Chapter 20
20
Monday at the garage went by smoothly. Every day I was getting more accustomed to my new tasks. Once I mastered the basic bookkeeping knowledge, Uncle Mason promised to teach me more business management stuff so I could find out if I liked it enough to pursue it as a major in college.
During my lunch break, I sat on the patch of grass in the park adjacent to the back lot with a magazine I took from the waiting room and music pumping into my ears.
The sun high in the sky warmed me up. And after a while, I moved to a shadowed corner until my break was up. With a light heart and a smile, I went back to my seat behind the reception desk. A message pinged on my phone before I could place my bag underneath the counter.
Joseph
Saw your good morning message late. Was already on the beach. The surfing summer camp started today.
On my lunch break. How is it going?
Just the sight of Joseph’s name was enough to curl my lips into a permanent smile. I typed fast before he had to go.
Me
Great. Kids not being too hard on you?
Joseph
Nah. But they’re not as good as my favorite student.
A bunch of twelve-year-olds are asking all kinds of questions. Want to know if I’m texting a girl. The grin on my face must be a telltale sign.
Me
Would love to see it. Free to talk later? When are you done for the day?
Joseph
I’ll be home around three. I might give a hand at the restaurant later. Or watch the girls.
Me
Call me when you’re free.
Joseph
I will. Gotta go. Two kids are fighting. Talk to you later.
How did my life change so much in a little over a week?
I resumed my work, my thoughts always drifting to Joseph and our upcoming date next weekend.
With a pep in my step and humming my favorite song, I entered the house minutes after four o’clock.
“You’re in a good mood,” my aunt remarked. “Is it all work-related or a certain someone on your mind?” She studied me with a knowing smile.
“Nothing special. Just had a good day. Need any help with dinner?”
“If you offer.”
“I always offer.”
She laughed. “I know. Just messing with you. Anything fun planned this week?”
I shrugged. “Not really. Joseph isn’t available to hang out.”
“Remember Tasha who works at the ice cream parlor? I’m certain you two would be a great fit. We could go there after dinner, and I could introduce you. See if you girls hit it off.”
A knot coiled around my stomach. The idea of meeting a new person on a whim awoke butterflies in me. But then I recalled my motto, A summer to remember, and agreed.
Aunt Melinda pulled me into a hug. “Great. I’m glad you’re adjusting to life here.” She let go of me and asked, “Fajitas?”
“I’m on it,” I said, gathering what we needed from the fridge.
We prepped food side by side, talking about anything and everything for the next half hour.
“Wow, it smells delicious. What are we having?” Uncle Mason asked as he walked through the kitchen door. The moment he held the door open, I realized what day we were on.
My cheerful mood dissolved at the sight of him. Ryder said something to my uncle that made him chuckle before resting his penetrating gaze on me.
His good mood seemed to evaporate as we engaged in yet another never-ending wordless fight.
“I’ll set the table,” I said, desperate to escape his attention. While I busied myself, Uncle Mason joined me.
“Hey kiddo. Got a minute?”
“Sure.”
He led me through the house, and we sat on the front porch swing.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“I can’t help but notice the tension between you and Ride. More than usual. At first, I thought it was harmless, but you guys are sending some heavy vibes when in the same space. Anything I should know? Whatever it is, you can tell me. You’re both family to us, and Melinda and I wish nothing more than for you two to get along. If you don’t, or can’t stand him, no problem. We’ll figure something out while you’re in town.”
It wasn’t my style to snitch on someone. No matter how bad he got on my nerves.
“Just some friendly rivalry. We’re different, and most times, we don’t see eye to eye. He seems annoyed by my arrival. It’s okay. We won’t be the best of friends, but as you said the other day, we can be civilized. I’ll try to not engage with him when it’s not needed. Don’t worry.”
“Anything else I can do to ease things out?”
I shrugged. “No idea. It’s been a week. Maybe I’m the one who needs to make an effort to get to know him better. Or perhaps he’ll warm up to my being here before it’s time for me to go back home.”
“Not being cynical, I like it,” he joked, bumping his shoulder with mine. “Does it have anything to do with the teasing? I can tell him to drop it or take it down a notch. His humor is dark sometimes. The kid has gone through a lot. It doesn’t excuse anything, but his heart is in the right place. You’ll see, your presence will grow on him. I’m sure once you know each other better and your little rivalry stops, you’ll get along great.”
