Chapter 16
Bayleigh
I can’t stop replaying Milton’s words in my head—that he’d bet that Lincoln would take ASL classes so that he could talk to me without an interpreter. The idea is… well, it’s sweet; almost painfully so. If it’s true. Just the mere idea twists something inside of me, making me giddy.
It’s not that I haven’t had people try to learn for me before.
I had a couple of friends, teachers, even a guy I dated before; all of them tried to learn.
But it never fails; when they see how much time it takes and how most people just end up staring, they always give up.
I’m not worth the effort, and I’ve come to terms with that.
Yet, just the mention that Lincoln might try to learn is enough to have my heart soaring with anticipation.
I can already imagine sitting in front of Lincoln, our eyes gazing into one another’s as we speak to each other. Alone. No James around to interpret our most intimate and playful thoughts.
With all my heart, I want to believe that Lincoln’s different from most of the people I’ve encountered, but Benton’s words linger in my mind.
A dull reminder that everyone leaves because they don’t want the extra work that comes with being around me.
Sometimes, there’s a nagging question in the back of mind that even James wouldn’t be around if he weren’t my paid interpreter.
If Benton weren’t my brother, would he be my friend?
Immediately the past takes hold.
I need to use the bathroom so badly I’m afraid I’m going to pee myself. I write out a note real quick, then raise my hand. Mrs. Wildchild waves me up to her, and I take her the slip of paper. She nods her head and I rush from the room, barely making it to the bathroom in time.
Taking my time, I wash my hands when I’m done, run my fingers through my hair, and tame the wild strands. Two more hours and school is done, and Albert is taking me to eat at the diner. I still can’t believe he asked me out. He’s a senior, and I’m just a sophomore.
I open the door and head down the hallway, but then I see Albert turning the corner.
He should be in class. Speeding my steps, I rush to catch up with him.
But when I turn the corner, I see him with Allie.
She has her back against the lockers, and Albert’s pressed up against her, hand gripping her breast as they kiss passionately.
I step back, hand going to my mouth. Why? He is going on a date with me today.
Tripping on my feet, I fall into the locker, catching their attention. They both start laughing when they see it’s me.
I sign, needing to speak even though I know he’s not going to understand what I’m saying. I want—no need—to know what’s going on.
“Aww, looks like she’s caught us.” Allie steps up to me, making sure she’s speaking at me so I can read her lips. “It was just a bet, stupid. Did you really think the captain of the football team would want to date you? The deaf girl?”
My eyes shoot to him, waiting for him to tell her to shut up, to say she’s lying. But he doesn’t.
“I’m now a hundred dollars richer.” He laughs, wrapping his arms around Allie’s shoulder. “It would've been more if I could have gotten you in bed with me.”
Allie pouts. “Look at her face, she’s going to cry. This is epic. Hold on.” She pulls out her phone and starts recording.
I can see both their lips moving, but I’m stunned, unable to move, to process what’s happening. All I can do is run. As far away from here as I can.
A familiar wetness on my face pulls me from my memory, and I lift my hand, wiping it away. James taps me on the arm, and I look over at him as he pulls to a stop at the light.
Are you okay? he asks.
I nod. It’s a lie. One I’ve become a pro at telling. Benton had to go turn in the leftover items at the coach’s office, so he drove by himself today, while I rode with James.
You sure? I should’ve known he wouldn’t believe me.
Yeah, just tired. I need a nap.
Me too. He signs just before the light turns green, and he takes off.
I wish I could leave everything in the past where it belongs, but it continues to rear its ugly head.
Everything that happened to me only made me stronger.
I know that. There’s no way I’m going to be anyone's joke again. But it doesn’t mean that the past, the memories, don’t still hurt when they rear their ugly heads, trying to sour the good moments.
James pulls up in front of my house and shifts the car into park.
Want some company?
I shake my head. No. I’m going to get something to eat and maybe take a nap. I’m exhausted. Message me later.
He nods as I get out of the car and head inside.
Going to my room, I drop off my purse and jacket, and change into my pajamas.
I firmly plan to be a couch potato for the rest of the day and night.
Heading back downstairs, I go straight to the kitchen and open the refrigerator, smiling when I see there’s still some leftover lasagna from last night.
After scooping some onto a plate, I stick it in the microwave and let it warm up, while I get a can of Wild Cherry Pepsi.
My thoughts drift to Lincoln again, wondering what he’s doing.
Then Grady makes an appearance, and my concern over his wrist consumes me.
The way his pink grapefruit and ginger scent called to me.
