Chapter 7 #2
“That isn’t what I’m worried about,” Talia says. “We were all out on the night of Tucker’s birthday. And yet, the thing that got us all in trouble was a photo of Taryn and Tucker. Maybe it was a coincidence, or maybe we have a rat in our group.”
Talia’s glare is directed at Gen. It’s so obvious that Gen can’t help but react.
“I don’t understand why you’re looking at me.”
“You don’t? Let me spell it out clearly, so even you can understand. I really don’t think that Carole seeing that photo was a coincidence. I think that you showed her or sent her that picture because you were hoping to get Taryn kicked out of training camp.”
Genevieve’s reaction is shocked and outraged, but I don’t know if I believe her.
“How dare you?” She gasps. “Taryn is one of the best dancers on our team. Why would I want to get her kicked off of camp?”
It’s Jodie who answers that question. “Because you’re fucking jealous, Gen.
You’ve had it out for Taryn from the second we set foot in town.
You sabotaged her outfit before her solo audition, that the only photo of our night at Starstruck had Taryn in it and then you even kicked her in the head. What more proof do we need?”
It’s no surprise that Gen doesn’t admit to any of the accusations against her.
“If anyone is jealous, it’s you two. And Taryn, if she put you up to accusing me in front of everyone.
The costume was an accident, and so was the kickline.
If anything, it’s your fault I kicked Taryn, because you were half a beat behind and you kept shifting your weight on me, Jodie.
I lost my balance. I didn’t mean to hurt Taryn.
And that photo went viral. You should know what that means since you have quite the social media following. ”
Jodie and I look at each other. Neither of us really believes Gen, but at the same time, we can’t prove beyond any reasonable doubt that she’s behind every incident that has involved me.
“If you’re telling the truth,” Talia bites out. “Vaughn should be right then that if we all hang out and if we don’t go out in public, we should be safe from repercussions even if we got caught.”
It’s Genevieve’s turn to glare at us. “I agree. I think we should all go. I want to try to get Mack to talk to me, and tonight might be my best chance. He’ll be happy after he scored a hat trick. Hopefully, he’s going to let me explain myself.”
“So if we all go,” Jodie insists. “There won’t be any surprise photos of Taryn or anyone else you feel threatened by shared with Carole or Lexi?”
Gen crosses her arms over her chest. “I didn’t share anything with Carole, so yeah. I just want to party a little bit and try to make my boyfriend see reason. You do you.”
“Ok, then.” Olivia claps her hands, jumping up and down. “Let’s go get changed and party all night with the hockey players!”
The chatter in the locker room reaches such a high pitch that Carole and Lexi may be able to hear us from the staff quarters.
All the girls are planning their outfits and packing up their lockers, getting ready to leave.
“What are you gonna wear?” Jodie asks. “I was thinking of my pink halter top and my favorite skinny jeans. The ones that make my ass look spectacular.”
“That’s because your ass is spectacular, Jo-Jo.” I giggle and she pulls me closer and gives me a noisy, slightly wet kiss.
“You’re just the best friend ever, Tar. I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
I hug my best friend.
I should tell her about those texts, but she looks happier and more relaxed than I’ve seen her since her boyfriend broke up with her before spring break. She’s riding a high after our first performance, and I don’t want to worry her and ruin her night.
Those text messages will still be on my phone tomorrow.
“I love you, Jo-Jo.” I squeeze her tight.
“Ride or die, baby.” She whispers in my ear. “So, what are you gonna wear?”
A sigh escapes me as I shut my locker. “To be honest, babes, I don’t think I’m up for a party tonight. I’m beat and I was actually looking forward to having an early night.”
She looks around to make sure that none of our teammates are eavesdropping. “Ooh, I see. Did Tucker or Colsen ask you on a hot date? By the way, did you make up your mind about who you’re gonna choose?”
My head is throbbing with what promises to be one hell of a headache, but I don’t say anything. Knowing Jodie, if she knew that I don’t feel well, she’d give up on the party, and I don’t want to ruin her night.
“No, I haven’t chosen.” Before I tell her that we want to keep things as they are long term, I want to make sure that the guys aren’t going to change their minds.
“And both Colsen and Tucker asked me to hang out, but to be honest, I’m beat.
I might make myself a grilled cheese, watch a girly movie or a documentary, and if I feel up to it, do a couple of loads of laundry since everyone is going to be at the party and I’ll have the laundry room to myself. ”
“Aww no, babes.” Jodie groans. “Come on. Let’s party. Live a little.”
I’m genuinely exhausted and my mind is reeling, caught in a vicious cycle of fear about who could be sending those texts. “Seriously, I’m too tired. But look, I’ll throw in a load of laundry for you too. How is that?”
“Are you sure? If you want some company, I can stay with you.”
I squeeze her bicep. “I’m positive. Go to the party and have fun. I’ll expect a full report tomorrow morning.”
“Ok.” She sighs. “But if you need anything, shoot me a text. I don’t have to party all night.”
“Don’t worry about me, Jo-Jo. Have fun and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
She giggles. “What? No, that would mean I would have to be on my best behavior. And I feel like getting a little wild tonight. Can you believe that I haven’t hooked up with anyone since we got here? This might be my lucky night.”
I hope Jodie has fun. I’m just looking forward to some peace and quiet.