ryan.

Brian comes running up to us. “Get out of here. Go wait by the cars.”

“I’m not leaving.” I press my feet deeper into the soft, muddy ground.

“Ashley, do you really think they would want you to get hurt? Go. It’s getting ugly.”

“You need to stop them, Brian,” Blythe says, locking her fingers with his.

Brian glances back at the muddy brawl where the lighthearted game has turned into a bloody battle. Then he turns back to us with a smile as he raises his eyebrows. “Oh, I will.” Brian lives for stuff like this. “Shane, get the girls out of here, wait in my car. Blythe, you have the keys, right?”

She nods and then leans in to kiss him. “Be careful.”

“Always,” he says with a wicked smile before his hand breaks away from hers, and he runs back into the mayhem.

RYAN

What the hell am I doing? How did we get into this? It was supposed to be a fun pickup game to distract Todd. I blame Ashley; somehow, it always comes back to my sister.

Brian breaks through the crowd, running toward me.

“Where are the girls?” I shout to him as we both duck to avoid the swinging fists flying in our direction.

“Shane is taking them to my car.”

“Thanks,” I say then turn to slam my fist into someone who was about to attack from behind. I say a silent thank you for my quick reflexes then spin to miss another hit and find myself right in front of Todd. “So, this is fun,” I shout over to him.

“Yeah, a blast,” he says as his fist connects with someone from Ridgewood. “I hear it’s good to find an outlet for your anger. We should do this more often.” He hits the same kid again.

I shake my head and laugh as I avoid another hit. Then my eyes land on Brian who is pummeling someone else from Ridgewood. I quickly glance over to where I know Gretchen was standing a few minutes ago. It’s empty.

Out of nowhere, a fist connects with my jaw. Damn, pay attention, or you’re going to get yourself killed. Ridgewood kids may be rich, but they can fight. I know all of my boys can hold their own, so I’m not too concerned about them.

Gretch is fine. Just fight, dumbass.

I turn and clock the same asshole who just nailed me. Seeing him fall to the ground floods me with satisfaction. I don’t even know this kid, but I’m glad I nailed him.

“Ry, behind you,” Todd yells over, so I swing as I turn and clock someone else hard. Then my eyes focus on who it is.

Fuuuuuck.

“Oh, man.” Todd is frozen. “I was trying to give you a heads up.”

“Shit. Dad?”

“Nice language, son,” he scolds as he rubs his jaw. “And nice right hook.”

“Dad, what are you doing here?” I glance around, seeing the fight seems to be fizzling. Most of Ridgewood is on the ground or surrendering; however, there are still a few fists flying, mostly from my friends who are diehards.

“We should move.” I guide my dad out of harm’s way. He’s still rubbing his jaw, and I know I’m screwed.

Todd starts to follow, but I shake my head for him to stay back. I don’t think my dad saw or heard him, and it’s probably best if it stays that way.

“Sorry about your jaw, Dad.”

He cocks his head with raised eyebrows while his hand still cradles his face. I know this look. He is not happy. It’s rare that he’s speechless, and it’s never good.

“What are you doing here? Is Mom okay?”

His look softens at my concern. “Yeah, she’s fine. It’s eleven o’clock; Ashley was supposed to be home an hour ago, and then I got a call telling me I could find her here with Todd.”

Fucking Casey. But how did he have time?

“Who called?” I ask.

“It was a girl. Rebecca?”

Shit. Ashley’s right; she’s had it out for her from day one. As much as I want to kill my sister for this fight, I feel the need to protect her. “Ash wasn’t with Todd; she was here with Casey.”

“Well, either way, she missed curfew by an hour.” My dad looks around at the bloody mess the field has become. “What was this about?”

Red Solo cups are littering the field; guys are sitting on the ground covered in mud; the ones still standing are helping them up; and some are roaming around aimlessly with dazed looks plastered on their faces. No one knows why we started fighting. School pride? That’s dumb. And I can’t tell my dad I kind of started it because of Ash, Todd, and Casey. I need to make it to the senior ski trip in three weeks, and if he knew the truth, he would never let me go.

When I see Todd glancing over here from across the field as he helps Adam up, I mouth, “Tell Ash to go home now,” from behind my dad.

Todd’s head nod tells me he’s on it. Ashley needs to beat my dad home for both of their sakes.

Then I turn back to my dad. “Who knows? Punches were thrown, and it got out of hand. I’m sure that’s why Ash is late and why she couldn’t call. It got a little crazy.”

“You can say that again.” My dad rubs his jaw at the reminder. “I think you dislocated it.” He sounds more impressed than angry. “Well, either way, she’s done with dating for a while. It never seems to go well. Where is Casey?”

