by R. Linda
Audrey looked up then and saw my car. A smile broke across her face as she looked up at Gigantor and pointed in my direction. He frowned and nodded before reaching into her backpack and grabbing her phone. Pressing a few keys, he smiled at her and held out his hand for a fist bump.
Audrey walked away, her eyes sparkling in a way I’d not seen before, and for once, she looked truly happy. And it had nothing to do with me. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.
She opened the door and climbed in, throwing her bag on the back seat. “Hi.”
“Hey, cupcake. How was your day?” I asked, trying not to jump on her about the guy she was with.
“Interesting.”
“You okay?” I pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the outskirts of town to the roadhouse.
“Ask me in a week.”
“So, you made a friend.” I forced my fingers to loosen their grip on the steering wheel.
“I think so. His name is Bennett.”
“Uh-huh. That’s cool.” I sounded calm, right? Not jealous. Even I didn’t believe that.
“He’s new as well.”
“He sure looks like he fits right in.”
“Not really. He’s the principal’s son, so he kind of sticks out.”
“You sure that’s not because of his size? He looks like he’s twenty-five.”
“You’re twenty-five. You look nothing like Bennett.” She got all defensive of him, and I scowled.
Holy hell.
This was insane. I was jealous of a high school student when I had no right to be. But the idea of his arm around her, him making her smile, laugh, look at him like he was everything, didn’t sit well with me. I didn’t say anything else.
“He was the guy from the shop last week.”
Great, just great. “And he’s nice?’’
“He doesn’t stare at my scars, if that’s what you mean.” She folded her arms and stared out the window.
Shit, this wasn’t going the way I had planned. I wanted to celebrate her return to school, not argue about a guy who could be her friend. I wanted her to have friends and the life she deserved, and here I was being petty that another guy made her smile. But couldn’t she have made friends with a girl, or the scrawny, nerdy guy with glasses and braces?
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Well, what did you mean? He’s nice. He doesn’t treat me like I’m about to break at any minute. He treats me like a normal person.”
“You are a normal person.”
“Then why does everyone walk on eggshells around me? Why does everyone look at me like I’m going to snap?”
“Because we’re all concerned about you. You’ve had a hard time. Gone through more in the last year than most people do in their entire lives. And we just want to see you happy,” I said, hoping to make things better.
No one intended to treat her differently. We all knew what she’d been through and how far she’d come in a few months. No one wanted to see all her hard work be destroyed.
“Whatever. The kids at school all stared and pointed and looked at me like I was freak or someone they should pity. Some of the girls looked disgusted. But Bennett was friendly, and he didn’t even ask what happened. I like him. Maybe he’ll be a friend. Maybe he won’t. It doesn’t matter. I only have to stick it out for the remainder of the year, and then I’ll be done.”
We fell into silence after that. I didn’t want to push things further or upset her any more than I already had.
I pulled into the parking lot at the roadhouse and got out of the car. Audrey didn’t move. “You coming, or what?” I asked when I went around and opened her door.
“Why?”
“Thought we could grab something to eat.”
“Just because I went to school and actually left the house twice this week doesn’t mean I want to go running all over town every other minute.”
“It’s not all over town. It’s the roadhouse. My treat.” I gave her a smile and held out my hand, hoping she’d take it. If she did, I’d know she’d forgiven me for acting like a dick. If she didn’t, I’d have to work harder to make things right.
She went to school and came out laughing and smiling, and I ruined it with my stupid comments. Further proof that things between us shouldn’t happen.
“Fine,” she sighed but pushed my hand away. “I can get out by myself.”
“Sorry.” I chuckled, raising my hands in defence, and took a step back. Maybe she hadn’t entirely forgiven me, but she was willing to eat with me, so that was progress. And that was a win, in my opinion. Baby steps. And cupcakes.
Chapter Thirteen
Audrey
My first couple of weeks at school hadn’t been a complete disaster. Brody had relaxed a bit, but I did notice his eye twitch any time I mentioned Bennett’s name, or my phone buzzed with a text message from my new friend.
Bennett had been great. He was so laidback and easy-going it was hard not to want to be around him all the time. Every morning these last couple of weeks, he met me in Bailey’s classroom before school, and we’d sit and talk or listen to music on his phone while ignoring the students filling the halls.
No one ever spoke to me, and I didn’t care. Honestly, it was easier that way. If people talked to me, they’d want to know why I looked the way I did, and I’d become the gossip of the school. As it was now, they could only guess, and some of their theories were hilarious.
“I heard another one yesterday as I was leaving,” Bennett said, pushing his bagel in my direction and giving me a pointed look. He’d noticed pretty quickly that I didn’t eat at school and had taken it upon himself to bring breakfast every day. He claimed it was for him and that he couldn’t possibly eat two entire pieces of toast or a bagel by himself. But I knew he was doing it for me, and it was sweet.
“Oh, yeah? What is it this time?”
“That you fell into a vat of radioactive waste but didn’t come out a superhero.” He winked, and I burst out laughing. “If that’s the real story, that sucks for you. You must have fallen into a dodgy vat. Sorry, bro.”
