by Amy Brown
“I have every right to be at Longhorn Academy.” I narrow my eyes. “It’s not up to you.”
“Bitch, that’s where you’re wrong,” snarls Sophia.
I clench my fists. “Back off,” I growl.
Sophia’s laugh is shrill. “Why should we?”
“Because I’ll have you arrested for assault.” I’m shaking, partly from adrenaline and partly from fear.
I guess she’s confident her rich daddy can get her out of trouble, because she doesn’t look at all intimidated.
“It’ll still be worth it.” Sophia pushes her face toward mine. “So long as you suffer.”
I shoot one last desperate glance in Mason’s direction. He’s not there. My stomach sinks at the realization of what a coward he is. He’d rather skulk away, and let Sophia beat me up, than endanger his precious reputation. I turn my focus back to Sophia, trying to decide if I should strike first. Maybe having surprise on my side would give me enough time to get out of the house.
Someone shoves me from behind, and I stumble. I manage to keep my balance, so I don’t fall, but I can’t believe this is happening. When I got ready for this party this evening, styling my hair and putting on mascara, it never once occurred to me I’d end up in a fistfight with Sophia and her minions. I thought it might be fun to put Mason in his place, and spend a little time with Jeremy because it would be good for my ego. Never once did I picture violence as being a part of my evening.
I grunt when someone yanks my hair, and I clench my teeth, preparing for battle. Whether I want this or not, it’s happening. I can’t just stand here and let them beat me up. I turn to face Sophia because if I can take her down, I’m hoping the others will back off. She raises her arm as if she’s going to punch me, and suddenly Mason is there. He grabs her fist, and steps in front of me.
“Stop this,” he barks.
I can’t see Sophia because his wide shoulders are blocking my view of her. But I can hear her. She’s cussing and struggling in his grip. I give a wary glance at the other girls still circling me. None of them are advancing though. As soon as Mason entered the picture they seem to back down. Sophia is the only one who still seems hell-bent on spilling my blood.
“Are you taking her side?” Sophia shrieks.
“Of course not,” he rasps. “I just don’t want you to get arrested.”
I have no idea if that’s true or not, but if he can get her to calm down that will make me extremely happy. I can feel the comforting heat of his body, and some of my fear begins to subside. I don’t know what motivated Mason to interfere, but I’m grateful.
“She’s out of line.” Sophia’s voice shakes with anger. “She thinks she’s one of us.”
“I know. I know.” Mason’s tone is reassuring. “But do you want to end your night in jail? Come one, Sophia, calm down. Don’t let her get to you.”
Yeah, cuz I’m the problem here.
“I hate that bitch,” she mutters.
“Let’s have a drink together and relax.” His cheek curves in a smile. “What do you say? I’ve barely had any time with you tonight.”
His words seem to have an effect on her because she appears to compose herself. He shifts his position, and that allows me to see her. Her face is flushed and twitching with anger, but her hands are now down by her side.
“Will you dance with me?” Sophia asks, sounding like a needy child.
“Of course.” Mason nods. “Come on, let’s go cool off together.”
He leads her away and the other girls dissipate like clouds in the wind. I guess without their ringleader sounding the charge, they don’t have a problem with me now. I’m shaking, and I head toward the front door. I have no idea where Jeremy went, and I don’t really even care. I just want to go home. I hate these people and I just need to get out of here.
Once outside, I call Mom. She can tell right away something’s wrong from my voice, but I don’t really want to go into it over the phone. There are a bunch of kids outside smoking and drinking, and I’d rather not rehash the scene inside.
I stand by the road, leaning against a streetlamp. Jeremy walks up, looking confused. He smells of tobacco, and it’s obvious he’s clueless about what happened inside.
“You’re leaving?” he asks.
I nod. “Mason and Travis can fill you in on why.” The night air is chilly, and I hug myself holding his puzzled gaze.
“I don’t understand. I thought you were having fun.”
“Not really.” I clear my throat. “You can go back to the party. My mom is coming to get me.”
