Chapter 8
T he loss was brutal. I don’t see Tripp at the Tutor Center anymore. Word has it he is taking a break to focus on his studies and hockey.
My thoughts continue to be jumbled. Messy. Enough that I end things with George soon after that game. George understands, and it’s more mutual than I realize when he reveals he felt we were more friends than lovers.
It still doesn’t solve the cluster fuck that is Tripp.
“I’m telling you, Z,” Summer says. “He’s not doing okay.”
“Well, what am I supposed to do about it? He has made it clear what he wants. Besides, there could be more going on than just me.”
“Well, he hasn’t been out and about like his usual self.” Summer and I sip on our coffees at the Black Feather.
“Duke is worried about him. Tripp won’t even talk to him right now.”
“I’m worried about him fucking up his dream. He needs to get a grip.” I stare out the window. The dreary sky blankets the campus and everyone seems to be sluggish.
“I know, which is why I think you should talk to him.”
“Let me think about it. I’m finally over Eddie, you know, and I think he might need some space to sort himself out.” Crossing my arms, I know it’s a decent plan. I don’t believe I, of all people, could have a productive talk with Tripp.
“Are you going to the show tonight? With Elena?” Summer changes the subject.
I nod. “I think it’ll be fun.”
“Well, have fun for me. Duke and I are going to get away for the weekend. He’s still recovering from that wicked hit to the ribs. I’m still surprised he had broken nothing.”
“He’ll enjoy you playing his nurse.” I wink as Summer’s face blushes.
* * *
Elena and I arrive at the venue before the doors open. The venue is next to the bar where Tripp had taken me for eighties night. The memories bubble to the surface. Instead of pain and longing, it’s pleasant and I smile.
“This is going to be fun, just us two!” Elena bounces happily.
“Are you sure I’m okay hanging backstage with you?”
“Of course!” Elena replies, offering a wide smile. “We are in the best spot in the whole place. Plus, the drummer is stupid hot.”
Laughing, I help her with her gear, fascinated with her process. Elena is a hard worker and the definition of hustler. She has no problems getting what she wants, and she does it in a way that makes people want to do it for her.
The crowd piles in as the doors open. The security takes their place and nods my way in acknowledgment. Elena is in her element as she photographs the crowd coming. She is adjusting the light on her camera and focusing on the job.
When the band starts, I can’t help but join the energy of the crowd, dancing backstage and getting lost in the fun. While it isn’t my favorite genre, I enjoy it all the same.
Elena is a pro, somehow able to enjoy the show and get photos of the band and the crowd moving quickly and nimbly. It’s when the opening band finally ends their set that I head to the bar to get water for the both of us.
As I head toward the part of the bar where workers can bypass the crowd, I hear my name.
“Zoey?” I stop in my tracks, turning. It’s Eddie. Eddie is nursing a beer and has a girl next to him. She looks confused as she looks at us.
“Oh, hey!” I smile, at least try to ease the awkwardness.
“Sophia, this is Zoey,” Eddie says slowly. His eyes are a little hazy. He typically never gets intoxicated. In fact, it’s a rare event.
“Hi.” Taking her hand, I shake it. Seeing Eddie feels strange, like he’s a distant memory that I can now see objectively with little feeling.
“We dated,” Eddie says smugly. Sophia frowns and shifts nervously in her place. I cringe at his admission and wonder why he felt the need to mention our past.
“What are you doing backstage?” Eddie asks curiously, looking behind me.
“I’m with the photographer,” I reply.
Eddie raises a brow. “Cool.”
I am about to turn and say goodbye, hopefully for the last time ever. Until Eddie opens his mouth some more.
“You know, I kind of expected it,” Eddie says.
“What do you mean?” I ask. Sophia frowns, taking his arm, trying to pull him away. Eddie’s face morphs into a sneer. All civility gone.
“That you would go back to being, you know . . .” he starts.