I picked off a piece of bagel and threw it at him. He caught it in his mouth and grinned, pleased with his talent. “I didn’t fall into a vat of radioactive waste.”
“I know, because otherwise, you’d clearly hulk out or at least glow in the dark.”
I rolled my eyes. I liked that Bennett didn’t ask questions. He seemed to know I didn’t want to talk about my past and that being around people made me edgy. He sensed when I was going to freak out and somehow always managed to steer me away from danger, whether that was bitches at school or the fact I was about to have a panic attack. He’d take me somewhere quiet and sit with me silently until I’d calm down. He’d also glare at anyone who looked at me the wrong way.
I was beginning to feel like I owed him an explanation, though. We were becoming good friends, and he always went out of his way to make sure I was okay and that no one bothered me. But how could I explain it to him? I didn’t want to just drop it on him because that would be hard to hear, and he didn’t seem to want to pry. School didn’t feel like the right place for a deep confession either. There was too much to tell, too many haunting memories to relive, the fear, the excruciating pain, the loss…how could I put all that into words and not crumble?
The bell rang, so we grabbed our bags, and Bennett walked me the eight steps to my homeroom.
“Look at her,” someone behind us said, snickering to their friends.
“Ignore them,” Bennett whispered.
“I’m trying.”
Bennett stopped me and turned me to face him. “You going to be okay by yourself in there?” He brushed the hair out of my face and tucked it behind my ear.
“It’s fifteen minutes. I think I’ll get by.” I shook the hair loose, ignoring him when he rolled his eyes.
“Why is he hanging around her?” someone else said. Their words stung, though; I couldn’t deny that.
“Mayb
e he feels sorry for her.” Another person.
“Don’t let them get to you,” he said.
I dropped my head, suddenly very interested in the size difference between my feet and Bennett’s. His feet were huge. Easily double the size of mine. His large hand came to rest on the back of my neck as he cradled my head to his chest before dropping a kiss to my hair and releasing me.
“It’s because she’s hot,” Bennett called loudly enough for the entire hall to hear. He smoothly slid me behind him as he turned to face the students who had all stopped to stare. He gave me a little push back to the classroom door and then did something I didn’t see coming at all. Ever.
“Take a picture. It lasts longer,” he said then proceeded to pull his shirt over his head and throw it at one of the girls making cruel comments.
I darted into the classroom and slumped down into my seat, ignoring the students who were already there, staring with rapt attention at the shirtless boy in the hall. Bennett had successfully taken the focus from me in one well-played, very defined move.
“Mr. Sawyer,” a voice boomed down the hall.
Bennett stuck his head into the classroom with a cheeky grin. “I think I’m in trouble. I’ll catch up with you later, bro.” He winked and was out of sight before I could respond or thank him for being so…him.
I didn’t see Bennett again for the rest of the day, and that sucked. I really had come to rely on him in the few short weeks I’d known him. I spent my lunchtime hiding behind Bailey’s desk in an attempt to avoid the extra attention Bennett’s well-meaning comments had attracted. And in case Bennett came back, he’d know exactly where to find me.
The chatter in the halls for the rest of the day wasn’t focused on why I was so disfigured, but on the reason Bennett Sawyer, possibly the most attractive guy in the school—seriously, the girls melted when he smiled or ran a hand through his shoulder length golden hair—thought I was hot.
I didn’t for one minute believe he actually thought I was hot. I thought he was trying to make a point. He didn’t think I was ugly or disfigured, but hot? I didn’t think so either.
The end of the day couldn’t come fast enough. It was the weekend, and I was looking forward to locking myself in my room for the whole two days.
Brody was out the front of the school waiting, like he often did when he didn’t have to work afternoons. I climbed into his car without a word and stared out the window. He hadn’t asked me to watch a movie for weeks. He hadn’t surprised me with any cupcakes. He hadn’t kissed me since that one time in the bathroom, and I didn’t know why. If it weren’t for the fact he texted, picked me up as often as possible, or checked in on me every day, I’d think he was avoiding me. So, maybe he was avoiding kissing me. Maybe I wasn’t a good kisser. Maybe he regretted it.
“Hey, cupcake,” he said softly and reached over to turn my face to his. “Have a good day?”
“Why haven’t you kissed me again?” I blurted before I could stop myself.
“What?” He choked on air, and his hand slipped off the steering wheel, causing the car to swerve.
“Nothing. Just forget it.” My head was all over the place. The talk at school got to me more than usual today because I didn’t have Bennett as a buffer. And then I was worried about him. Why didn’t he come back this morning? Had he really gotten into that much trouble for sticking up for me?
“Audrey, I—”
“I had a bad day, and my head’s not right. Forget it. I just want to go home.”
“What happened today? Where was Bennett? I thought he looked out for you.”
“I’m not a child, Brody. I don’t need someone to look out for me.”
Brody sighed. He was getting frustrated with me more and more. And I was getting more and more snippy. He’d done nothing wrong. But I thought that was the problem. He’d done nothing since he kissed me. And I really wanted to kiss him again.
“Where was Bennett today?” he asked again.
“He got in trouble this morning for looking out for me, and I haven’t seen or heard from him since.”
