Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
Brandi walked over to the window, letting out an exasperated breath. This was a mess—one that, somehow, would end up on her slender shoulders. It always did.
Light rain fell against the glass, reflecting exactly how she felt. Maybe it was a sign. Maybe it was time to be honest with herself. There was nothing for her in Lampsing.
Hell, not one of the other ladies had even asked to room with her. That said enough, didn’t it? She wasn’t an ole lady.
A flash of lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the room for a brief second. Brandi swallowed the lump in her throat, refusing to throw herself a pity party. But as the rain picked up, she couldn’t help but worry about the guys on the road.
Just another thing to add to her list. Then there was Tool.
He was too worried about what his brothers thought to ever really claim her. Sure, she was good enough to sleep with on the down-low—hell, even thinking that made her stomach churn. She hated how that sounded, how it made her feel.
But it was the truth, wasn’t it? They were grown men. So why was she the one suffering because of Tool’s loyalty and dedication to them?
Moving away from the window, she sank onto the bed, letting the quiet settle around her. The silence was suffocating. Silent tears dripped off her chin as she buried her face in the pillow.
Her life was falling apart, and she had no one she felt she could turn to. There had been a time when she thought she could be stronger—surer of herself. She had wanted to be a woman who was fearless. A woman who felt sexy and strong. Right now, she just felt small. Weak. Lost.
She closed her eyes, wishing for something—anything—to change. Frustration clawed at her, and before she could talk herself out of it, she grabbed her phone and texted Quinn.
Brandi: Hey.
A few seconds passed before her screen lit up.
Quinn: How are you?
Brandi: Not good. I’m gonna find a way back to Lampsing in the morning.
Quinn read Brandi’s text and immediately wished she had roomed with her instead of Layla. She quickly typed a message to Echo, adding Brandi to the group chat.
Quinn: Echo, Brandi wants to head home alone in the morning.
Echo: Hell no. Brandi, you’re not leaving without us.
Brandi smirked at the quick response, warmth creeping into her chest. She hadn’t expected them to rally around her so fast.
Brandi: I feel bad for causing trouble.
Quinn: It’s Echo’s fault.
Echo: My fault? What the hell, Quinn?
Quinn: You said bring Layla.
Echo: Yeah… okay, bad call on my part.
Brandi: Why are we texting instead of hanging out?
Quinn: We need to break out… LOL
Echo: Where are you both?
Quinn: My room. Why? Where are you?
Brandi: My room.
Echo: Mine and Sloan’s room.
Quinn: Okay…
Echo: Come to my room. I’ll gather the other girls.
Quinn: Tailor has two guys outside my door like I’m a damn prisoner.
Echo: Sucks to be the queen… LOL
Quinn: Not funny.
Brandi: Just walk out, they won’t stop you. You’re the president’s wife.
Brandi knew she was right, but at the same time, Echo also knew they were already pushing the guys into a bad spot thanks to Layla’s usual recklessness.
Echo: The guys should be here soon. Then we can go to the bar and get drunk.
Quinn: Works for me.
Brandi: Count me in.
Echo: You need me to come down there, Brandi?
Brandi: No, I’m going to close my eyes for a few minutes.
Echo: Sounds good.
Quinn: I’ll come down when the guys arrive, Brandi.
Brandi: Thanks.
Brandi set her phone down and exhaled. Closing her eyes, she wished she could go back in time and never suggest this girls’ weekend.