Distraction (Westbrook Series Book 1)

by Laura Clark

  I sit down on the love seat, holding my phone like it's a Magic Eight Ball that will suddenly reveal why Sam is MIA. This is ridiculous. When did I become that girl who waits by her phone to hear from a guy? I guess when that guy became my boyfriend, who hasn't bothered to call me to tell me he isn't coming home for the weekend. I'm trying hard not to get angry with him, but as the minutes pass by without any answers, it's getting more difficult.

  I grab the remote in search of a good distraction, as the nauseous feeling in my stomach spreads. It's just hanging there, weighing me down, like a pile of rotten eggs.

  I am channel surfing, trying to find something that will help take my mind off of Sam. Summer television completely blows. It's always old reruns of shows that drive me crazy, like Cougartown, or old movies that I've seen a thousand times before. Plus, there is nothing I hate more than trying to watch a movie when you are interrupted with countless commercials. It really upsets the flow, making it impossible to get immersed.

  I flip through the channels endlessly, until I finally settle on watching an old episode of Friends. It's the one where Rachel is wearing a cheerleading costume, to try to impress this guy she likes. It's pretty funny. I can't help but relate, because I would have probably done something that stupid, in order to get Sam's attention.

  After Friends ends, King of Queens comes on. I love watching Kevin James play the role of the stupid, childish husband. He is beyond funny, as he tries to weasel his way out of getting in trouble with his wife, Carrie, for his latest scheme. When that is over, and another episode starts up, I start panicking. It's been nothing but crickets since I texted Sam, over an hour ago.

  When I don't think I can sit still and wait any longer, I finally pick up the phone to call Avery. "Hi, Aves."

  "Hey. How are you?" Her voice sounds a little higher than normal, which is strange. She sounds a little preoccupied.

  "So, what are you up to tonight?" I ask casually. I don't want to bombard her right away with my latest Sam drama.

  "Not much. I'm waiting for Trevor to get his hot ass over here, so we can watch a movie. How about you? Isn't Sam coming home tonight?"

  The knots in my stomach tighten when she mentions his name. The weird thing is, it is Trevor's name that has me feeling so sick, not Sam's. Why does knowing that Trevor is going over to her house seem to bother me so much? Shouldn't I be more torn up about the fact that my boyfriend basically stood me up?

  "He was supposed to, but I haven't heard from him since this morning. Kyle stopped by a while ago, on his way to the Coldplay concert." Why is my voice echoing when I talk? Thankfully, it sounds like she is taking me off speakerphone.

  "Wait a minute." Her voice finally sounds normal. "Sam wasn't with him?"

  "No. Kyle was being his usual jerky self, and wouldn't tell me anything about who he was going with. It's probably Georgia, but I wanted to see if he was doubling with Sam.”

  "No, Sam wouldn't do that. Would he? Who is Georgia, anyway?"

  "I don't think so, but I can't figure out why he hasn't called me or anything. Don't you think it's weird that he didn't come home with Kyle, and he didn't even text me to let me know?"

  "Yeah, but it doesn't sound like Sam."

  "I just don't get it. Maybe he feels bad about going to the concert instead of hanging out with me tonight, and he doesn't want to tell me."

  "Well, he would have probably been with Kyle if he was going to the concert, don't you think?"

  "Yeah. You're probably right. Maybe, something came up at school, and he had to stay behind." I sigh, before biting my bottom lip.

  "So, you didn't answer my question, Lays. Who is this Georgia girl?"

  "I thought you were over your crush on my brother. Aren't you dating Trevor, now?" I tease her. I'm pretty sure they are dating, after seeing her latest Instagram pictures, but I want to hear it from her mouth.

  "I'm not really sure what Trevor and I are. I mean, we've been hanging out. We talk on the phone all the time, but he hasn't kissed me yet, Laila. Isn't it kind of strange that we've been on three dates already, and he hasn't so much as given me a peck on the cheek?"

  "Maybe, he just needs time. Not every guy is a complete sleaze-ball, you know."

