Chapter 18 Sloane
Sloane
Everything is going to shit!
It’s been two weeks since I visited Eden’s house. The dance party with Jenna feels like a million years ago. Ever since we got caught skipping, it feels like I haven’t had a second to myself. Mom told me not to spread myself too thin, and that’s exactly what’s happening.
My asshole algebra teacher is giving me extra homework every class, not to mention all the other subjects I’m struggling to keep up with.
Cheer practice fell to the wayside for a while there, so I’ve had to pull my head out of my ass and concentrate on the squad.
Gym class is no longer a guaranteed Eden fix. We’re gym buddies in name only now.
Things aren’t any easier at home. I’ve been babysitting more frequently for my neighbor because her mom took a fall and needs more help. The extra money softens the blow of how much time I’m losing with Eden. I’ve been saving every penny of my allowance for when I go off to college.
Speaking of college: this week has been all about getting the applications done and sent in. I’m confident about my essays. Mom and Dad also read through them and gave me positive feedback.
I’ve woken up every night with anxiety. My mind keeps piling on all the things I have to do and it’s not coping.
The only thing that has kept me sane are the morning walks with Eden.
Becca tried to object, moaning that she missed our morning routine.
I pointed out that she gets to see me in nearly every class, plus practice.
Eden is getting the bum end of the deal, not her.
Unfortunately, our morning strolls are quicker than I’d like.
Eden is making such great strides with her exercise app.
Her stamina is one hundred percent better.
She could probably jog the whole way to school now.
As happy and proud as I am, I’m also really bummed.
Fifteen minutes alone time simply isn’t enough.
Lunches are nice, but we’re surrounded by other people.
I’m half tempted to ask her to skip class again just so I can kiss her properly.
Tonight is game night, and I’m not pumped. I’m utterly tired. Last night followed every other night and offered me a myriad of stress-inducing nightmares. I was being drowned by math equations.
Coffee has been my mistress all day, and at this point I’m ninety percent java.
Becca has been just as absent as me lately.
She and Bella made up, and seemingly can’t peel themselves off each other.
It’s been quite obscene. Also, I’m big enough to admit it made me jealous.
Neither of them seems to give a shit that the world is passing them by while they get it on.
I wish I could be the same, but I’ve got too many responsibilities I can’t ignore.
After Daniella gave Becca and me a stern talking to, we both made an effort to put the squad first and foremost once again.
Bella sits in the bleachers every practice, which is nice.
Eden doesn’t. I can’t blame her, though.
With the new exercise regime, she’s been slacking with her art.
I can’t ask her to give up any more of her creative time for me.
After all, the whole 5k thing was my idea.
Surprisingly, Jenna has started hanging around the outskirts of all squad practices, both inside and on the field. I introduced her to Gemma, the junior captain, and she’s been openly obsessed ever since.
Instead of grabbing a power nap after the final class of the day, I have to finish some homework.
I’m determined to get everything done, so my weekend will be free.
I need to see Eden. I really wish I could see her after the game, but I was given so much shit about missing Bryce’s party even though I’d told the squad and my friends weeks ago that I didn’t plan on attending any ragers for a little while.
However, the squad and Bryce played on my guilt for neglecting them and basically peer-pressured me into agreeing. Eden was so cool about it, even though I secretly wanted her to pout and tell me not to go. She’s just too lovely.
The locker room is buzzing with energy. The squad is amped up. Closing my eyes, I try to soak up some of their excitement.
“Hey S, you okay?” Becca is looking at me with concern. I’m guessing that doesn’t bode well for my appearance.
“Honestly?”
“No, I asked because I want you to lie to me,” she deadpans.
“I’m so tired, Becs. Life is beating me right now.”
“I thought you were getting on top of everything?”
I wish!
“Nope. Not at all. The worst part is I miss Eden so much it’s distracting me from getting everything I need to get done so I can actually spend some time with her.”
“I didn’t know you were feeling this way, S. What can I do to help?”
“Do all my homework, babysit my neighbor’s kid, spend time with my parents and take over the cheer squad?”
Becca’s eyes go wide. “Um…”
“I’m joking. I’ve just got to hold on a little longer. I just need a good night’s sleep.”
