The No Bad Boy Rule (Rule #2)

by Ashley Erin

Relaxing as we fall into our typical banter, I push aside my earlier unease.

  Peyton is asleep on the couch, her books haphazardly spread around her, when I finally walk in the door after class. Smirking, I kick off my shoes and quietly walk to the couch before sitting on her.

  “Argh! What the fuck?” Peyton’s fist makes contact with my side as she kicks her legs until I stand up, laughing my ass off.

  “I thought you were studying. I didn’t realize that was code for napping.” She tucks her legs under herself making room for me, and I sit next to her. Reaching down, I pile her books and place them on the coffee table. “It looks like you threw them on the ground.”

  “My head hurts. I have so much to catch up on, and I’m only doing two courses at a time. I thought I could get through them more quickly than I have been; I haven’t even finished one yet. It’s so frustrating, so yes, I threw my stuff on the floor and zoned out.” Trying not to laugh at her rant, I nod empathetically. “Shut up. Not everyone can be as effortlessly smart as you are.”

  “I didn’t say anything!”

  “You didn’t need to, I know you.”

  She rubs her eyes tiredly, causing me to grow serious. Eyeing her in concern, I see the circles under her eyes and the strain around her mouth. “I didn’t realize you were struggling so much. Why don’t you hire a tutor?”

  “I can’t afford to get a tutor. I need to get a job first. I will figure it out, don’t worry. I guess I just thought it would be easier.” Her head drops in her hands to hide the tears of frustration I know are forming. By the time she looks up, not a tear will have shed, and her eyes will be dry. It takes less than five seconds.

  “Just take your time. Breathe. Remember it doesn’t need to be completed overnight.”

  A soft knock distracts us as the door swings open, and Ava peeks her head inside. “Am I interrupting?”

  “Not at all.” Peyton jumps up, her demeanor changed like a switch was flipped. “We were just talking about my GED. Any interruption from that torture is welcome.”

  Ava shuts the door, joining us in the living room. Unable to contain the smile on my face as she sits on my lap and curls into me, my lips graze her cheek softly. “How was the rest of your day?”

  “It was okay. Glad it’s over.” Ava turns to Peyton, trying to make sure she is included in the conversation. “I can’t imagine how tough it is, trying to learn all of that material on your own. If you ever want help, in our group we have a math genius, a science nerd, a social sciences whiz and I’m sure any other topic you might need help with. Not that I’m assuming you can’t do it on your own, I’m just saying you don’t need to.” Ava looks at me, her blue eyes cringing. “Why can’t I just shut up?”

  Before I can answer her, I see Peyton kick Ava in the shin. “Shut up? Why would you want to change who you are? Just roll with it, besides, that one there loves it, and I don’t think any of us want to deal with him sulking if you quit saying the things you think.”

  Ava smiles gratefully at Peyton, an expression I can feel reflected on my face. Wrapping my arms around Ava, I revel in the fact my worlds have collided, and it hasn’t been painful or scarring. In fact, it’s been so seamless it’s difficult not to wonder why.

  “Are you still interested in having a painting day?” Ava’s soft voice asks Peyton hopefully.

  “Of course. I can’t believe how quickly time has passed. Can we plan for a couple weeks from now, early to mid-March? I just want to get my bearings with these stupid classes.”

  “Definitely. I have midterms until March and this weekend I need to worry about Noah having his first sleepover with his father. It’s been over a month, and I promised Joe we would give it a shot.” Ava’s phone vibrates, drawing her attention. “Speak of the devil. His ears must have been burning.”

  “I thought he wasn’t bothering you anymore.” Even though I know she has no interest, jealousy at the very thought of him pursuing her makes me annoyed every time he texts her.

  “He still texts, less frequently, and almost always about Noah.” Ava types out a response, hitting send. Before she has a chance to set her phone down it buzzes again. After the fifth message, Ava succumbing each time to whatever made up reason he’s giving her to keep her attention, I can’t take it anymore.