I can actually answer this one honestly. “I don’t know.” Then, to really sweeten the deal, I add, “I’m sure he’s dropping Ash off at home right now.” Sensing his good mood, I figure now is my shot. “I wish you would lay off her, Dad. You know Todd is a good guy. I don’t get it. He practically grew up at our house.”

“I’m not getting into this with you right now, Ryan, but I hope you’re right. You’re lucky I’m going to look past this and not tell your mom what happened here tonight. I was young once, you know.” He glances around the field again, taking it all in. He gives a head nod to Johnny who walks by us, covered in mud, but other than that, he looks unscathed.

“Hi, Mr. Taylor!” Johnny belts out as if they are casually running into each other at the mall. As soon as he passes my dad, he mouths, “What the fuck?” to me with wide eyes.

I only shrug. Good question.

TODD

I need to find Ashley to get her home before her dad.

I catch a glimpse of Blythe’s red hair first. She’s sitting on the hood of Brian’s car.

My heart is racing, but as soon as my eyes land on Ashley, I feel it slow to a steady rhythm, and I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding.

“Ashley!” I yell out to her. The smile on her face is incredible when her eyes meet mine. She jumps off the hood of Brian’s car and starts running toward me.

“I was so worried about you,” she says breathlessly as she kisses me, pressing her body into mine. I run my hands down her back. I know I’m getting mud all over her, but neither of us really cares. I want her close, always.

“I was worried about you, too,” I tell her, sliding my hands from her jawline to her neck. Then I remember why I needed to find her, and I pull back. “You need to go. Your dad is here.”

“What?” Her eyebrows scrunch together as I see her trying to process it. “Here?” Then her confusion is replaced with concern as her fingers gently glide over my eyebrow. “You’re bleeding.”

I’m not surprised. Adrenaline is soaring through me, so I feel no pain, but I will tomorrow. It doesn’t matter. I don’t want her to worry, and she needs to go now. No delays.

I give her my best no-cares-in-the-world smile. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. You need to get home before your dad.” I intertwine my fingers with hers and start to pull her toward my car.

“Whooaaa. Where are you going?” Blythe cuts in front of us as she places a hand on my chest.

“Ashley’s dad is here, and I need to get her home before he gets there.”

“Hold on, lover boy. Do you really think it’s a good idea for you to bring her home?”

I stop for a second. I didn’t think about that, but she’s right.

Ash starts to frantically look around. “Well, have you seen Casey?” I see the regret on her face as the question leaves her lips.

“Stop. I’ll take you,” Blythe says, her southern drawl breaking through. She’s on edge; it’s always thicker when she’s angry or nervous. “I’ve got Brian’s keys. Todd, I’ll meet you guys back here or text me where to meet you if you leave before I get back.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Great. Let’s go, Ash.” She grabs Ashley’s hand and then turns back and gives me a sweet smile. “Oh, and Todd, don’t call me ma’am again.”

“Yes, sir.” I salute her with a smile.

“You’re hilarious,” she shouts as she slides into the driver’s side of Brian’s car.

I want to be in that car, and I hate that I can’t. When I tap the hood as they backup, Blythe stops, and I stick my head through the passenger’s side window to give Ashley one last kiss.

“I love you.” I whisper then I give Blythe a smile and mouth, “Thank you.”

“Love you, too,” Blythe says with a wink.

“Take care of that eye,” Ashley shouts back as I stand there, watching their taillights disappear into the distance.

“Um … Where’s my car?” I hear Brian’s voice from behind me.

“Blythe needed to give Ash a ride home. Hope that’s okay,” I tell him, turning to find all of the guys on our team walking toward the parking lot. “So it’s done?”

“Done. We killed those rich pricks!” Brian shouts back louder than necessary since he’s now right in front of me.

“Hey, you wish, Johnson!” I hear someone yell from across the parking lot.

“You want to go again?” Mark shouts back, stepping forward.

His actions are met with silence, so I guess that answers that.

“Where’s Ryan?” I ask, noticing he’s the only one still not here.

Brian nods his head in the direction of the field. “With his dad.” Then his eyes get wide, and his eyebrows rise with silent questioning.

I shake my head with disbelief, but internally, I’m relieved that his dad is still here so Ash will make it home before he does. Hopefully her mom is asleep. It’s doubtful, but I can hope.

Then my eyes land on Casey walking toward the parking lot with Ryan and Mr. Taylor, and my heart starts to race.

I glare at him, but Ryan intercepts my look and gives me the tiniest of headshakes, telling me Casey is cool and didn’t say anything. With that small gesture from Ryan, I know Casey is sticking to our story, at least for now. I don’t know what Ryan said or did to keep Casey in line, but whatever it is, I’m incredibly grateful.