  "Yeah, and he is definitely not one of those guys." She sighs, and pauses for a moment, before continuing. "The weird thing is he's always reaching for my hand, or wrapping his arms around me."

  My stomach sinks a little when I think about the way he reached for my hand on Sunday. Maybe holding hands is just a friendly gesture to Trevor. Why does this realization make my stomach churn even more? Shouldn't I be relieved he doesn't feel that way about me?

  "He can be so affectionate one moment. Then, he is totally aloof and weird, the next. It's really confusing. I just can't read the guy."

  Yeah, tell me about it.

  "Maybe, he just wants to be sure, before he kisses you. You've got to respect a guy who respects you enough to wait until he is sure. Most guys don't have any problem shoving their tongues into a girl's mouth, so long as it's open and she’s willing. It'll just make it more meaningful when he does finally kiss you."

  I'm trying to be reassuring, but even I don't believe everything I am saying. The more I think about it, the more likely it seems that my suspicions about him being a player are true.

  "I hope you're right, Lays. It's just that I want him to be so attracted to me that he can't keep his hands off me. I want to be the one pushing him away, instead of me wishing he would maul me. Like what you and Sam have, you know? That's what I want."

  "Yeah, but Sam and I have known each other for a long time. You guys just met. Maybe, he just wants to get to know you better first."

  "You're right. He doesn't seem at all like the players I'm used to. He's definitely boyfriend material. I must sound like such a slut."

  I laugh. "No, I get it."

  "I think he might even be fresh out of a relationship. He mentioned something about a recent break-up. It can be hard to move on after having a serious girlfriend."

  "Aves, that’s probably why he is taking things slow. He's probably trying to be overly cautious. People do that after break-ups."

  "You know what? I'm just going to try to go with the flow. If he kisses me, awesome. If not, there's always Kyle," she sings my brother's name. "Speaking of which, why are you not telling me who this Georgia girl is?"

  I laugh again, not even realizing that I've been completely stonewalling her about Georgia.

  "It wasn't on purpose. I don't know much about her, Avery. She’s just some girl that he met over Christmas break who lives here. From what Sam told me, it sounds like Kyle really likes her. Enough that he wants to come home on the weekends to see her."

  Avery sighs. "Bitch. Not you, her. What does she look like?"

  "I have no idea, but Sam said she is nice. Supposedly, she was here at the party last Friday, but I never saw her. Of course, I didn't know who I should be looking for, either. She must have only made a quick appearance, though, because Kyle was down by the pool, hanging out with us for most of the night."

  Avery sighs dramatically again. "Why do I even care?"

  "Maybe, it's because you've been madly in love with my brother since you moved here and first set eyes on him?"

  "Oh, yeah. Thanks for reminding me," she says sarcastically.

  "Don't worry, Aves. Kyle wouldn't have been flirting with all of those girls at the party, if he were really that serious about her."

  I try my best to soften the blow, but even I know what I am telling Avery is not completely true. Kyle would probably flirt with any girl that gave him the time of day, even if he had a girlfriend. That is just how he is.

  "What kind of name is that, anyway? It's a state, not a name. Ugh. I hate being jealous, Lays."

  I know what you mean. This is what I had started to say before thinking better of it. How in the world would I explain that one? Yes, Avery. I'm experiencing the exact same thing, when I think about you and Tre
vor dating. Oh and by the way, you should know that he took me on a non-date, date, which was quite possibly, the most romantic night of my entire life. But don't you worry. We're just friends. I'm sure that would go over really well with Avery. I hate myself.

  "Hey, why don't you just come over and watch this movie with us?" She pauses for a moment before continuing. "It's a horror flick. I know how much you like scary movies," she practically sings to me.

  I laugh, because she knows that I don't do very well with scary movies.

  "And run interference with your potential first kiss? I don't think so. Don't worry about me. I'll call Allie and see what the girls are doing tonight."

  "Are you sure? I don't mind, Lays. We could always sneak away to make out during the really bad parts of the movie."

  "As enticing as that sounds, I'm going to have to pass."

  What I don't say is that my jealous stomach won't be able to handle seeing the two of you together.

