At least one of us is productive. My efforts to study are in vain, thanks to a six-foot-three distraction. Does the pain in the ass have to have such mesmerizing eyes? Unlike the robin’s-egg blue color coating my dorm walls, his vibrant blue color pulls me in and refuses to let go—as my current frame of mind proves. My gaze lands on the framed photo taken of Mia, AJ, and me when we first arrived in California. My brother stands in the middle with his arms draped around our shoulders. His face beams as he stares at the camera and proves even the biggest playboy can settle down. But what they share is love not lust.
I rub my hand over my face and let out a frustrated sigh. I can’t be attracted to another ballplayer. I just can’t.
“What’s going on with you?”
The fluctuation in Lexie’s voice makes me cringe. She must not be as clueless as I thought. I shut my laptop and spin my chair around to face her.
“I’m an idiot.” A complete fool that wants something she shouldn’t have.
“I feel as if this is a trap. I need more info here, Gonzalez.” She pushes her glasses up and eyes me expectantly.
“Yeah, well, remember that guy we saw back at the cafe?”
“The one that’s sort of cute but did nothing for you, if I recall?”
I let out a groan. “Yeah, Tryce.”
“By the way you’re acting, I’d say he asked you out and, now, you have buyer’s regret.”
“Not exactly. He hinted at going to the new dance club, but Braxton kept interrupting before he could ask.”
Her eyebrows shoot up. “Really? When was this?”
“During lab earlier today.”
“So why are you an idiot?”
Because I can’t stop thinking about a certain baseball player. I plead temporary insanity. That has to be what’s wrong with me, but I certainly can’t voice these thoughts. She’ll run with it and push me toward him. “I don’t want to go out with Tryce, but I didn’t exactly act uninterested.”
“I think you should go.” She shrugs. “If he asks.”
“Did you not hear me? I said I don’t want to go out with him.”
“Yeah, but what will it hurt? It’s one date. You may end up having a good time. Besides, you like to dance.”
“I love to dance!” But not with Tryce. “How much conversation can you have at a dance club?”
“So, suggest a different place. The point is to get to know him. Look, I’ve gone on several dates that never panned out. Brush it off as experience. You don’t know someone until you talk to them.” She holds her hand up. “Full disclosure, I only say this since you refuse to give Braxton a chance.”
I slide my gaze to the window. Darkness skates across the sky like a plume of smoke. Damn, it’s really dark tonight. I turn away and concentrate on Lexie. “I don’t know. I suppose you’re right. One date won’t hurt.”
She tosses her platinum curls behind her shoulders and shoots me a wicked smile. “I’m always right, but I sense something else is going on.”
“Nothing else is going on.”
Her lips purse and eyes narrow as if I’m one of her schematics she’s sizing up. “Does it have something to do with the fact a certain sexy athlete wants down your pants and you secretly want him there?”
“What? No, I don’t either.” I hate the fact that she’s smart.
“Ha! You so do. And you know I’m right. You two were pretty cozy last night. Plus, you said Braxton kept interrupting you.”
“So.”
“That’s not like him. Trust me, he never has to work to get a girl. So, yeah, he’s jonesing on you, and you like it.”
“Just what I need. To be another tally on his ever-long list.”
She tilts her head and gives me an empathetic smile. “I don’t think that list is too long. Sure, girls come easy for him, but I don’t think there have been tons.”
“So encouraging.”
“Shut up. I’m all sorts of helpful.”
“Even if, I still”—I turn back toward the windows and scrunch my eyebrows—“can’t have him. Is that sirens?”
Our cells buzz at the same time.
“Shit. Margaret Locke Hall is on fire.” Lexie snaps her gaze to me, and we both race to the window. Straining our necks to get a better view, we gasp at the smoke rolling out from the side. No wonder the skyline seems darker than normal. I was seeing smoke.