I jumped to my feet. “Hope so. I’ll do my best to not kill him in his sleep in the meantime.”
Uncle Mason followed me as we made our way back inside. “That’s my girl. I’m happy to have you here, kiddo.”
We hugged and joined Aunt Melinda and Ryder back in the half-dismantled kitchen, deep in conversation about the best camping spots around the lake.
“Everything good?” she inquired when she noticed us.
“All fine,” I said, my gaze drifting toward Ryder’s stern expression.
Uncle Mason’s words that Ryder had it tough replayed in my head, and I decided to do my best to be less irritated by his presence and see if we could one day be cordial toward each other.
“Go and sit, you guys. I’ll finish up here,” my uncle said. He kissed his wife, and they exchanged whispers. Even when I was young, it was clear they loved each other very much. Otherwise, they would’ve never survived the ordeal that had fucked their lives four years ago.
Life had tested them. To the extreme. It wasn’t fair, but they stood by each other through all that.
Dinner went by smoother than expected. For the first time, Ryder and I could almost pretend we tolerated the other’s presence. I was sure Uncle Mason had served him the same talk he did to me because he didn’t call me on stuff or stare at me with barely contained hatred.
For now, we could call a truce. I crossed my fingers, hoping it’d last more than a few hours on a Monday night.
“You boys are on dishes duty tonight,” Aunt Melinda announced as Ryder started cleaning the table. “Ava and I are going out.”
“And we’re not invited because…” Uncle Mason asked with one tipped brow.
“Girls’ night out,” I said. “We cooked; you clean. It’s only fair.”
“Truth,” he said. “And we may use the time to continue that kitchen tile backsplash. You girls have fun.”
We said our goodbyes and climbed into her SUV.
We arrived at the ice cream parlor minutes later. For a tiny moment, a flashback of the first and last time I came here played in my head, and tension rose in my back. It was clear even back then Ryder and I were destined to be enemies and hate each other. We had nothing in common, and he acted like a dipshit from our first encounter. I should have been wiser that day and never got tricked in.
With careful steps, I left the comfort of the car and straightened my back, shaking my head to erase the images of that night.
“Tasha, this is my niece, Ava. Ava, this is Tasha, the one I told you about,” Aunt Melinda introduced us before ordering banana splits.
“Love your hair,” Tasha said while she prepared our treats. We made small talk for a moment. “Tomorrow night, if you’re free, there’s a bonfire at the lake. We could go together. I can pick you up at seven-thirty.” She offered a one-shoulder shrug. “Could be fun. Everyone will be there. Gimme your phone. I’ll add my contact.”
I handed her my device.
“Let me know when you decide.” She glanced at the group of people who just came in. “Sorry, gotta go, but it was nice meeting you, Ava. Text me, okay?”
“I will,” I said, pocketing my phone. “Thank you for inviting me.”
“See? I knew you two would hit it off,” Aunt Melinda said after paying, a satisfied smile on her face. “Come on, let’s walk across the park.”
On Tuesday night, I was in my room, looking at my reflection in the mirror after I changed for the third time. Wearing ankle Chucks, a black skirt, and an aqua tank top with a gemstone skeleton printed on the front, I felt confident I’d nailed it. I braided my hair over my left shoulder and applied nude gloss and a thick coat of mascara. Yep, the image in the glass pleased me.
“You look pretty,” my aunt said when I joined her in the living room while waiting for Tasha to arrive.
Could she hear my wild heart from where she sat? I rolled the friendship bracelet on my left wrist between my fingers. Whenever I felt agitated, it helped calm my nerves.
“Don’t look so nervous,” she continued. “It’ll be great. Call me if it’s not, and I’ll come to get you. But you have nothing to worry about.” Her eyes searched mine, and I could read the compassion and seriousness in them.
I didn’t want her to worry, but I loved that she cared enough to make sure I’d be all right. I nodded and shoved my hands deep into my pockets to avoid fidgeting. “Thanks.”
“Ava, you look so much like your mama right now. She used to be a ball of stress every time she had to go out with a new group of people. She hated being the newcomer. Or the center of attention. She much preferred books to any social event. I always had to drag her out to meet friends.”