“And maybe some…” She finishes her sentence with a wiggle of her eyebrows.
The sigh I let out says everything. I’d kill for a bit of eyebrow wiggle with my girl. In the minuscule time between activities I have to complete, my mind wanders to the day by the equipment shed, and the wonderful precise rolls of Eden’s hips.
Oh damn.
Becca snorts. “Earth to Sloane.”
Grinning, I shake my head. “Sorry. Lost in a memory.”
“Okay. There has to be a way to lighten your load.”
The only thing I can think of would be to give up babysitting. I just feel bad though. Especially when Ms. Elliot is a single parent trying to deal with her mom, work, and, of course, her young son.
Becca knocks my shoulder. “Here’s a crazy idea. Why don’t we split the captaincy?”
“How would that work?”
Even if I could drop one practice, it would help.
“Look. We’re a well-oiled machine. You can take the lead during gym class.
Any additional practices I can take. Daniella has really stepped up over the past couple of weeks and would make a great second.
You’re not reliant on cheer for college, and before you interrupt with an argument about being the best captain Holcroft has ever seen, you’re already that.
Even if it weren’t the case, you need to step back on something, Sloane.
Eden isn’t the thing I want you to step back from. ”
“Me either,” I slip in.
“So. Is it decided? We’ll share the captaincy?”
My body is already relaxing at the mere thought of having one less thing to think about.
“Are you sure? What about your time with Bella?”
Becca smiles. “Bella is at every practice anyway. I get some eye-candy and then we get it on after.”
“I didn’t need to know that part.”
“Two minutes guys,” Daniella calls.
“We’ll talk about it later,” I say, making sure my laces are tight.
“Okay. Let’s just get through tonight. I’ll help you slip out a little earlier this evening. I don’t think we can get you out of the party altogether. People miss you.”
“Deal. Now let’s go and cheer the hell out of this game.”
The music strikes up and it’s go time. I have to concentrate with everything I have. Not only could I mess up the routine, I could get hurt if I’m distracted, hence why I drank an unhealthy amount of caffeine today.
It’s going to be a long night.
My mood doesn’t suit the occasion. The football team won again, and everyone is high on adrenaline following the brutal ass kicking they just gave our rivals. My adrenaline is fading fast and I just want to go home.
Even though I’ve been browbeaten into attending Bryce’s party, I did hold out on driving myself there.
I have no plans to stay overnight. In fact, I’m hoping I can put in an hour and then sneak out.
If it’s not super late, I might even pay my girlfriend a visit.
I’ve always wanted to do the whole climbing up a trellis thing to steal a kiss.
Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer are probably chill enough that I could rock up at 11 p.m. and knock on the front door, but where’s the fun in that?
“Come on, S. Head in the game!” Daniella calls. We arrived at Bryce’s twenty minutes ago and I’m already being hounded to take shots.
“I’m not drinking tonight,” I call back, receiving boos from my squadmates.
“Leave her alone,” Becca says with a slight slur. “We don’t pressure anyone with alcohol, you know that.”
I love her for standing up for me, but I will remind her of the blatant hypocrisy she’s spewing tomorrow.
“I’ll be the ref,” I reply, hoping it will appease the masses.
It does, and the mayhem continues.
The music is thumping by the time I escape the kitchen. As per usual, Bryce has a full house. Skirting the edge of the dance floor, I plan to head outside for some fresh air. My plan goes awry when I’m pulled forcefully through the laundry room door.
“What the fuck?”
Standing there looking sheepish is Kiera. She holds up her hands, stopping me from ripping into her.
“Please. I just wanted to talk to you. We haven’t seen each other at school a lot. And, well, I just saw you and thought I’d take the chance.”
“You could’ve just asked, Kiera. Jesus.”
She winces. “Sorry.”
“So what do you want to talk about?” I have an idea, and I’d rather be anywhere else.
“Just that I’m sorry for how I behaved at the last party. I was out of line.”
Huh. Not the idea I had, then.
“Oh, okay. Thank you for apologizing.”
“Can I buy you a coffee? Not as a date or anything. Just as friends?”