  “Seriously, this needs to stop. He knows you have a boyfriend. He should respect you enough to stay within the boundaries you’ve laid out for him.” Ava tenses, her chin dropping to her chest as she clicks her phone off. Watching her carefully, my instincts start roaring and I have to resist the urge not to remove her from my lap and force her to look at me. Clenching my fists, I look to Peyton pleading her with my eyes to leave the room. She gives me a warning glance before heading down the hall to the room she now shares with Andie. “He does know, right?”

  I already know the answer, her body language cannot hide it. Ava is not good at keeping secrets, she has too many tells.

  “No . . . I haven’t told him yet.” Whispered. Her shoulders hunch in as she waits. She can read me like a book, something I used to hate, but now I love. Most of the time.

  “Why not? Should I be worried that you’re entertaining the idea of getting back with him?” Inhaling deeply, I try to relax. That wasn’t fair, and as I meet her eyes that are finally looking at me, I know she is pissed.

  “Of course not. This is new territory for me, and I’ve been trying to decide how to deal with it. He could make this very hard on us, and I just don’t want more stress from him.”

  “Didn’t it cross your mind to talk to me about it? That we could solve it together?” Biting back words I wouldn’t be able to take back, I grab her wrists and hold them against my chest. “We said we were in this the whole way. Partners. That doesn’t mean anything if we don’t stick to it.” My anger disintegrates as I feel her body tremble, and I pull her into my arms.

  “I’m sorry. Why don’t you come with me on Sunday when I drop Noah off for his sleepover, and we can tell him together?” Ava’s breath teases my neck, coming in short quick bursts. “I love you. Please don’t be angry. I’m still figuring out how to do this.”

  “I am too.” Cupping her cheeks, I kiss her deeply. “I love you too. I think telling him together is a great idea, that way I can kick his ass if he gives you any trouble.” Laughing, I pick her up and carry her to my room. “I think that was our first real fight. You know what that means, don’t you?”

  “Make up sex?” Ava bites down on my neck, giggling when the air hisses out from my lips.

  “You better believe it.” Slamming the door to my room, I drop her on my bed and show her exactly how fun making up can be.

  The noise coming from the living room muffles slightly as I stick my head in the fridge, looking for the platters of snacks Lucas and I cut up earlier.

  “Can I help you with anything?” Hitting my head on the fridge as Peyton’s voice pulls a shriek from me. “Oh shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  Rubbing my head, I hand her a platter. She leans against the counter, staring out into the hall. “It’s a little overwhelming isn’t it?”

  “Not the crowd. I’m used to being around a lot of people. It’s more that everyone has this groove and I don’t know where I fit in. With the Vipers, I knew exactly where I stood. I can see why Dax felt like he tainted the group.” She plays with the cover on the tray, her voice soft as she talks.

  “Neither of you taint the group. That’s ridiculous. Besides, we’ve all been on the outside before. Just jump in and be yourself.” Grabbing the other tray, I push her towards the living room. “Are we all set up in here?”

  “We’re just waiting on Dean.” Lucas clears off room on the fold out table he borrowed from our parents for the food.

  “We told you, man . . . he’s not coming.” Carter pulls the lid off one of the trays and grabs a handful of chips. “He said he’s not feeling well.”

  Grumbling to himself, Lucas deals out the white cards. It was Andie’s ch
oice and she wanted to play Cards Against Humanity.

  “Peyton, did you have a chance to meet everyone?” She shakes her head, and I glare at Lucas and Dax. Pointing at each person, I make sure I introduce him or her. “Kensi, Nella, Jaden, and Carter.”

  “Peyton, sit next to us. Seriously, I love your hair. I always want to do something like that, but with my delightful personality I figure it would be too much.” Smiling gratefully at Kensi, I sit next to Dax and check out my cards.

  “Have you ever played this game, Peyton?” Nella hands her a stack of white cards.

  “No, I’ve heard about it before, but haven’t played.”

