"Everything okay? How's Heather?" If I guessed right, Heather was the reason for the troublesome look.
"I spoke with Heather the other day." She turned away, but not before I noticed the sudden mist in her eyes.
"Is she," I paused, repressing a sigh, "doing okay?"
Mrs. Richards cleared her throat before looking back at me. "I'm not sure. She said she's in Lubbock."
"Does Elle know?" I knew the answer before she said anything.
"No, and I didn't want to worry her." She bit her bottom lip, a habit shared with Elle. "I thought if you could talk to Elle, maybe she would ask around. Maybe show Heather's picture to people?"
As usual, Mrs. Richards poured all of her time and energy into Heather. Everything revolved around Heather while Elle got put on the backburner. Sudden anger flared inside of me from the need to protect Elle, but I pushed it aside.
"I'll be sure to talk with her when I see her."
She nodded, smiling softly back at me. I had to get out, go away before I blew up. I knew she worried about her daughter, but Elle needed her mom as much as her sister did.
"It was good to see you again, Mrs. Richards, but I should get going. I promised to help my mom this afternoon with a fundraiser." A lie, but the only excuse I could think of.
"Oh, sure. Thank you for coming to see me. You being here means a lot."
"Yes, ma'am."
Mrs. Richards walked me to the front door and hugged me again before I left.
Elle's sister needed help, but their mom denied her ever having a problem until it was too late, and their dad didn't give two shits about them. He and my dad were in running for dickhead dad of the year.
On my way home, I decided I wouldn't tell Elle. Regardless of what her mom said, I knew she'd tell her anyway. I couldn't bear the thought of hurting Elle any sooner than necessary.
* * *
A few weeks later, Elle called to say she was headed home. Early the same day, I packed my stuff and took off to Lubbock. Chicken shit move, I know, but I couldn't deal with her. Not yet. I needed more time. Telling Elle about school would be easy. Telling her about Kellie, not so much. Even the thought created a sort of panic–sickness in the pit of my stomach, promising to haunt me forever.
In the beginning, Kellie became my distraction. I didn't do relationships. I'd tried commitment before. It just never stuck. The next thing I knew we were a thing and I'd fallen in love with her. Being with Kellie made me forget about wanting someone else. However, the closer the time came to seeing Elle, the closer I came to falling apart.
Distraction or not.
Elle
Summer had gone by in a blur. I couldn't believe it was time to head back to school already. I was still pissy at not being able to see the two people I missed most.
Heather had skipped town and Tristan left early due to football obligations.
"You're not still sulking are you?"
I rolled my eyes at Mom. "Of course not."
I’d moped around the first few days back, especially when Mom said Tristan had dropped by to say hi. Go figure she'd get to see him. It'd been forever since we'd seen one another.
"You'll let me know if you hear from Heather?"
"Of course," Mom said quickly, but she refused to look me in the eye.
All I ever did was worry about my sister. Whenever I asked my mom about her, she clammed up and became evasive, which wasn't normal.
The minute my dad left years ago, my mom stopped being a mom. When my sister lashed out, someone had to step up. So, I took charge. From then on, Mom pretended life was perfect while I shouldered the burdens of our broken family.
I'd attempted to call dad, but as predicted, his time didn't include me. I shouldn't have let his sidestepping my call bother me, but I guess I hoped he'd have changed. Truth was he sucked ass at being a dad.
When my parents divorced, he didn't simply move to a new home. He left the state and never looked back. My sister took his leaving hard, and my mom blamed him for her meltdowns and eventually, her drug addiction.
The drugs are why I'd been so worried about her. A few years ago, I'd given Heather a prepaid phone when it became clear she didn't want to get clean. Maybe I was as much of an enabler as my mom, but I slept better knowing she could reach me if she needed or wanted help. Problem with my plan was she rarely answered my calls. Oddly enough, she did stay in touch with our mom. They were more like best friends than mother and daughter.
“Honey, I’m glad you had a good summer."