“Oh my God.” The words fumble from my lips as my stomach sinks. The article. I have to stop it from being printed. Even though the text warned us to stay away, we dash to the elevator and are joined by other curious observers. Anxious chatter fills the inside chamber when more girls hop on, shoving us toward the middle. My stomach knots as uneasiness creeps up my spine. Thoughts of Mia swarm around my brain. When Mia was in college the first time, her mom perished in a house fire. I can’t imagine anything so horrifying as that, but this…this could be multiple people injured.
The elevator comes to a halt, and the door slides open. Lexie grips my arm as we’re herded forward. An acrid smell hits our senses when we push through the entrance. This can’t be good. Like a herd of cattle, we’re steered toward the other dorm. I feel the impact of someone shoving into my back the moment before my ankle twists and drops me to the ground.
“Watch where you’re going!” Lexie yells, but the aggressor is lost to the commotion. I’m not even sure they realized they hurt me. Lexie, still holding my arm, helps me stand. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Still dazed, I suppress a wince as we shuffle forward. When we come about a block from Margaret Locke Hall, Lexie gasps and points to the flames shooting through the sides of the upper east level. I can’t tell exactly, but it looks like the twelfth or thirteenth floor.
“Holy shit,” I mumble. Chaos surrounds us. Female shrieks fill the air. Deep masculine voices bark orders. My feet stay planted, unable to move while people scurry around us. A rush of people pours from the building. A smaller group runs inside. The wail of the fire trucks increases in sound as they pull up on scene. It’s all too much.
“Everyone, back behind the barriers.” A security guard tries to gain control over the crowd of bystanders. He motions everyone to back away while another uniformed guy strings caution tape. “If you’re in the other residence halls, leave the vicinity now.”
No one leaves.
He yells his command again, but as before, it falls on deaf ears.
My heart races as I absorb the scene. Black smoke barrels from the building as flames shoot into the dark sky. The foul odor strengthens as the air thickens. I feel as if I’m choking on more than air. The firemen scatter from the trucks and work at an impressive speed attaching the hoses to each other. Moments later, a bucket is lifted and they’re spraying the building. Others still race inside, but the flow of people coming out has dwindled to nothing. I continue to pray everyone makes it out safely.
Heat warms my face as the blaze roars skyward. Another set of sirens sounds in the distance. And then I hear the name Shannon ring across the quad.
With all the yelling and screaming surrounding me, I don’t know how this particular voice stands out. Maybe, it’s the desperate plea to his tone, but I shiver as his roar breaks through the chaos.
“Shannon,” the deep baritone voice calls out again. I turn toward the sound and draw my breath short. Braxton stands with Noah, panic coating his face. He runs to the barricade, but the security guard holds his hands out to stop Braxton.
“You have to stay behind the tape.”
“My sister’s in there.”
“They’re clearing everyone out now. Keep behind the tape.”
“But that’s her floor.” He points to where the flames are roaring out of the side. “Do you know if the upper levels are clear?”
“The firemen will do a sweep. Now, please stay behind the tape.”
Braxton grips a fistful of his hair. The desperation apparent in his voice as he yells, “Shannon.”
His panicked expression a
nd the pleas to his tone all toy with my heartstrings. His buddy doesn’t look any better as he scans the massive group of people. Braxton mentioned helping his sister move that first day I ran into him on campus. I glance back at the freshman hall and want to take back the words I wrote about him and the building being better off burned to the ground. What the hell was I thinking penning those words? I can’t let the article get printed. Not now.
“Shit.” Lexie’s voice startles me. I’m so absorbed with Braxton I forgot she’s beside me. “Braxton and Noah must be looking for Shannon. Jesus, I hope she’s okay.”
My heart refuses to slow down, while Mia’s mom’s demise haunts my thoughts. My own mother pops into question. I need to call her when this is over because she’ll worry. She’s already overprotective. The minute she learns about a fire on campus, she’ll freak. Tears spring to my eyes. Jesus, where is this rush of emotions coming from? Mia has told me time after time to cut Mom some slack because she may not always be around. I always blow off her words. But life is short. If anyone knows this, it’s Mia.