“Charity, I’ll drive you home.” He pushes his hand and to his pocket and pulls out his keys.
I’m so over this night, I don’t want to get in a car with him. I just want my mom and family because they’re the only people I know who I trust. “It’s okay. She’s already on her way.”
“I don’t understand why you’re leaving so soon.” He frowns.
I sigh. “Sophia came at me.” At his shocked expression, I add, “It doesn’t matter. I’m fine.”
“Why would Sophia do anything to you?”
I lift my chin. “Because I’m a transfer student.”
His gaze flickers. “She said that?”
I nod. “She’s pissed that you and Mason have spent time with me.”
“Stupid bitch.”
“I don’t even care. I’m tired, and I just want to go home.”
“Please let me drive you home.”
I shake my head. “No, really. My mom’s already coming for me. Thank you, though.” I have to remember he hasn’t done anything wrong tonight. Just because he’s friends with the crazy people doesn’t mean I should be rude to him.
He grimaces. “I’m sorry I wasn’t inside. You disappeared, and I just came out here to have a quick cigarette.”
“It’s no big deal. I’m fine.” I can say that now that Sophia isn’t trying to murder me. I’m still irked at how willing Mason was to comfort her, but also thankful that he protected me. I still have no idea why he stepped in, but at least I’m in one piece.
He narrows his eyes. “What made Sophia back off?”
I shrug. “Mason.”
He scowls. “Mason?” He sounds incredulous.
“Yes. He stopped her.” He’s probably inside right now canoodling with her. My stomach churns at the idea of that.
Jeremy looks like he has a bad taste in his mouth. “Well, I guess I’m glad he was there to help out.” He doesn’t sound particularly glad. I know he and Mason have a rivalry were I’m concerned, but it would still be nice if he was sincerely happy Sophia didn’t claw my eyes out.
Fred drives up in his black Mercedes, and Mom is in the passenger seat. I give Jeremy a weak smile, and walk toward the car.
“I’ll see you Monday at school,” Jeremy calls out.
“Okay.”
I dread the idea of Monday. Will Sophia now be on the warpath for me? Mason won’t always be there to protect me, and I don’t trust that he would anyway. He probably just didn’t want Sophia to get arrested, just like he said. I’ve no cause to believe he stepped in for any other reason.
Fred gets out and opens the passenger door for me. “Everything okay, dear?” he asks. I’m always amazed at how thoughtful Fred is.
“Everything is fine. I’m just tired.” I force a smile, and slide onto the back seat. I hadn’t expected Fred to accompany mom, but I find his presence comforting.
Jeremy is already heading back toward the house, and behind him, I see Mason standing on the porch. I have no idea where Sophia is. Maybe she’s under the car cutting the brake lines.
Mason’s stare is pinpointed on Fred’s car. His expression is enigmatic, and his body rigid. I have no idea what’s going on in that head of his. Tonight didn’t turn out like I’d expected. I’ve learned one valuable lesson, never come to one of these parties without backup. Maybe Mason saved me tonight, but I don’t trust any of these kids as far as I can throw them.
Mason Johnson included.
Chapter Sixteen
Mason
What. The. Fuck. Was. That?
I knew Sophia disliked Charity, but I had no idea she was going to actually attack her. I’ve never seen Sophia so out of control. What is it about Charity that has her so unhinged? Jeremy, Travis, and I have played this game with transfer girls for ages. Sophia is in on it with us. Why is she so bent out of shape over Charity? She must sense that Jeremy and I are actually attracted to Charity. It doesn’t matter if we are, the goal is still to humiliate Charity. Sophia should know that.
After Charity left I was forced to console Sophia. She’s way clingier and insecure than I’d ever have guessed. I even had to make out with her just to reassure her she’s hot. She is hot, but I’m just not into her. Unfortunately, now that I interfered with her murdering Charity, I have to pretend I’m attracted to her. The only reason I didn’t have to fuck her tonight was she was drunk. Really, really plastered. I don’t screw girls who can’t give consent. I’m an asshole, not a rapist.