“Yeah. Listen, don’t forget to call if you hear from Heather." My mom supplied me a tightlipped smile, and then quickly changed the subject.
“You’ve done so well in school, and I want you to know I’m proud of you." I could only stare. Compliments or even acknowledgement were few and far between. With her crazy near-mother-esque behavior, I said goodbye.
Now Alyssa and I were packed up and headed back to school. I really wanted the year to be drama free, but when living with three other females, drama never seemed far behind.
* * *
Bang Bang Bang
"Alyssa, wake your ass up. Now!" The sound of a fist slamming into the wood door grew hard to ignore, specifically since the noise woke me up from a dead sleep. Groggy and a little more than pissed, I shuffled over to the door. Opening it wide, I found a not too happy Ginger scowling at me.
"Sorry to wake you, Elle, but I need to talk to Alyssa. Is she here?" Ginger peeked over my shoulder, searching for my roommate and best friend, who of course chose to be AWOL at the moment.
"Sorry, Ginger, but she didn't come back from the party with me last night. I'm sure you can catch her," I turned to the clock on my night stand, "a little later today. She probably won't get in until after lunch."
With a huff, Ginger stormed down the hall toward her room. Needing more sleep, I hopped back in bed and prayed whatever Alyssa did this time wouldn't get her thrown out of our rented house. I couldn't afford to live here without her shared part of the rent. Pushing the disruption out of my mind, I let sleep take me, deeply.
Eight o'clock classes came way too early, especially when woken up in the middle of the night by an irate roommate and sorority sister, whose intent no doubt, was to kill your best friend. In truth, I had two best friends: Tristan Daniels and Alyssa Grant. While I loved them, they both equally enjoyed talking crap to each other as often as possible. The fact that Tristan didn't live here made their somewhat heated banter a current non-issue.
Tristan and I had been friends since we were in diapers, and Alyssa and I became fast friends the first day of Kindergarten. She and I did everything together, including getting into college and the Kappa house, though being in a sorority was more her idea than mine. Granted, I did enjoy the perks, such as the social opportunities. However, I could live without the not-so-entertaining drama associated with being around so many females. Particularly, when your best friend is caught sneaking off with one of your fellow sorority sister's boyfriends, but that's Alyssa for you. As long as he's not married, he's up for grabs. Then again, even married, she'd probably think of seducing him as a challenge or something.
"Miss Richards, if you aren't interested in paying attention to my lecture then please leave. I'd prefer not to waste my time at the end of the semester helping you catch up." The lecture hall laughed, my cheeks flamed, and I sunk further into my chair.
"Sorry, sir. I'll be sure to pay attention." I stumbled over my words, which caused Mr. Edwards to shake his head disdainfully. Being as this was a journalism class, stuttering in response didn't gain me any points.
Tardy the first day of class–check. Humiliated in the first class of the day–check. Thanks to me, we were assigned to research ways not to stutter during an interview.
"Thanks a lot, Elle," Sami, a fellow sorority sister, grumbled as I walked by on my way out of class. I really wanted to kill Alyssa, as long as Ginger didn't get to her before I did. Thankfully, the rest of my morning classes ran s
moothly, and I headed back to my house for a quick bite to eat.
When I opened the front door, Alyssa shot up and off the couch. "Elle, ohmygod!" She grabbed my arm, yanking me with her down the hall to our room.
"Jesus, you're hurting me. What the hell?" Alyssa freed my arm, plopping down on my bed. Why she always found it necessary to mess up my bed was beyond me.
"Well, what's the urgency? And can you not plop yourself on your own bed?"
"Mine's a mess. Besides, I had to tell you something without the others around."
I shook my head and sat beside her. "Does this have to do with why Ginger came banging on our door at three o'clock this morning?"
She grinned, showing her perfect straight white teeth.
"Yes," she admitted. "Last night at the mixer, Bret charged into the game room all pissed. At first I ignored him, but then he asked if I'd grab him a beer. I did, and we started talking about Ginger."
I crossed my arms over my chest, waiting for her confession.