My head spins.
The flames begin to minimize, but the smoke still rolls from the building. People haven’t left. In fact, looking around, I think the crowd size doubled. Braxton keeps shouting as he and Noah pace along the outskirts of the crowd. My gaze follows his movements.
“Will you be okay if I go try and look for Shannon?” Lexie asks. “I’d ask you to go, but with your ankle, I think you need to stay put.”
I nod, the lump occupying my throat refusing to let me speak.
“Okay but stay right here so I can find you. It shouldn’t take long. I just feel bad.” She takes off, and I stand there helpless. Murmurs surround me. People saying everyone got out safely. Others’ saying they think a few may be trapped. Rumors. They’re just rumors. My phone vibrates in my pocket, but I make no attempt to answer. I’m frozen, too wrapped in my thoughts to move.
Family.
I’ve been so mad at Mom, blaming her for my behavior. For pushing me toward Drake. It wasn’t her fault. Mia’s right. Life is too short, and I should let go of my grudges. Mom only cares about me. I realize that now.
The flames are practically smothered. From the light, it looks like there’s a hole in the side of the building. God, I hope that’s not Shannon’s floor. Another wave of nausea hits. If his sister dies, that means the last thing written about her was my stupid column. I want to scream. I’ll feel so bad for doing that to her. To him. My body sways.
“Hey, you okay?” a male asks beside me. I turn to look up at Tryce.
“Y-y-yeah,” I stammer.
“You don’t look so well.”
“I’m fine.” I swallow down the lie, the concern on his face only fueling my guilt. My gaze cuts across the crowd to search for Braxton. His sister needs to be okay. I don’t know if I could live with myself if she’s not. Tryce says something else, but the words don’t register. All I concentrate on is the plea in Braxton’s voice as he hollers Shannon’s name. It’s heart-wrenching. But then Braxton’s name carries through the air. It’s a squeaky, shrill sound. One made out of relief. A blonde-haired girl runs along the sidewalk, weaving in between the curious bystanders.
Braxton shuts his eyes momentarily, and I watch his entire body slacken. Tears spring to my eyes from the genuine smile he greets her with. And when he pulls her into his arms, my own body sags in relief. I take a step back, but my weakened ankle rolls and I stumble.
“Whoa, there. I’ve got you.” Tryce reacts and wraps his arms around my waist. He pulls me into him, keeping me upright. But he’s too close, and he doesn’t feel right.
“Thanks.” I step out of his embrace. “I’m okay.”
“You sure? You didn’t look too good there.”
“I’m fine.” I nod my head and stare at my feet. I don’t know why I got so emotional all of a sudden. The constant guilt I’m carrying over both articles mixing with the empathy for Mia and my own guilt with Mom is too much for me to bear. It’s my only explanation.
I look over at Braxton, and our gazes lock. The intense look he gives sends quivers through my stomach. I can’t decipher his expression. It’s almost as if he’s angry, but that’s insane. He turns his head and pulls his sister into another hug. I dismiss our exchange as nothing more than a fluke. He may have been looking at me, but I doubt I was in his thoughts. There’s too much going on for him to worry about anyone but his sister.
Lexie snakes her way through the crowd toward me, and I will her to hurry.
“This is probably bad timing given our current situation, but I was wondering if you’d like to go out sometime? Perhaps hit that dance club.”
My mouth parts, but no words form. I take in the scene around us: shock, tears, and low murmurs. Why would he ask me here of all places? The no is on the tip of my tongue, but Lexie’s words come back to mind. It’s one date. You may end up having a good time. Confusion swirls my brain. Is she right? One date won’t hurt.
Those brown eyes stare at me with expectation, and I cave. Somewhat. “Ask me again later. I’ll be less busy toward the end of October.”
“Uh, okay. I’ll ask after midterms.”
“Yes, midterms,” I say a little too enthusiastically. I’m shooting for after the World Series, but midterms sound more realistic. Plus, it doesn’t reveal too much. “Thanks for helping, but I need to let Lexie back into my dorm. We were studying.”