He’s a grown man, someone I haven’t even had a conversation with before today, yet I find myself worried about him, wanting to care for him.
What the fuck is wrong with me?
Once the light goes off on the microwave, I take the plate, drink and phone to the kitchen table.
I’m eating and scrolling through my emails when a message from Lincoln pops up.
Lincoln: How are you?
My heart skips a beat with excitement.
Me: Good. Just tired. I helped my brother with a charity event today.
Lincoln: My brother and Milton were at that too.
Me: I know. I talked to Milton. A teenager got a lucky hit today and smacked a puck off the net and hit his wrist. He should’ve been wearing gloves. It was pretty swollen.
Lincoln: Aww, was my girl playing nurse today? I have a boo boo, too. Can you kiss it and make it better?
My pulse quickens just thinking about kissing him. How his lips would feel against mine. Even kissing other things.
Me: Guess we’ll just have to see.
Me: Seriously though, make sure he keeps it elevated and ices it. If it doesn’t get better, he may want to see the team trainer.
Lincoln: Yes ma’am.
Lincoln: Can I show you something?
Me: Of course.
What does he want to show me? I sit there, waiting for something to come through, but it doesn’t. Is this the part where this all turns into a game and he’s just fucking with me, toying with my emotions?
Then a message pops through. A video. I open it, and I can’t help but let out a squeal. It’s him—signing his name clumsily but proudly.
Me: That’s so good. You’re learning to sign?
Lincoln: Thanks for not destroying me. It’s terrible, I know. I learned that from a video, but I signed up for a class.
Lincoln: I hope it helps me learn faster. That way we can talk without needing anyone to translate. It’s going to make taking you on a date a lot easier. Plus, when I ask you out, I don’t want it to be by a text or translated.
Me: You’re going to ask me out? On a date?
Lincoln: I am. Are you going to say yes when I do?
I pause for a minute. Am I?
Me: Guess you’ll have to ask to find out.
My happiness is shattered when Benton walks into the kitchen, flipping the lights to get my attention. I can tell from the sour look on his face and the way his jaw is clenched that he’s still wound tight from what happened earlier at the charity event.
He immediately starts signing.
You getting cozy with another Scorpion now? I don’t need to hear his voice to know he’s growling. Lincoln wasn’t enough? You had to flirt with Milton too?
I let out a sigh. Any desire to eat the remaining food on my plate is now lost. Pushing the plate away, I roll my eyes at him.
It wasn’t flirting. I was helping him after he got hit. Try showing some gratitude instead of acting like I’m breaking league rules. In case you forgot, I’m your sister, not your teammate. This rivalry of yours doesn’t involve me.
That only fires him up more.
You don’t get it, Bay. These guys—they’re not like you. Korbin’s one of them, and he’s a piece of shit. Always has been. Lincoln, his brother, comes from the same cloth. And Milton, well he’s just as bad as the other two. You’re too good, too pure for them.
I place my hands on the table and shove my chair backward as I stand, my anger spiking.
If it were up to you, I’d be in a monastery, hidden away from any male. You’re not kidding anyone, Benton. The issue you have is that you’re still hung up on her. Gina left both of you years ago. Get over it. She got her jollies off by playing both of you, pitting each of you against the other.
Benton just laughs, shaking his head as his shoulders rise and fall.
Double standard, don’t you think, Bay? So, I should get over Gina and my issues with Korbin, just like you got over Joseph?
His words hit like a slap to the face. The air freezes between us; the room suddenly cold.
“That’s not the same,” I yell, forgetting all about signing. “Joseph was my scent match, and he rejected me. Gina was just some omega you passed around until she found someone else!”
Benton’s eyes go wide. He can see the anger in my face, the fact that I actually spoke when he knows I don’t like to. He shoves a hand through his hair, pacing across the kitchen as I just glare at him, tears sliding down my cheeks.
He finally stops and turns to me.
And what if that’s what you are to them, huh?
Some deaf omega they can fuck to say they did it.
You’re not their scent match, so what happens if they find her?
You think they’ll stay when the novelty wears off?
That’s what I’m trying to protect you from.
I never want to see you in pain. Joseph…
he broke something in you, and you’re just now returning to the person you were.
I tune him out halfway through. He knows exactly how to twist the knife, and this time he does it deep. My hand flies before my brain catches up, the sting of my hand meeting his cheek reverberating through my palm, the jolt traveling up my arm. We both flinch.
My body shakes as I gaze at him, my vision blurring, before I snatch my phone from the table and run from the kitchen straight to my bedroom, slamming the door behind me.