“Mom used to be shy?” I asked, sitting on the edge of the couch, the piece of information capturing my attention. “I always thought nothing could faze her. She looks so in control all the time. As if nothing scares her and she can give anybody a run for their money.”
“Well, it wasn’t always the case. When she started dating Craig, she was a bundle of nerves in the days prior.”
“Wow, I can’t picture that. They’re so perfect together. Sometimes I fear I’ll never get there. Find that one person you’re supposed to be with. You and Uncle Mason have it. My parents have it. Things would not have been the same if bio-dad were still alive and in the picture. Or maybe, no matter what, Mom and Dad were always meant to end up together.” I paused to think about how different my life would have been if bio-dad was my parent instead of Craig. “How will I know I’ve found my soulmate? Will I get a sign? Some sort of electric current that will pass through both of us, proof we’re destined to be together? Will we end each other’s sentences?”
“Honey, when you know, you know. I’m aware it sounds clichéd, but it’s true. You’ll just feel it. Deep in your bones. Your world will begin and end with that person. It’s not rational. But it’s strong. Like you’ve known each other all your lives. Wanna hear a story?”
I nodded.
“Uncle Mason asked me out eight times before I took pity on the guy and finally said yes. After two refusals, he came up with creative ways of asking me, so I couldn’t ignore him anymore. He had a reputation with girls, and I refused to be the latest notch on his bedpost. We’d known each other a long time, and he used to rile me up. In all honesty, we’ve always had a complicated relationship. We reconnected in college. For me, he was still the infuriating boy I grew up with, and it took me a while to recognize he had changed. For the better.
“Once he entered my sociology class, dressed as a hotdog, and asked me if I’d go out with him. I said no, and the entire class booed me. I remember it as if it were yesterday. The poor guy. I thought I’d ruined his life. He looked so defeated. But when Mason has something in mind, he’s relentless. It took him two weeks to find his courage. This time, he came to the pub where I worked and said, ‘I’m desperate for a chance. Just one. You can even leave after the appetizers if I’m boring you, but please gimme one evening to show you we belong together.’ This was his exact speech.”
“Whoa. He said that?”
“Yes. That was the most honest and vulnerable version of him I’d seen so far. Not the cocky jock or the womanizer.”
“Ohmygod. What did you do?”
The doorbell rang, cutting her story short.
“Please tell me before I go,” I begged.
“I kissed him. Right there. I circled the bar, molded my lips to his, hoping it would prove there was no chemistry between us. And that’s when I knew. It was like nothing else I’d experienced before. We lost ourselves in that kiss. So much so that my boss had to chase him away so I could return to work. Mason promised to pick me up the next night, and we’ve been together since.” She sighed, her lips curling at the memory she’d relived before my eyes. “If I hadn’t risked it, I would have missed the chance of a lifetime.”
“This is so romantic. And bold,” I said, my stupid heart loving the story more than it should. The bell rang again. “Coming,” I said, crossing the room in four strides. Dressed in a denim shortalls with a white tank top underneath, a contrast to her mocha skin, Tasha stood tall on the front porch as I opened the door. Having two inches over me, her legs looked infinite. Golden bracelets and loop earrings completed the look. She projected style and confidence. I wished I had that assurance when it came down to clothes. And life in general.
“Hi there, Mrs. Pierce,” she said to my aunt. “Mom says to give her a call when we’re out of here. Hey Ava, ready?”
“Yes.” I grabbed my purse from the hook behind the door.
“Have a great time, you two,” Aunt Melinda said, waving at us from the couch.
“We will,” Tasha assured. Once outside, I forced myself to breathe to hide the nerves tightening my stomach. “Is that your truck?” she asked, pointing at my refurbished vintage teal pickup.
“Yeah. Uncle Mason restored it for me.”
“It’s sick. I love it.”
We climbed into her white cabriolet, and before she pulled away, she chose a playlist from her phone. Jessa Hart’s “Boots On You” played on her stereo.
“Country music fan?” she asked.
“Die-hard fan here,” I said, and we both burst out laughing. “I loooove this song. And the dress she wears in that video is just amazing.”