My mind automatically wonders when the hell I’ll find time to go for a coffee when I haven’t got five minutes to spare for my girlfriend. Then I remember the conversation with Becca and relax a little.
“Um, okay. It would have to be at school though. I’m swamped.”
Kiers bobs her head. “Sure, no worries.”
Giving her an almost believable smile, I start towards the door. “Cool. I’m gonna head back out.”
Stepping out, I run straight into…Eden!
“Oh my god, what are you doing here?” My voice is way too high, but I’m shocked to find her standing in front of me. Then I feel a presence behind me. Kiera. Who is stepping out of a room that had a closed door. A door I was behind, too.
Oh fuck, this looks bad.
Eden gives me her signature side grin. Her eyes travel over my shoulder to Kiera. I don’t dare turn around. My heart is in my butt right now.
Giving a dorky two-fingered salute, Eden addresses Kiera. “Hey, Kiera.”
Her eyes snap back to me. There is no anger or suspicion. She’s just looking at me like she always does.
“I don’t understand,” is the best I can come up with. Eden chuckles, wraps her arm around my waist and pulls me close.
“I had to see you, babe. I know I was supposed to be painting, but I couldn’t concentrate.”
“But you hate parties.”
She nods. “Yeah, but I love…seeing you more.”
There was a definite pause in that sentence. I’ll try not to read too much into it. We’ve only been together a month. Far too early for that word, right?
I lose all resistance and throw my entire body into her. She holds me so close, as I feel all my anxiety fade away.
Nuzzling into her neck, I inhale her scent. “Did you drive?”
Eden pulls back and laughs. “What? I didn’t get a word of that.”
My smile can’t be hidden. “I asked if you drove here.”
“Oh, no. Pia brought me. She and Todd are around here somewhere. Bella too, although I doubt we’ll see her or Becca for the rest of the night.”
Lucky them. I’m so done with this party. I just want to steal Eden away somewhere quiet and drape myself all over her.
“Do you want to get out of here?” I ask.
Eden searches my eyes, and I see the same need swimming through her eyes.
The distance between us over the past two weeks has really amped up the tension.
I don’t care if we have sex, now or in a year’s time.
I do care that I have my hands on some part of her body. I just need to feel that connection.
“Yeah. I do.”
Pulling her along, I wind us through the crowd. Becca and Bella are wedged up against a wall, ten seconds from causing a scene. Clearing my throat, I wait for them to break apart.
It takes Eden flicking Bella in the ear for them to finally register our presence.
“We’re leaving,” I say to Becca, who looks dazed. I’m not sure if it’s from booze or Bella.
“But…what?”
Chuckling, I pull Becs in for a quick hug. “See you tomorrow.”
There isn’t a soul in this house that could get me to stay a second longer.
After a brief battle with Bryce to escape, we spill out into the front yard, laughing. It feels so fucking good to laugh with her. Also to have her super-glued to my side.
We pull apart to get in my car but quickly snap back together.
Eden’s tongue traces across my lips before pushing into my mouth.
My hands go straight to her hair. The moan that escapes her is almost obscene.
Suddenly I’m not so tired. The fatigue I’ve felt in my bones vanishes and is replaced by pure lust.
“Do you want to come home with me?” Eden’s voice is so soft, I’m not sure I heard her right.
“You mean stay over?” I ask in between kisses.
“Yeah.”
“What about your parents?”
“They’re cool with it. We’ve had ‘the talk.’” She laughs.
Unable to fully comprehend the conversation while Eden is doing things with her lips that are sinful, I pull back. “What?”
She shrugs. “They know we’re together and at some point will likely have sex. They’d rather it be somewhere safe, like my own bed than sneaking around.”
Shaking my head, I laugh. “Your parents are so cool.”
She grins. “Yeah, they’re not bad.”
Biting my lip, I try to steady my erratic heart. “So, are you…ready?”
I hope I’m not reading into the invitation. She could mean she wants to watch a movie and chill in her room.
Eden brings her index finger to my lip, pulling it out from between my teeth. “I’m ready. But there’s no pressure, right? We could go back to mine and just see where the night takes us.”
Oh, I know where I want the night to take me! Straight between her delicious thighs.