“Stop reading my shit. If I get called for plagiarism, I’m going to smother you in your sleep.” I warned him.
He rolled his eyes, “you would have to stop snoring and wake up to do that.”
I sneered at him, “good. Sleep in your own goddamn bed then if I snore.”
He grunted and took a monster bite of his pizza. “Shut up Lucy. Get a damn plate and bring your ass back over here and finish your homework.” He demanded.
Erica, laughed. “Aye, aye captain.” She joked. He flipped her off.
“Lucy darling, please tell me you’re cooking for thanksgiving.” Nick asked.
“For you, of course. I have to see what Max wants. But you two, are not welcomed on the trip to the supermarket.” I warned.
Nick pouted, “please?”
“No. you bastards wanted me to cook everything you could think of. You threw half the damn store in the cart!” I argued.
“But it’s thanksgiving. You’re supposed to do that.” He whined.
“I have to see, because maybe James and Sam will come too. You know Sam will want to contribute with the cooking.” I reminded him.
“Your dad has to eat in another room. I’m tired of the way he looks at my woman.” Nick said.
“That’s his wife you idiot.” I told him and he laughed.
Jasmine spoke up. I forgot she was even in the room, and where do I find her. On the stool next to Landon. “You cooked for them last year? How long have you two been together?” she asked while she worried her lip.
Landon glared at her, but she didn’t see because she was too focused on me. “Over a year I’ve been living here.” I told her without acknowledging the question about Landon.
“Lucy, get your ass over here.” Landon said.
I rolled my eyes, “what are you? My father?” I asked him.
“Yea, and I’ll spank your ass if you don’t get this finished. We have to get your portfolio together this weekend and fill out applications to get them mailed.” He told me.
I huffed but went that way. He got up out of my seat and moved down one putting me between him and Jasmine. She looked completely uncomfortable now. I noticed Erica watching quietly. I know her, she was observing everything. By the time the night is over she’ll have it all figured out if she doesn’t already.
Erica spoke up, “so Jasmine, how ya been. How’s school and all?” she asked. Oh yea she was fishing.
Jasmine seemed to relax a little. “Well it’s been about 3 months. I’m on the cheerleading squad obviously. I have practice at the same time as Landon. And he’s helped me out with rides and such, even a paper. He let me sit with his friends for lunch since I don’t know many people.” She said. Now through that whole spiel it was just about Landon. He shifted uncomfortably. He caught onto it too, I just smiled. It’s like everything I told him blowing up right in his face.
“Oh that’s nice. Have you seen any cute guys to date or anything? I wouldn’t mind doing another makeover to get a new guy.” Erica said with a waggle of her eyes. Nick snickered, and Landon scowled and turned his face to the side. When he looked back forward he had a blank face.
Jasmine turned to look at Landon and her cheeks went pink and then she looked down. “There are some.” She said shyly.
Landon grabbed another pizza. I put my hand down to grab mine to hide the smirk on my face and my plate was empty. I watched Landon take a bite and then snatched it from him. He scowled and I took a monster bite. He grabbed my hand and took a bite letting me keep it.
“So who is he?” Erica persisted.
Landon met Erica’s eye and he gave her a dark serious look. She pretended interest in her nails as she smiled. She knew exactly what the hell she was doing.
Jasmine took a bite of pizza and glanced over at Landon. When she swallowed she shook her head, “oh. It’s nothing like that. I just… you know there’s cute guys that go to our school is all. I haven’t tried to date any of them or anything. And I mean, only one guy kind of showed any interest in me, but he’s hard to read.” She shrugged and looked down. Her eyes flickered to the side where Landon was. He took a big bite of the pizza in my hand and I finished it.
“You’re a pretty girl. I’m sure he’ll come around right?” Erica asked her brightly.
Jasmine looked up and gave Erica a genuine smile. With a wistful sigh she said, “you could only wish, right?”
Landon snatched the laptop and grabbed my hand. “We’re going upstairs. I have to make sure she finishes this, and then we’re going to bed. Jasmine, you can stay and hang with them. We’ll see you in the morning.” He started to tug me but I wanted a caprisun.