“Ava, you and I, we were destined to meet. People tell me I look like her all the time.” Tasha flipped her hair with one hand, pride evident in that gesture. “She’s my favorite artist ever.”
Yes, I could see the resemblance. “I love her too. She’s badass. It’s your eyes. They look similar. A lot.”
“You and I will be best friends,” she announced as if she was aware of something I wasn’t and was just stating the obvious.
We drove for ten minutes. The lot by the lake, the same one I drove to on my first day here, was full. Cars and pickup trucks were parked on the grass at weird angles. Tasha maneuvered her car into a tight spot in between a mature tree and a fence, and we climbed out.
“Okay, you’ll meet everyone tonight. Stay by my side, and I’ll have your back. Tiffany can be difficult. Don’t let her mess with your head. And Misty will try to scare you off. That’s her M.O. She hates everybody. Other than them, stay away from William and Paul. All they’ll want is to get into your pants and hope you’ll forget they exist by the next morning. Also, they come with an array of free STDs.”
“Oh geez. Thanks for the warning.”
“Ride can be a prick too. I’m sure you’re already aware since he practically lives under the same roof as you do. Not sure he’ll be there, though. He tends to skip these parties nowadays. Another reason Misty hates people. She thinks Ride is her sole possession. He turns her down most of the time, but she’s still hopeful they’ll become a real thing.” She paused. “Oh, and don’t drink the punch in the red cups. Stick to beer or anything you mix yourself. I’m driving, so you’re allowed to get loose tonight. Just don’t throw up in my car, and our friendship will last.” She grabbed my hand and led me forward. “Come on, let’s go.”
“Thanks for the heads-up.” I smoothed my skirt with my fingers, keeping them busy to avoid tugging at the bracelet around my wrist or scratching the skin of my forearm, the latter a habit I was working really hard to break once and for all.
The faint scent of weed mixed with aftershave and smoke from the fire invaded my nose.
Tasha introduced me to a group of girls and then to Ronald, her boyfriend, and his friends. Ronald offered me a beer, and after refusing the first time, I accepted.
Summer to remember, I repeated in my head.
I had drunk beer twice in my life, and both times, I disliked the headache that came with it the next day. And to be honest, it tasted awful too. I only indulged in wine sometimes during dinner. On special occasions.
A guy named Brandon was entertaining me with stories of his college football days when I spotted Ryder and a girl arriving. The one from my first day here and then again at the ice cream parlor. My gag reflex was triggered at their sight.
Tasha elbowed me. “That’s Misty,” she whispered in my ear.
Misty’s eyes landed on mine, and we glared at each other. I had excuses to despise her, but other than crossing my path twice, she had no other reasons to hate me. None whatsoever.
She rose to her tiptoes and said something in Ryder’s ear, rubbing herself against him. His hand held her closer as he spoke to a group of guys.
From over her shoulder, Misty watched me.
Her tongue licked the length of his neck, but Ryder kept ignoring her, chatting with his friends.
“See? She’s doing it on purpose. She loves giving a show. One advice. Pretend she doesn’t exist,” Tasha said from beside me. “Let’s dance.”
Before I could avert my eyes from the scene playing in front of me, Misty got furious at Ryder, grabbed the red cup from one of his friends, and took a sip. Swaying her hips, her dark hair shining under the moonlight, and her kohl-lined eyes menacing, she traipsed in our direction.
“Trouble,” Tasha warned under her breath.
“What are you looking at?” Misty’s chest almost brushed against mine as she spewed the words.
“Get lost, Misty.” Tasha waved her away with a hand.
Misty’s attention stayed on my face even when she spoke to my friend. “Mind your own business, Tash. This loser isn’t welcome. She doesn’t belong here.”
“And you do?” I asked, keeping my face neutral, even though my pulse was going haywire.
“Leave or I’ll make you,” Misty said.
“Are you threatening me? Or are you jealous Ryder isn’t giving you the time of the day?” I clamped my mouth shut when fury exploded in her eyes.
Before I could utter another word, she poured her drink all over my top. “Oopsy,” she said, a hand over her mouth, barely hiding her satisfied smirk.
Standing there, I pinched the fabric away from me, the coldness of the liquid uncomfortable against my skin.
Misty invaded my personal space. “Stay the fuck away from Ride. Last warning. He’s mine. Don’t talk to him, don’t look at him, don’t think about him.”