  "Have fun, and make sure you sit close to him during the scary parts," I suggest with as much sincerity as I can muster.

  Of course, I don't want the two of them snuggling close. In fact, I'd be perfectly happy if they sat on separate couches, in separate rooms. Hell, I want them to be in completely different houses. Apparently, I don't do jealous very well, either.

  She squeals. "Good idea. Then he can protect me from the scary monsters."

  I laugh because unlike me, Avery never gets scared when we watch horror flicks.

  "If you change your mind, just text me before you come over. That way, I can make sure we aren't in the middle of a hot make-out session when you get here. Ha. Ha. Yeah, right."

  "You never know . . . . Thanks again for the invite. I'll let you know when I get ahold of Sam."

  "You better."

  I can't believe it's already been an hour and twenty minutes since I last texted him. Where the hell is he? Why again, am I sitting here, waiting for him like a fool?

  I shoot a quick text to Allie.

  Me: Hey lady. What are you guys doing tonight?

  Allie Summers: We are going out to Bombay Waters. Want to come with?

  Me: Who exactly is WE?

  Allie Summers: Brooke, Rachel, Mary, and I are driving together in one car, but we could squeeze you in. It'll be a tight fit in the Mini Cooper, but we're all pretty small . . .

  Me: Hmmm. It sounds like fun.

  Allie Summers: You should TOTALLY come, Lays. It is going to be a blast! Chase said there's going to be a keg. :)

  Me: Wait, Chase is going? Does that mean Devon is going to be there?

  Allie Summers: Yeah, but so will about half of our school, Laila. Don't worry about it. You can't avoid him the rest of the summer . . . unless you want to become a recluse.

  Me: You’re probably right, but I'd still like to avoid him a little while longer. It's only been a week. Did you know he friend quested me on Facebook?

  Allie Summers: He did? I'm surprised. I thought he was mad at you? Chase wouldn't tell us anything when we asked him about it. He used the old BROs B4 HOs excuse as to why he was keeping his trap shut. I swear guys can be so STUPID!

  Me: Tell me about it!!! I'll probably sit this one out and maybe give it another week or so. That should be enough time for him to meet someone else and forget all about me.

  Allie Summers: Ok. Well, have fun tonight . . . whatever you end up doing.

  Me: You, too :) Make sure you call me if you guys drink. I'll come get you. You can't be driving home after drinking. Especially not after the Cavern accident last year!!! xo :)

  Allie Summers: I'm DD tonight, but I promise to call if I change my mind or see anyone else that needs a ride. XOXO :)

  Here I am home alone, yet again, while the rest of the universe is out having fun. At least it's not a Saturday night this time. I think again about the Cavern accident, as a wave of panic ripples through me. What if Sam was in some sort of car accident?

  My phone beeps. Sure enough, it's finally a text message from Sam. Thank God.

  Harry: Hi Gorgeous. Sorry, I haven't texted. I forgot to charge my phone before we left and stupid me left my charger at home. Anyway, I'm sorry I missed you. Kyle dropped me off at the store so I could pick up a new one before we left for the concert. I barely had time to even charge it at the mall before he came back. Anyway, I guess I'll see you after the concert, ok?

  Me: You didn't tell me you were going to the concert. I thought we were going to hang out tonight.

  Harry: I know, but then Kyle and I got these tickets from one of our fraternity brothers. You know how much I like Coldplay, right?

  Me: You, Kyle, and my parents. So, who is all at the concert?

  Harry: Ok, so don't be mad.

  Me: Why would I be mad???

  Harry: Georgia brought her friend so it's just the 4 of us, but it's not like a date or anything.

  Me: Hmmm. Sounds like one to me.

  Harry: No way. I swear I'm not into her at all. You're all I've been thinking about all day, all night. I mean she's pretty and nice, but Laila, she is not YOU. Nobody is. ;)

  Me: Yeah, but you brought HER. Not ME.

  Harry: I wish I could have brought you, but Kyle would have thought that was weird. I even tried to get out of going, but I sort of panicked when Kyle said, and these were his EXACT words, Laila. What are you going to do? Hang out with lil sis all night?