By the time I get home, it’s 4 a.m. I’m exhausted, but my mind won’t turn off. All I can think about is how scared Charity looked when those girls surrounded her. She was obviously terrified, but she didn’t cower. I respect that. She was going to fight, not run. That girl has balls.
Why did I get involved?
I should have stayed out of it. I was tempted to at first. A part of me feels like she deserves an ass-kicking. I was pissed when she walked in with Jeremy. I was especially angry when I found out from Sophia that Charity actually asked Jeremy to the party. I’d assumed it was the other way around. That really pissed Sophia off too. She was enraged at the idea Charity would have the nerve to ask an Elite to anything.
Is Charity truly into Jeremy, or is she trying to make a point? I’m not sure. I do know she thought he was attractive at first. I remember her flushed cheeks whenever she’d look at him. Maybe she’s still into him. Maybe she thinks he’s way sexier than me, and that’s why she’s being so standoffish with me.
I want to reassure myself she’s into me because of how she was with me at the bonfire. But maybe she was just horny, and I was handy? Literally. I don’t want to think too much about that night because then I’ll just start daydreaming about Charity. I can’t figure her out, and it’s driving me nuts.
Stepping in to protect her tonight was pure instinct. Logic and self-preservation should have kept me by the bar. But I was powerless to not go to her rescue. I had to think fast to come up with a reason why I was interfering. Luckily, Sophia seemed to buy it. She was only too happy to believe I was stepping in because I was worried about her.
I’m apprehensive Sophia is going to think we’re a thing now. I’ll have to be very clever in how I handle her. She has power for sure, especially over the girls at Longhorn Academy. Travis, Jeremy, and me have influence as well though. But the last thing I want is to be the reason why the Elite girls go to war with the Elite guys. That would be disaster.
I’m not sure how to proceed with Charity now. It’s much more complicated since she’s involved Jeremy. He was already eager to step in. Now she’s given him an opening. We’ve never run into this situation before. I’ve never been tempted to interfere with any of the girls Jeremy seduced, and vice versa. Am I supposed to continue to pursue her, or is he now the one to try to seduce her? Maybe Travis can help us figure this out. He’s more impartial. I’m most definitely not impartial.
I really want to see Charity. Especially after tonight. I have the strangest need to take her in my arms and comfort her. It was torture having to go off with Sophia, when all I really wanted to do was take Charity outside and hold her. She left the party abruptly, and Jeremy was in a pissy mood the rest of the night. I was secretly relieved she left because that meant Jeremy couldn’t get his claws on her. The very idea he’d slip in and take her away from me makes my blood boil. Of course, I don’t blame him for accepting her invitation. He’s only human.
When she came down the stairs, right before Sophia went after her, I was relieved to see her alone. Jeremy had disappeared the same time Charity had, and I’d jumped to the conclusion he had her in a bedroom somewhere upstairs. I was ranting to Travis about it when Charity came down the stairs. Apparently Jeremy was outside smoking, but I’d assumed they were together.
I really hope Travis is on my side. I get why Jeremy accepted Charity’s invitation, but I should still be able to finish what I started. I think if I just keep working on her, I’ll be able to wear her down. Unless she’s actually into Jeremy. Then I won’t be able to make any progress. It would kill me to have to step aside and let him have her.
Maybe I don’t need to wait to see what Travis and Jeremy think. Perhaps tomorrow I’ll make plans with Charity if she’s willing. After all, I did save her skin tonight. She should be grateful. It would be glorious if I could spin this messy situation into something useful. Wouldn’t it be ironic if Sophia ended up being the reason I was finally able to get Charity into bed?
I feel calmer once I decide I’ll continue to pursue Charity. I don’t need Travis or Jeremy’s permission. After all, it’s not like Jeremy asked for my blessing when he accepted Charity’s invitation to the party tonight. That was clearly overstepping when he knew I was in the picture still. If I can make some headway with Charity this weekend, then there will be no question Jeremy needs to back off.