I snatched my hand away, “wait a minute caveman.” I said walking to the fridge. He stood where I left him bouncing from foot to foot.
Jasmine stood up, “I actually think I should get going.” She turned to Landon, “thanks for inviting me for pizza.” She said with a small smile, pink flooding her cheeks.
He nodded his head at me, “Luce invited you.” He reminded her.
She turned redder, “oh right, well anyway it’s your house so thanks.” She said.
He gave her a forced smile that looked like a grimace and scratched his head, “yea, cool. They all live here too. Even Nick, you know that right?” he asked her.
She nodded, “right.” She turned to Erica, “it was great seeing you again maybe we can do a girls night or something you know? It’ll be good to know other girls. Oh and since Lucy lives here too she can join?” she asked hopefully. It was not lost on me I was the afterthought.
Erica gave her a smug smile, “for sure, I can’t wait.” She assured her.
Landon grimaced. Jasmine started for the door and slapped her forehead. She walked back to Landon and handed him the book that she had on her lap the whole time. “Here you go, thanks.” She said. She seemed to think about what to do next. She hesitated and then took a step towards him and hugged him. He patted her back awkwardly.
Nick burst out laughing, and when Jasmine turned to look at him he swung his gaze to me. “Lucy you have a wedgie.” I let out a hard laugh. I wanted to laugh too before but I was able to hold it in until he came up with that lame ass excuse. Even Erica was cracking up.
Jasmine gave a final wave and walked to the door. Before she left she gave Landon a last lingering stare and then left. When we all finished laughing, Landon pointed an accusing finger at Erica. “You! Don’t fucking talk to me until thanksgiving dinner.” He said.
Erica scoffed, “you want to blame me for this. That girl has been infatuated with you for years. Why the hell she would hang out with you when you were in a mood. It’s not like you even talked to her or anything. She would fucking sit with you just to be around you. The fact that you’re oblivious and don’t pay her any attention is no one’s fault. Now she’s here and she wants you. She thinks Lucy is temporary, which is fucking comical. And you’re so freaked out by her you don’t know what to do with yourself. Good luck with that bro.” she said and left the room.
He scowled at me, “Lucy, homework.” He said and started up the steps. When he was out of hearing distance I looked to Nick.
He shrugged, “I saw it. I think he’s just starting to get it. I know him, and he was disturbed when he saw her standing there. I think she was looking to spend time with him maybe hang out here. She wasn’t banking on you being here let alone living here. I don’t mean to be a dick or anything, but she’s not going to go away easy. She’s not bat shit and dangerous like Dan. But she’s just as fucking delusional. She looks at him the way he’s looked at you growing up.” He told me.
I thought it over and that made sense. I shrugged, “Landon should know now. So he needs to make sure that he clears up any confusion, and doesn’t let it get too far. It would be a shame for us to have problems because he can’t handle her.” I said and headed to my room.
I lay down on the bed and popped open the laptop. Landon sat propped up against the headboard and flipped the stations
until he found something to watch. He got comfortable and grabbed my leg dragging me across the bed to him. “Come here,” he prompted. I sat up and settled myself between his legs and put the computer on my lap. I got a decent amount done before I called it quits and was confident I’ll be done by Friday. Landon turned off the TV and the light and got in the bed, I was asleep minutes later.
Thanksgiving was great and huge. Like a real family. Everyone was there, Sam, James, Dean, Max, Landon, Mel, Nick, Erica, both of Mel’s parents, and me. I did a lot of cooking but so did Sam and Mel’s mother. There were piles of food. The boys were in heaven and ate like 5 plates each. We played games, watched TV, joked and laughed. Everyone ended up spending the night, as there were drinks and no one really wanted to end the fun.