“Sure, I’ll see you in class.”
He stands there as I hobble away to meet my friend.
“I can’t believe this happened,” Lexie says when I reach her.
“Yeah, come on. Let’s get out of here.”
“Okay,” she drags out the word. “What’s your hurry?”
“Sorry, but I need to call family.” There’s some truth to that reason—someone has called my phone already—but Lexie doesn’t need to know about Tryce. I’ll deal with him later. Nope, there’s a bigger issue gnawing at my gut. Like why it became so painfully obvious I care this much about Braxton.
Chapter Fourteen
BRAXTON
“Mom said she’ll be here tomorrow to look for housing and buy what you need.” I place my phone in my pocket and wrap my arm around my sister’s shoulders. Her body still shakes. I took over the phone call from Mom because I could tell Shannon was at her tipping point.
“Thanks. I don’t think I could’ve handled Mom anymore tonight.” Shannon lays her head against me, and I squeeze tighter. We’re walking back to the house, Noah flanking her side.
“I’m sorry this happened.” Noah rests his hand on her arm. He’s only giving his condolences, but it brings forth a scowl. The gesture reminds me of Tryce’s hands groping Cara’s backside. I had no idea things progressed to a public display of affection level, but they looked rather cozy snuggled together. Were they together before the fire broke out? Lexie mentioned something, but I was too caught up in trying to find Shannon to listen.
“Thanks. I can’t believe everything is gone. My pictures. Even Uni,” she murmurs.
“You brought Uni with you?” Noah asks. Uni being the giant unicorn he won at the local fair back when we were in junior high. I can’t believe Shannon toted that atrocity with her. The shiny black button serving as its right eye fell off before we made it home from the fair. And to make things worse, the grease smudge above the eyes made it look like it had a unibrow. Regardless of its tattered condition, she loved that hideous thing.
“Maybe something will be salvageable,” I offer in support as we step onto the cement slab in front of our front door. We all know if her possessions aren’t smoke damaged, they’re sure to be water damaged. The fire broke out on her floor setting off the sprinklers.
Shannon sighs heavily when Noah opens the door. He’s been rather quiet since we found her. Growing up together, we’re all close. Shannon is every bit of a sister to Noah as she is to me. This affected him just as badly.
Shannon adjusts her backpack, and the pur
ple color reminds me of Cara’s purple T-shirt she wore. The one that was bunched beneath Tryce’s hands. I let out a low growl. What the hell is wrong with me? Since when do I let chicks get to me?
“You’re acting weird.” Shannon’s blue eyes study me. “Quit wigging out. I’m safe.”
At least she thinks my sudden spurts of disassociation are caused by the fire and not some girl I’m not supposed to care about. “We’ll figure out housing later, but I’ll clear it with Coach for you to stay here. Given the circumstances, I don’t think he’ll argue.” I step back to allow her entrance.
“Thanks, Gee-Gee.” She punches my arm as she enters. “No offense, but I hope it’s not long.”
“Me too.” I smile at the nickname. Shannon refused to call me Triple G, being it’s stupid and all, so she settled for Gee-Gee. The shortened version used to annoy me as well, but I’ve warmed to the sentiment. What I hate is her feeling so upset. I wish I could fix this for her.
We push through the door, and Miller greets us with his tongue hanging out and tail wagging back and forth.
“Oh! You have a dog? He’s so cute.” The high pitch squeals my sister makes has Miller rolling onto his back. Shannon laughs and starts rubbing his belly, clearly taking Miller’s hint. “How can you guys have him?”
Noah looks at me. I rub the back of my neck, not knowing how to answer.
“He’s the team mascot,” Garret pipes up, going with the ruse.
“The team mascot?” Shannon lets out another laugh. It’s a welcoming sound after what we’ve been through. She’s safe. That’s all that matters. “You don’t look like a wildcat.”
SWINGING STRIKE: Cessna U Wildcats Book One Page 10