  “Everyone gets a stack of white cards with statements, names, places; pretty much anything on it. The person who is asking the question draws a black card and reads it out. Each person picks his or her white cards with an answer or statement that is the funniest response. Then we go around the circle eliminating the ones we don’t think are funny until only one card is left. The person who put that card down is the winner of the round. We play until one person has seven black cards. If you don’t like your white cards, you can trade in a black card for new white ones.” Nella explains the rules; Kensi is bouncing in place eager to get started.

  Carter draws a black card and reads it out. Looking over my cards, I find the best option and lay it face down. It doesn’t take long for us to start laughing our asses off. Kensi wins the first round, hopping up to do a victory dance. “Is that part of the game or more of your delightful personality?” Peyton teases Kensi who grins like a maniac.

  “I like this one!” Kensi leans into Peyton and starts talking quietly with her.

  “You seem distracted, are you okay?” Dax whispers as Kensi finally picks a card and reads it out.

  “Yeah, I think so. I just have this feeling of unease, and it won’t go away. I’m sure it’s nothing.” Leaning into him, I gently tug on the ends of his hair in the way he loves and smirk when he growls softly under his breath.

  “Okay you two, we’re waiting for you. Ugh, they’re worse than you guys.” Kensi points at Lucas and Andie.

  Quickly glancing at my cards, I toss the first one and pick a new white card. The last white card is tossed into the pile and Kensi starts reading them out. I’m barely able to contain my excitement when Andie almost chokes as she laughs at my card regarding jerking off and churches.

  Laughing so hard, I almost miss that my card is the last one standing. “Yes!” I yell, kissing Dax hard on the lips before leaning forward and drawing a black card.

  “So how do you all know each other?” Peyton tosses her card into the pile.

  “I went to high school with Dean, so he has known Ava and me for several years.” Lucas answers, his forehead creased as he selects a white card. “Dean, Jaden, Carter and I all started the same year and met playing beer pong.”

  “I met Kensi after high school at the book store we both worked at. Nella and I met in the fall. And Lucas slammed a door in my face my first day here before I learned he lived across the hall. It was hate at first sight.” Andie nudges him, grinning as she teases him about how much of an ass he came across as.

  The evening passes quickly, everyone getting a little tipsy as the night progressed. Wobbling as I stand up, I grab another round. Nudging Andie with my toe, I tilt my chin towards Nella with a grin. Carter is watching her intently, looking away when he sees us watching and pulls out his phone.

  It beeps in response to what he’s just texted. “Well, as fun as this has been it’s time for me to go.” He stands, tossing his cards to the ground.

  “Seriously, dude? We’re in the middle of a round, you can’t wait?” Lucas draws a card to replace the one he’s laid down.

  “I could, she can’t.” He holds his phone, cocky smirk in place.

  “Ugh, disgusting.” Kensi makes a vomiting motion, while Andie and I glance at Nella. She’s never shown an interest in Carter, we just both want to see how she reacts.

  “Whatever, ditch your friends to get laid.” I grab his cards and stack them at the bottom of the piles. Nella seems indifferent, and that’s all I care about. We don’t always have power over who we’re attracted to and the last thing I want is for her to stew in her own head over him.

  Carter saunters out the door without a backward glance and we resume our game.

  “Does he have booty calls a lot? I don’t ever recall him ditching out on us like that before.” Andie looks at Jaden, her question is casual, but Lucas gives her a weird look.

  “I don’t keep track of his movements, but he’s been going out more frequently and at odd hours.” Jaden answers, but I feel like he is being vague.

  Finishing the round, Lucas and Nella are tied with six black cards; I change the subject from Carter to the shift in weather that is rapidly approaching. “It’s supposed to be beautiful out in the next couple of weeks; we should plan a picnic by the waterfall.”

  “That’s a great idea. It will be before the April crunch of studying for finals when we’re all too stressed to leave the house.” Andie turns to Peyton, “The trail system around here is stunning and there is this waterfall that will take your breath away.”

  Sitting there examining the cards as my friends make plans, I ponder the final two cards. Finally eliminating one, I look around to see who won the round.

  “Oh! I win!” Nella exclaims. Kensi high fives her and rubs it in Lucas’s face that he lost.