Friday I holed up in my room and got my assignment finished and spent the weekend choosing the art I wanted to use in my portfolio. I sent out about 15 college applications. My top three schools were Michigan State, Arizona, and Ohio State, but I had to be safe and apply to more schools. We all made a pack not to tell each other our choices, that way we aren’t influenced by each other but about what we really wanted. I was dying to know their choices though. One night we all had a heavy talk and basically said regardless where we go, we have too strong of a connection for that to affect us. We would all still come home on holidays and breaks and we’ll go to each other’s shows or games or whatever the hell we go into, but it wouldn’t be the same.
We got through midterms and all of our assignments were handed in. it was closing in on Christmas in a couple of weeks and that meant Christmas shopping. This was going to be crazy, there were so many people to buy for. And shopping to find the perfect gifts were so much fun. I was brimming with excitement to give everyone theirs. We decided that Christmas will be like thanksgiving, and we would have a huge event. Similar to last year, there were a bunch of trips, clothes, and heartfelt items passed around. Thankfully, there were no surprise visits or scenes.
CHAPTER 16
We were out of school on winter break, and Landon decided to throw a party. We haven’t been to one in ages. His father has a huge house about two hours out in a secluded area. It was going to be an exclusive party. It’s going to be a two night event, and they were pulling out all the stops. Everyone who was going is expected to spend the night, however it wasn’t open invitation. They hired security that will make sure no one uninvited got in. They were expecting a good 50 – 100 people. I have no idea how big this place was to fit all of them. Landon explained that some people would be expected to share a room, and then there’s like the basement area where a few of the guys can crash together, etc. I nodded because that made more sense. I just hope they have some serious cleaners coming over because who knows what type of shit is going to happen in these rooms.
Landon, Nick, Mel, Erica, Hailey, and I went up to the house the morning before, Landon wanted to make sure that security and shit was in place. He was being extra cautious because of what happened at the last party we attended. He still was skeptical about people around us. The house was fucking massive. There was definitely enough space for everyone. There were three stories. We would be on the top floor. There were five rooms up there but we would only be occupying four. They were to remain locked at all times and there would be a security person staying in the final room. He wasn’t to leave his room at any point. They had something worked out for food and stuff I guess. But there were cameras in the hallway and he had access to the feeds within the room. This was Landon’s and Nick’s way of keeping us secluded and safe. It actually made me feel more comfortable. Besides the security in the front the rest lingering about look like normal damn high school kids, its uncanny… and fucking smart.
We all went to our rooms and got settled a couple of hours before the party was supposed to officially start. I told Landon how much I appreciated all the effort he put to make sure all of us were safe and scoffed at me. He said simply, you’re the women in my life. I’m supposed to keep you girls safe. And by that he meant me, Mel, his sister and cousin. I smiled and kissed him. I went to take a shower, and Landon came in to join me. We were holed up in our room for a few hours. By the time we came out the party was in full swing. Landon took me down to the kitchen and made me a drink. He was strict to I don’t take drinks from anyone and if I put my cup down get a fresh drink. Remembering that night, they didn’t have to tell any of us twice and we gave no argument.
After we got drinks, he grabbed my hand and walked me around. We came to the inside pool and most of the football team was there. Landon looked around and then tapped me and pointed up. I looked and saw Mel, Erica, and Hail up there sitting at a table. He gave me a quick kiss and I left him with his friends. It took me a while but I found my way to where they were.
“And where have you been missy?” Mel asked.
I smiled, “I was getting ready.” I told her.
She took a sip of her drink, “um hmm, more like getting some.” She said. I rolled my eyes and shrugged. Whatever, it was true so I couldn’t argue.
“Ok, I’m not going to lie… I might say fuck the rules and find me a little piece here.” Hail said looking down. The area by the pool was warm, so people could swim. The entire basketball and football teams appeared to be here and they were down there. I let my eyes scan all the muscles and build and sighed. Yes this is heaven.
I looked at Hail, “hey I don’t blame you girl.” I said.
She threw her hands on her hips, “you better only being looking at that guy with his clothes on.” She said.
I laughed and said, “yea sure.” And they all burst out laughing.