I’m still not sure what to do about Sophia, but I’ll worry about that Monday. For now, I’ll take the weekend to focus solely on Charity.
****
I don’t bother reaching out to Charity until noon. I’m sure were all a little hung over today. Once I’ve worked out and showered, I grab my phone and text her.
Last night was nuts.
She doesn’t respond right away, but then I see little bouncing circles.
Very.
Okay, I’d hoped for more of a response, but I don’t let it deter me.
Feeling okay today?
I’m fine.
I’d like to take you to the lake. We could swim and have a little picnic.
A picnic?
Does that sound too old-fashioned? Don’t people still have picnics?
Why not? Swimming would help relieve some stress. I assume you’re stressed. I know I am.
Why are you stressed? She asks.
Because I might have committed social suicide by protecting you? Because now I have to pretend to be attracted to Sophia? Because you’re the most confusing girl I’ve ever tried to seduce?
Naturally I don’t text her any of that.
School. Life. The usual.
She takes so long to respond, I worry she’s forgotten I’m here. However, eventually she does text me back.
Okay. I could use some sun and exercise.
I fist bump the air, feeling triumphant.
I’ll pick you up in an hour?
I’ll have my mom dropped me off at your house.
I frown. Why won’t she let me pick her up? Maybe she doesn’t want to remind me of where she lives. Fine by me. It’s not like I’m looking forward to visiting that trailer park again.
Okay. But you’ll let me drive you home?
Mom will drop me off and pick me up at your place.
I’d prefer to drive you home. That makes our schedule more flexible.
Nah. Mom will just get me at your house.
I have no idea why she’s being so stubborn, but the more I think about it, the happier I am that her mom will drop her off and pick her up at my house. Having her at my house will make it easier to get her to my bedroom.
Whatever you want, Charity.
Should I bring anything?
Just your bathing suit and your smile. It’s corny, but I’m not used to being charming over text. I’m doing my best.
I know where my bathing suit is. No sign of my smile.
Her text makes me glad I reached out. It’s obvious she’s still rattled about last night. I’m looking forward
to being the one to soothe her. Playing the hero gives me an advantage.
See you soon. I respond.
K.
I’m excited as I pack an ice chest with roast beef sandwiches made by Amanda, and ice cold sodas. I remember her comment about loving Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, and I throw in a bag of those while I’m at it. I load the car with beach towels, two beach chairs, and the ice chest. I feel like a kid on summer vacation. I haven’t taken a girl to the lake during the day in years. The only time I really go there is at night for the bonfire. That’s kind of a shame because I used to love swimming in the lake as a kid. I even shared that memory with Charity.
Charity arrives at my house on time. I greet her at the door, not waiting for our housekeeper Amanda this time. She looks pretty, but tired. Her hair is up, and she’s wearing a white T-shirt and jean shorts. I can see her pink and yellow bikini top through the thin cotton material of her shirt.
Her mom honks the horn, and I wave. Once she’s driven away, I lead Charity to my truck. My mom will be sorry she missed seeing Charity. She’s visiting her mom in Arizona. She didn’t want to go, but I convinced her would be good for her to get out of the house. She’s been trying not to drink too much, and keeping busy helps.
“I was surprised you texted me,” Charity says softly, once she’s seated in my car.
I start the engine, and meet her gaze. “I felt like we should talk.” That’s the understatement of the year. A lot went down last night. I’m not sure if she wants to talk, but I think it would be a good thing. I for one am dying to hear why she invited Jeremy to Travis’s party.
“I… didn’t have an opportunity to thank you for stepping in last night. You went off with Sophia so quickly.”
“I thought it was best to get her as far away from you as possible.” I give a hard laugh.
She sighs. “Definitely.” Her hands are clasped in her lap and she seems tense.
I clear my throat. “I’m just gonna come right out and address the elephant in the room.” I grimace. “Why did you invite Jeremy to Travis’s party?”
