Chapter 8
CHARLIE
This has been the worst date of my life. Jacob spent the entire dinner yapping about football and how Troy is a god among us. How could Vivian set me up with a football fanatic? And if he’s such a fan, doesn’t he know I was the one who wrote the nasty article about Troy?
Jacob seems oblivious that I want to gag him with a chain saw as he drives me back home.
I’m ready to bail as soon as he parks the car in front of my house, but it isn’t to be.
The house is packed with random people. Some are outside, chatting animatedly, and loud music can be heard, even from inside the car.
I can’t believe this. Troy decided to throw a party without telling me? That’s fucking wrong.
“Whoa. I didn’t know you were having a party tonight.” Jacob drives past our house instead of stopping, so I can get out.
“Where are you going?”
“Uh, I’m going to look for a place to park.”
Shit . Of course he wants to come in.
Angry doesn’t begin to cover my feelings right now. I’m going to throttle Troy when I get the chance.
Jacob manages to park his car two blocks away, which means the asshole is forcing me to walk all the way back to the house in high heels. If the date hadn’t already been a bust, the lack of gentlemanly conduct would seal his fate.
I stride ahead in silence, not hiding the fact that I’m pissed. On the front porch, a stupid drunk girl almost spills beer all over me as she misses a step. Patience is not a virtue I possess. Troy had better stay the fuck out of my way tonight.
I have every intention to disappear into my room, but the sight I encounter as I walk through the front door raises my blood to the boiling point.
Strangers are wearing the cosplay outfits I had separated to donate to my brother’s high school.
Some of those costumes cost hundreds of dollars and are now being ruined by monster football players who are too big for them.
I’m going to lose my shit in front of all these people.
Fuming, I search for Troy in the crowd, finding him in the kitchen, surrounded by his adoring fans. Curling my hands into fists, I march in his direction. He doesn’t notice my presence until I push one of the girls to the side.
“Hey!” she complains. “What the hell!”
I ignore her, keeping my murderous stare on Troy.
His lips curl into a lazy, drunken smile. “Hey, roomie. You’re home. How was your date?”
“Why are your friends wearing my costumes?”
“Oh, I didn’t think you’d mind. They were marked as donation.”
“You ass! You had no right to go through my stuff!”
His bloodshot eyes narrow. “If you don’t want me to mess with your personal belongings, don’t leave them lying everywhere.”
“So, the gloves have finally come off.”
“Who is this bitch?” a random redhead asks.
I turn my ire on her. “What did you call me?”
Troy suddenly jumps in between his guest and me. “Whoa. Everyone, calm down. Charlie, why don’t you grab a beer and chill? This is a party, for fuck’s sake. Relax.” He reaches for my arm, but I quickly pull away.
“Don’t touch me.”
I whirl around and make a dramatic exit, stomping with the fury of a stampede. I could call the cops and end the party, but everyone already hates me, and I don’t need to give them more reason. Besides, my beef isn’t with them; it’s with Troy.
But if he thinks I’m going to simply forget his assholery, he’s sorely mistaken.
He wants war? I’ll give him war.