We left our little area and walked around. Guys were checking out Erica and Hailey left and right. They seemed to avoid me and Mel. I don’t blame them… Nick and Landon are like caveman. Little do they know, they might split their heads for hitting on their family. We found ourselves toward the DJ and began dancing together. Me and Erica were dancing together when someone bumped Erica from behind causing her to spill her drink on me. She spun around and found Jasmine. Of course she was fucking here, but I wasn’t going to worry about her. This was about having fun. I grabbed Erica, and turned her back towards me and kept dancing. The look on Erica’s face mirrored my thoughts; we didn’t think that was an accident.
We danced for a while longer before we decided to rest up. We went to the kitchen and snagged an unopened bottle of liquor and juice and found our old spot. We got comfortable and started drinking. A couple hours later we were all fairly buzzed. We went upstairs and changed for the pool. They talked me into wearing the bikini I packed and I threw on one of Landon’s favorite t-shirts over it, it came to almost my knees so it worked fine. We made our way to the pool and most of the party seemed to have congregated there. There weren’t many seats left, but a bunch of the guys were sitting together. There were a few girls hanging onto them. I spotted Landon and Nick sitting in chairs towards the center with drinks. They were both in their swim attire now, and I was practically drooling. I began walking towards them and I watched as Jasmine walked past him and tripped on his feet and stumbled. He reached out to stop her from falling and when he grabbed her arm she fell onto his lap and giggled. She put a hand on his chest and I saw him nod… but she didn’t get up. A few girls she has been hanging around from the cheerleading team stood to the side giggling and whispering to each other watching. I threw back a half of cup of straight liquor and thought fuck it. I waited for a beat. We were standing off to the side so we weren’t noticeable. Everyone appeared to be on a decent level of drunk. I turned to the side and saw that Hail, Mel, and Erica were all watching the spectacle. Nick looked uncomfortable and wary. Some of the guys had grins like they were waiting to see what would happen. Jasmine squirmed on his lap and moved closer to him. He put his arms down on the armrest and she leaned a bit against him. He took a big gulp of his drink but still didn’t move her.
Now I’m pissed. He’s going to fuck with me? Then let’s do it.
I spotted one of the guys I knew were security. I motioned him over. He came discreetly and I asked him to tell the DJ to throw on a song for me. He nodded; a part of his job was to make sure we were all happy. When the girls heard my request they all gave me knowing looks. Yep, it’s called payback. To make this better, there were a few guys who I recognized from school but was drunk so didn’t hide their interest looking at all of us. Then there were some that weren’t from the school. I knew there would be other people here, and that would play in my favor right now. I handed Mel my towel and took out my hair clip. I waited until I heard Usher’s That’s What It’s Made For come on. I ran to the dive bar quickly and jumped in bringing mostly everyone’s attention to me. I made sure to keep myself mostly underwater until I reached the ladder. I climbed up slowly and knew I was fucking drenched. When I hit the top the girls were doing exactly what I needed them to do, they were dancing to the beat drawing all of the attention in the room to them. I walked slowly to them and abandoned Landon’s shirt as I went. I knew I looked fucking awesome in this bathing suit. It showed every fucking curve of my body and accentuated all the right places. When I reached them, Erica grabbed me and spun me so she was grinding behind me. I closed my eyes, and just did some rocking motions.
The song ended quickly and the real fun started. Chris Brown, Bomb. I threw back another drink and started to fucking dance like I was in the video. I had my back to Landon, so Hail grabbed my hand and brought me close and told me that he was watching and the bitch was still on him and clinging to him. She said I needed to bust a fucking move because the song was about to end. I took two steps back while I ran my hand through my hair making my curls wild. I spun in a circle and as soon as I face Hail again I dropped straight into a split and began popping. I pulled myself up and took the proffered towel from Mel. I bent over at my waist putting my ass on display and towel dried my hair knowing that water was still dripping off of me. When I stood back up there was a cutie eyeing me with pure lust. I bit my lip and gave him a smile before tossing my hair and throwing him a wink. He gave me a big smile. We began to leave and one of the boys that I didn’t know ran up to me. He came up right behind me and tapped me. I turned to face him.
Losing Her (The Lexington Series Book 1) Page 46