"So we talked for a while, and when we emptied our beers, he told me he would be back in a minute with another round. He was so sweet, and I thought if I figured out why he and Ginger were fighting I could help out."
I didn't believe her for one second, but I continued listening to her story.
"So, while Bret was gone, Ginger came in with Robbie. You remember him? The hot football guy I dated last year, all muscles with no brains." I nodded my agreement. "Well, they were all over each other. It was way too much PDA, but to each their own, right?
"Anyway, that's when Bret walked in. He laughed at first, said something to Robbie like go get ‘em or whatever. But then Ginger and Robbie pulled apart, and he got a good messy look at who his bud was sucking face with." Alyssa took a deep breath, her expression full of pent-up animation.
"So, instead of beating the shit out of Robbie, he laughed and said..." She paused, adding dramatic flair. "Man, she's not that good in the sack, but she gives great head."
I choked on my spit at that point. How vile was that? "No, he did not. I cannot believe he said that. That's awful."
Alyssa agreed, clicking her tongue.
"So what happened next?" Ginger wasn't the nicest girl in Kappa, and on several occasions she'd taken crap shots at me in front of the others. But still.
"Bret sat back on the couch handing me another beer and Ginger stormed down the hall. I did mention what he said was pretty crude, even if she did deserve it. Bret just shrugged his shoulders and said he had to go."
Okay, I felt really bad. All along I'd thought Alyssa hooking up with Bret had been the reason Ginger was so pissed.
"This is messed up. Have you talked to Ginger yet?"
"Nope. She came back to the house while Brandi, Tisha, and I were watching TV in the living room, but didn't stay long enough to chat. Tisha was really pissed at what Ginger did to her brother. I guess that's why Ginger didn't want to get into an argument with her around."
"Classes just started and already we have drama. I was really hoping this year would be easy." Just one more year to get through after this one.
"Don't get your panties in a wad, Elle. Everything will be fine, like always. And I know what you're thinking. So don't. You aren't getting out of the party this weekend. Got it?"
I rolled my eyes, about to tell her once and for all there was no way in hell I'd be going to the disco with her, when I got a text.
"Hey, it's Tristan." I opened the text, ignoring her hateful comments. Oh, my goodness. He's coming to Lubbock this weekend.
"What's loser boy got you so happy about?" She peeked over my shoulder, then grumbled her dislike of my other best friend coming to visit.
Instead of taking the scholarship here at Tech, Tristan had taken off to UT. Honestly, I was a little more than disappointed, but I understood when he said he needed space away from home. His football ability was off the charts, and UT happily accepted him. His final decision made me happy for him, even if it meant we didn't get to see each other as often as I'd liked.
Another text came across. Have something to tell you. Big news!
"You can bring him along. Now you can't use this as an excuse to get out of the disco." Alyssa placed her hands on her hips, scowling at me.
I slapped on an agreeing smile. "Listen, I've gotta run. My next class is across campus and I'm probably going to be late as it is. I'll see ya after." She waved me off, and I grabbed my bag and rushed out the door.
Chapter 2
Tristan
At the end of summer when football practice began, my new coach said I'd have to prove myself. Originally I thought I'd be considered starting receiver, but it didn't happen. Bret McLaughlen took lead while I stood in as back-up. I'd never been second choice before. A hard concept to swallow, but I'd managed. Bret proved to be a decent player, but my abilities were better qualified for the position. I had a kick-ass record for fuck’s sake. Time would tell, though hopefully before games started.
The guys on the team were cool, apart from one guy, Robbie. He had a cold look in his eyes that didn't settle well with me. As long as he kept his distance, we'd be all right.
Sprints, up-downs, and field training kicked my ass the first couple weeks. I worked out daily, but getting accustomed to the dry heat again made for some long-ass days. Our practices were hard core, but as the weeks went on I got around fine.