“What did he do?”
“Took his shirt off and yelled ‘take a picture.’” I laughed.
“What?”
It didn’t escape my attention that Brody was holding the steering wheel so tight, I wouldn’t be surprised if he left grooves in it from his fingers. If I wasn’t mistaken, he was jealous. That thought alone sent a thrill through me. Brody was jealous of Bennett. Maybe he really did like me.
“To deflect attention from me. It worked, but I haven’t seen him since.”
“I’m sure he’s fine. He’ll probably message you later and explain,” Brody ground out, his voice hard. He was so jealous.
“Yeah, maybe I’ll call him tonight after dinner. I’d feel terrible if he got into a lot of trouble. I wouldn’t want him to blame me or hate me and not want anything to do with me anymore. I need him. He keeps me sane and calm at school.” I was stretching, embellishing a little, but it was working. I was making him jealous. “If it wasn’t for him, I’d be a ball of nerves every day and hiding under Bailey’s desk having panic attacks.”
“Yeah.”
Brody really didn’t like my new friendship with Bennett. I smiled to myself. Maybe this would force things to happen now. If not, I could always drop a little hint that Bennett kissed me, even if it was only my head.
Brody remained silent until we got home. He pulled the car into the drive but didn’t make a move. He appeared to be warring with himself. His jaw was clenched, and his Adam’s apple moved slowly in his throat as he swallowed.
“I haven’t kissed you again because I’m afraid that one more kiss won’t be enough,” he said so softly, I barely heard him. He wouldn’t look at me; he stared straight at the house. “I’m afraid if I start, I won’t want to stop.”
Warmth spread through my veins, and butterflies erupted in my stomach. “Maybe I don’t want you to stop.”
Brody groaned and tilted his head back. He took a deep breath and ran his hands over his face but didn’t say anything else. I gave him a minute, and when he still didn’t speak, I grabbed my bag and opened the car door to step out.
Brody’s strong hand wrapped around my wrist and tugged me back into the car. “Fuck it.”
And then he kissed me.
One hand cupped my cheek, his fingers teasing my hair, while his other hand rested on my waist. I sighed and leaned into him, gripping his shirt and pulling him closer. His mouth was soft and warm against mine, coaxing my lips open until I felt his tongue. My eyes closed, and I spread my fingers across his chest, moving up to his neck, into his hair.
He kissed me with care, passion, and with all the unspoken words between us. His tongue moved against mine in slow, unhurried movements. His fingers on my waist worked their way under the hem of my shirt, teasing my skin and causing goose bumps to break out all over my flesh. I wanted to get closer, needed to get closer. He was right; one kiss wouldn’t be enough. Not now.
Breaking the kiss, Brody pulled back and touched his forehead to mine. I tried to kiss him again, but he moved, stopping me. With a breathy laugh, he said, “That’s why I haven’t kissed you again. Because all I want to do is sit here and make out like teenagers all night.”
“Good thing for you I’m in high school.” I leaned in and kissed him again.
It was over before it had started. Brody ended it almost immediately. “Trust me, Audrey, it’s killing me to push you away right now, but we can’t. Look where we are.” He pointed at the house, and I winced. We were kissing in Leanne and Steve’s driveway right beside Indie’s car. Was her car here when we pulled up? I couldn’t remember. My mind was fuzzy, and all I could focus on was Brody’s perfect lips. “And you’re still only seventeen. It’s wrong.”
“I’m only seventeen for five more days,” I sing-songed as I got out of the car and closed the door behind me before he could respond.
I walked in the front door and headed straight to
my room to drop my bag on the floor before heading to the kitchen for a snack.
I stopped short when I heard Indie and Leanne speaking.
“This is between us, okay?” Indie said. “Bailey can’t know. Ryder would kill me if I ruin things for him.”
“I promise,” Leanne said.
So, not only were Indie and Ryder lying to Bailey about something, now Indie was lying to Ryder and getting Leanne in on it as well. What the hell was going on? Bailey was a sweetheart and didn’t deserve all this deception. The happiness I was feeling thirty seconds ago fizzled out, and anger took over.
I stormed into the kitchen and glared in Indie’s direction. She jumped and painted a fake smile on her face. “Audrey,” she laughed nervously, “didn’t hear you come home.”
“Obviously.”
“How was school today?” Leanne asked as she busied herself with making coffee.
“Fine. What are we talking about?” I climbed onto the stool next to Indie and stared at her.
“Nothing.” She shrugged and focused on spinning her empty coffee mug on the counter.
“You come to visit your mum and sit here in silence?” I raised an eyebrow in disbelief. Did she really think I was that stupid?
“Just talking about boring stuff.”
“Oh, you mean that stuff you and Ryder were discussing in secret the other week that you don’t want Bailey to know?”
Indie dropped the mug on the counter, and Leanne turned to look at me.
“What did you hear?”
“Enough to know you and Ryder are lying about something, and now you,” I pointed at Leanne, “are too.”
“Look, it’s nothing to worry about. Nothing bad. I promise.” Indie tried to cover herself, but I decided to call her bluff.