“Being what?” Crossing my arms, I pin a glare on him. His eyes trail along my body. I’m wearing thick tights and a high-waisted skirt. It’s not overtly revealing, but sensual to my taste. I am fighting the disgust that latches under my skin.
“Back to being this . . . loser.” He purses his lips. The words would have hurt if I cared. Instead, I laugh. He isn’t worth the time.
“Well, it was good to see you. I see you are still being, you know . . .” I mock his words. “Bothered.”
“Bothered?” He is so loud that people around him eye him warily.
“Clearly. You are still wanting to dictate my life. Sophia, if you are okay with me taking up real estate in his head, then good for you.” I turn toward the mortified woman next to him.
“Shut the fuck up, whore,” Eddie spits out.
“Second thought, Sophia, if you want to get away from him, you can join me backstage,” I offer to the girl. Her mouth drops in shock at Eddie’s words. Clearly, she hasn’t seen this side of him.
“Don’t listen to this slut.” Eddie grips her arm. My eyes zero in on how hard he has her. Immediately, I regret my words.
“Dude, you’re being an ass. Let her go. She has nothing to do with this.” Sophia wrenches her arm out of his grasp.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Sophia says to him. She rubs her arm, hurt in her eyes.
“Seriously,” I say. “We aren’t compatible, that’s fine, but you shouldn’t be a fucking dick.” I wonder what on Earth I ever saw in him?
“Fuck you,” Eddie hisses. Sophia gasps, as if seeing him for the first time. I can’t believe that was once my future. Eddie had never acted like this, but I guess a few drinks brings out the worst in him.
“I think I’m going to go,” Sophia says, putting as much space between herself and him.
“Wait!” Eddie pleads with her. “I’m sorry. I’ve clearly had too much to drink.”
“I’ll say,” someone says. Eddie freezes, turning to find Tripp glowering down at him. Looking very much ready to beat him down.
“Why don’t you call someone and get out of here before you really regret this night?” Tripp is someone no one wants to mess with. Especially if they’ve witnessed him on the ice. His pale eyes are sharp and ready.
Eddie takes a step back. However, he doesn’t have enough sense to leave.
“Fuck off, I can talk to my ex if I want,” Eddie says. He immediately regrets it when Tripp takes a step toward him, his jaw hard, promising a lot of pain.
“If you go anywhere near her, I promise I will happily tear you apart and present it to her on a gold platter.” My mouth drops. Tripp is a menace, and he’s always delivers on his promises.
“You can have her. She’s nothing but a skank, anyway,” Eddie spits out. His spite continues to grow as I roll my eyes, looking bored.
“No need to get mad that you can’t handle a girl like her.” Tripp gives him a devilish smile.
“Oh, fuck you.” Eddie pushes him away, which only makes Tripp smile wider.
“Thank you.” Tripp smirks, “Z here wouldn’t have given me a chance if she didn’t experience being with the worst scum on the planet. Guys like you are here to remind girls what they are worth.”
“Z, this isn’t over!” Eddie calls.
“Uh, it was over like months ago, Eddie!” I retort. “It’s pathetic.”
“Sorry you fucked up. Enjoy your shitty life!” Tripp adds. Eddie is livid and looks ready to charge. Luckily, Tripp ignores him and focuses back on me.
“Time to go, sir.” Security finally makes their appearance, taking Eddie’s arm before he can launch at Tripp.
“What? I did nothing!” Eddie yanks away.
“You’re being an asshole,” Elena pipes up from behind the massive security guys. “Plus, you’re too drunk and making people uncomfortable.”
“Thank god.” Relief washes over me when Elena moves next to me.
“Elena.” Tripp nods with a smile.
“Tripp,” Elena says, turning to leave but not before adding, “Don’t fuck this up.”
Elena winks at me as I send a glare. What the hell did she get me into?
Tripp shoves his hands in his pocket. Golden Boy’s confidence fades, replaced with apprehension.
“Zoey,” he starts.
Crossing my arms, I sigh, “Tripp, what the hell?”
“I want to talk . . . about us,” he says.