The next thing I knew, summer session ended and fall semester was here. My parents and Kellie were excited, especially my overbearing, dick of a dad. He'd been absent for two years and now suddenly, planted himself up my ass. Living close to home would be a challenge if he decided to keep close tabs on me. However, at the moment I didn't have time to worry about him, I had classes to find.
All day I'd ran late to most of my classes. Figuring out Tech's campus made life hell. I should have paid more attention this summer. I'd walked in circles for about fifteen minutes, ready to give up, when a cute blonde graciously asked if I needed help.
"Yeah, I'm lost," I admitted. The girl supplied me an innocent smile before taking a look at my schedule. I gave her a quick once over. Her jeans hugged her curvy body and the baggy pink T-shirt hung low enough to see cleavage. Nice rack.
"I'm Bridget. We have English together. You're supposed to be in the computers lab right now. It's not too far from here." She handed my schedule back.
"Thanks, can you point out which direction?"
"I'll do better. I'll walk you there."
"My lucky day." I winked, and a deep blush covered her face.
"So, what's your major?" I looked up, trying my damnedest to keep from watching her perky chest bounce when she walked.
"Football." Her eyes lit up in a look I used to enjoy. Had I been single, I would've scored by the end of the day.
"I love the game, but love the players even more." Yep, I knew I could've had her screaming my name. I laughed.
"Unfortunately, I'm unavailable."
Her lips pulled down in a sexy pout. "Here you are. Yours is the first room on your right."
"Thanks for your help. I'll look for you in English."
"Hey, if you find yourself single, I'll be around."
"I'll keep that in mind." I shook my head as I walked into the computers lab. Class had already begun and I hurried to an empty seat next to a cute brunette with legs for miles.
She mouthed the word, "Hi."
I smiled back before listening to the lecture. Times like these I wondered why the hell I willingly chose to be in a relationship.
I sat back in my chair, attempting to take notes, but my mind drifted. I'd texted Elle earlier, asking to meet up with her this weekend. I still hadn't confessed about being here, and I knew if she caught me she'd be pissed. Honestly, not running into her before now had been a miracle. Shit, just thinking about seeing her made my pulse take off. Usually we made sure to see each other during breaks from school, but I hadn't seen her since last Christmas, and only for a few hours before I'd flown ba
ck to Austin. To put it mildly, I missed her.
When class finished, I drove back to my townhouse. My dad and uncle were in real estate together, so I didn't have to pay rent. Cool with me. Kellie had moved most of her stuff into her dorm, but she'd asked to stay here until her dad could move her larger furniture this Sunday. I didn't mind, she'd basically lived with me in Austin.
She and a few friends had planned a weekend getaway. I told her I'd made plans with Elle. Kellie never came out and said she didn't like my plans, but I didn't think she was completely on board with the idea either.
When I got home, I tossed my keys on the kitchen counter, ready for a cold beer and some much-needed downtime.
"Baby, could you come in here for a second?" Kellie's voice carried down the hall to my living room.
"Yeah." I made my way down the hall to my room. When I walked in, I stopped and stared.
"Do you think I should take this outfit with me this weekend?" She grinned devilishly at me, cheeks dimpled and her deep brown eyes smoldering.
Damn. The woman definitely knew how to get my attention. The color of her pale skin stood in contrast to the red lacy bra and panties she wore. Quickly, I shortened the distance until we were standing face to face.
"The only place you're wearing this," I traced my hand over the curve of her breast, my thumb circling her firm nipple, "is in bed with me."
Her lips screamed for my attention first, and I pulled her in, kissing her hard. She'd coated her lips with that cherry lip shit she liked. I hated the medicated taste that lingered in my mouth, but the waxed flavor played second to what I wanted, and right then, the feel of her rubbing against me took precedence.
I grazed my teeth against her earlobe, causing a breathy moan to escape from her opened mouth. I smiled. Finished playing around, I picked her up and carried her to my bed.
"I'll be right back." I gave Kellie a quick kiss and moved away. I fumbled for my jeans and pulled out my wallet. When I looked up and found her licking her lips, my concentration wavered. Damn, she was hot.
Distraction Page 2