  Standing and stretching, I start cleaning up the mess. Soon Dax is the only one left, his hands taking the garbage from me and pushing me towards my room. “Crawl into bed. We can finish this tomorrow after we drop Noah off.”

  Stripping down, I crawl into bed, my head hits the pillow, and the sweet darkness of sleep swallows me.

  Ava turns down a quiet street, slowing her car to a crawl as she drives down it. The duplex she parks in front of is neat, tidy, and looks like every other one on the block. “Is it just me, or is it creepy that every house looks exactly the same?”

  The choked laugh that bubbles up is better than nothing, the grateful look she shoots me as she opens the door shows me how much my effort means to her. Shutting my door, I grab Noah’s bag and stand at the hood of the car waiting while Ava unbuckles him.

  Noah races to the door, banging loudly. “I should be happier that he’s so excited. Joe has been consistent with his visits and FaceTime. Why don’t I feel happier?”

  “I think you’re so overwhelmed with waiting for things to end badly that you haven’t given yourself a chance to accept the way things are. I know I have that feeling on a regular basis. The waiting for something to take away our happiness.” Her steps falter briefly as Joe opens the door, his eyes automatically dropping to our linked hands as he bends to pick up Noah.

  “Daddy, I brought my Legos to play with. Can we build spaceships?” Noah’s arms flail as he gestures excitedly.

  “Of course.” Joe looks away from us, his expression unreadable and sets Noah down. “Why don’t you explore the house and find your room? I think you’re going to like it.”

  The three of us watch as Noah races into the house. Joe turns back, leaning against the doorjamb, his arms crossed. He no longer hides his feelings about Ava and me standing on his porch, hand in hand.

  “So, you two are an item now.” He sounds tired, disappointed and for a moment I feel bad for him. He really had hope that Ava would give them another chance. “I guess I’m not surprised.”

  “I thought you should meet Dax again, in this capacity. He is a part of Noah’s life and, therefore, a part of yours.” Ava’s hand squeezes mine. I can tell she’s waiting for him to explode or fight her on me being in Noah’s life. We had this discussion last night, how to deal with his reactions.

  “He makes you happy?” Joe ignores me, staring intently at Ava, who nods in response. “Well, then we’re good.”

  Joe turns away from Ava to stare me down. Fighting a smirk at his attempt to look tough, I wait for him to spe
ak. “Noah’s mentioned you almost every time we have a visit. He really likes you. Don’t ruin it.”

  Managing to keep a straight face, I nod. “I won’t.”

  “Want to see his room?” Ava nods and follows Joe into the house.

  Thirty minutes later, we’re back in the car and on the road.

  “I thought that went well. He was surprisingly calm about us.” Ava is grinning, her relief palpable.

  “I’m not surprised, I told you last night he wouldn’t react the way you were worried.” I don’t need to look at Ava to know she is rolling her eyes at me.

  “Not this again.”

  “He’s in love with you. At first, it was probably a fantasy after his family went through his father’s recovery. But after spending time with you, seeing you with Noah and getting to know parts of you again, he’s fallen. For him to react poorly would eliminate any hope he has that if things don’t work out for us that maybe you will change your mind about him.” Running my finger up her leg teasingly, I grin when she stops scowling. “What he doesn’t realize is there is no chance of that.”

  “So what are you going to do to distract me from worrying about Noah?” Ava’s tone is suggestive, and while I’m tempted to bite the bait, I have another idea in mind.

  “I thought I would tell you a bit more about my past. When I was part of the Vipers my job was a collector. The gang is one of the major drug providers in Edmonton, along with underground gambling and fighting rings. Ivan enlisted me to collect on debts. I used any means necessary to collect for him.”

  “The thing is, I wanted out. I wanted out for two out of the five years I was a part of the gang, but I just didn’t know how. There was a police raid on one of the drug houses and I was in the vicinity when the gang unit busted us. They weren’t able to find any association of me with the gang because I was very good at keeping my affiliation quiet, and Ivan didn’t want to risk losing me. However, I did have some outstanding warrants and was arrested based off of them.”