  Me: Oh, but I thought you said that you LOVE Coldplay, Sam!

  Harry: I do, but I'd rather be there with YOU. :)

  Me: Doesn't sound like you tried all that hard to get out of it.

  Harry: It was weird, Laila. I swear he could read it all over my face. If you could have seen the look he was giving me, you'd totally understand. I had to think really quick and act like I was interested in meeting Georgia's friend. Otherwise, he would have known that something was up. Are you mad?

  Mad doesn't even begin to describe it. Is he really on a double date with another girl? What the hell? That is so completely not okay. In what universe does he think this situation would be acceptable? Do I really seem so pathetic that I would put up with having my boyfriend blow me off, and then go on a date with another girl?

  I can't even find the words to respond.

  Harry: Laila, please say something . . .

  Me: Have fun with WHAT's HER NAME on your double date!!! Don't worry about having to hang out with me. I won't be here tonight when you get back. I'm staying over at Avery's.

  Chapter Seventeen: Like It or Not, Here I Am

  I'm so angry that I throw my phone across the room. Thank God it's in a hard-shell case, because if it wasn’t, I'm sure the shattered pieces would be spread across the hardwood floor. I hope Avery doesn't mind me being a third wheel tonight after all. I race upstairs, and start shoving clothes into my backpack. I shoot Avery a quick text before leaving, but I don't wait for her response.

  "Like it or not, here I am," I think to myself, as I pull up to the curb. The moment I spot Trevor's sparkling clean, silver Mustang parked out front, my heart sputters wildly. I haven't seen or talked to him since Sunday. I haul my overnight bag over my shoulder and walk up to the porch. The front door finally swings open after my second round of knocking.

  "Lays, I got your message. You seem pissed. What happened?" She holds the door open, and ushers me into the cool air conditioning. My face is probably a ruddy mess.

  "Sam is a pig. That is what happened."

  Her eyes are practically bulging out of their sockets. She motions for me to follow her downstairs, to the movie room in her basement.

  "Do you have any alcohol?" I ask, with a mix of frustration and desperation in my voice.

  "Shhh. My parents are home. We can probably sneak into the liquor cabinet later, but you have to keep your voice down," she whispers, while shaking her head.

  "I'm sorry. I'm just so angry that I could literally scream at the top of my lungs, and it still wouldn't be loud enough." I toss my backpack across the armchair, and drama
tically fall back onto the sofa.

  "Okay, so he's a pig. What did he do to earn that title, Laila?" she asks, while folding her legs Criss-Cross Applesauce. She is facing me with her shoulders squared, and her back straight. With perfect posture, she places both of her hands gently on my shoulders, as if to calm me down. She waits patiently, as I attempt to slow my breathing.

  "Who's the pig?” The sound of his voice startles me. I almost forgot that Avery and I aren't alone. His amazing scent fills the room, causing my heart to skip. We both turn around to look at him.

  Trevor's face is so full of concern; even I have to admit he might genuinely be worried about me. Just hearing his soft, deep voice sends the butterflies into a massive frenzy. He settles down in the love seat adjacent to us, and waits for me to answer. His eyebrows remain furrowed, as if they are cemented this way. My eyes flicker down to his chest. He is wearing a black, slightly fitted t-shirt with plaid shorts. His tan seems darker than it did earlier this week, making me wonder if he spent time at the hotel swimming pool. When I imagine his bare chest sweating under the burning sun, I almost have to fan myself. What did he ask me again?

  "Sam is. You know, Laila's boyfriend? But I don't know why yet," Avery answers for me.

  I look at Avery, then Trevor, and then back at Avery again. I'm not sure this is something I'm willing to share with him. As if she is reading my mind, Avery stands up. "We're going upstairs to get some popcorn, Trevor. We'll be back. The Xbox is over there if you want to play."

  Trevor seems annoyed with us for leaving, but he doesn't say anything. He just sighs and shakes his head. Excuse me for not wanting to share the details of this very private situation with you. Irritating Trevor enters stage left. What happened to the sweet, soulful Trevor, whom I haven't been able to get out of my head all week?