This disturbance had attracted the attention of people around us, and soon Ryder joined the crowd. The defined angle of his jaw could cut through a glacier as his gaze darted between his girlfriend and me.
He was about to open his mouth when I shook my head, not in the mood to hear his accusations. Pushing Misty behind him, he came too close for comfort. “I gotta talk to you,” he hissed through his teeth.
“No, you don’t.”
His posture tensed. “I do.”
“Stop trying to rule my life.”
Brandon neared my side. “Everything okay?” he asked.
I shook my head. “No. It’s not.” Feeling feisty, I chugged my beer and pushed the empty can into Ryder’s chest before turning toward Brandon. “Let’s dance.” I spoke to Ryder over my shoulder, “Keep your guard dog under leash.”
I heard a few Ohhhs and Ahhhs but chose to block them out.
From a safe distance, Ryder stood stiff, like a pole, glaring at me and sipping on a bottle of water. Misty kept trying to draw a reaction out of him. In vain.
Brandon’s hand lowered from the small of my back to the curve of my ass. With a skillful gesture, he flipped me until my back rested against his front, and he ground against me while my arms looped around his neck.
His hands ventured on each side of my ribcage, sending shivers through me. Someone offered me a beer, and I accepted it, taking a long swig. It didn’t taste as bad, now that I was enjoying the alcohol buzz that numbed my senses.
Brandon’s lips grazed the side of my face. I offered him a smile, and just when our mouths were about to touch, a muscular hand gripped my upper arm and yanked me away from him.
Leather and spice.
His scent hit me before we even faced each other.
“Enough,” Ryder said. “What are you trying to prove? Stop acting so desperate. You’re not that girl.” He led me away and pushed a bottle of water in my hand. “Drink this.”
“Nope. Make me.”
“I swear?—”
“What? Finish that sentence, Riiidde.”
His face turned to stone.
“Let me go.” I jerked away from his touch. “A girl is allowed to have some fun. Stay the fuck away from me, and mind your own business.”
He remained silent, assessing me with a dark stare. I averted my eyes to avoid getting sucked into it.
“You should keep an eye on your girlfriend, and gimme some slack.” We turned our heads toward Misty, now busy making out with some guy who was groping her. “Oops, I think she forgot about you. Or maybe she realized you are forgettable.”
If looks could kill, I’d be dead.
Ryder closed his eyes, breathed out, then opened them again. The storm in his irises had receded. “Let’s go home.”
“Not yet. I’m having fun.” I tapped his chest with my forefinger, the booze doing all the talking. Because, for once, I was pouring my heart out to the person I hated the most in this world—other than Misty. “This summer was about enjoying new experiences. To be bold, for once. And then my parents shipped me here without my consent. Don’t steal anything away from me, more than what I’ve already lost, as I’m trying to make the most of a situation I resent.” I wiped my emotions away with the back of my hand. “Stay out of my way, Ryder. I’m done fighting with you. It’s getting old. And you’re not worth it.” Something resembling hurt flashed in his eyes, but I brushed it off.
I stumbled away, emptying my beer in two sips.
Without arguing, Ryder watched me go, not making an attempt to stop me.
“Everything okay?” Tasha asked as she got in step with me. “I thought Ryder would crack his jaw earlier. What’s his problem with you?”
I shrugged. “No idea. Wanna dance?”
Her face lit up, and she reached for my hand. “Let’s get this party started, girlfriend.”
I grabbed a can of beer from the cooler next to Brandon. “Okay?” I asked.
He nodded. “Sure, girl. Take what you need.”
“Thanks.”
Ryder wouldn’t spoil my night. And I’d show him I wasn’t some fragile doll he had to watch over. I didn’t care what he thought. I was allowed to have fun and let loose for once.
Without turning around, I felt the weight of his gaze on me. Lifting my arm over my head, I flipped a finger in his general direction and followed my friend.
Giggling, Tasha and I made our way to the truck parked on the beach that played the music. Tasha climbed on the bed and offered her hand for me to join her.
Someone turned up the volume, and together we danced as if we were alone and didn’t care about anything else in the world.
“How’s that?” she screamed so that I could hear her over the music.
“Perfect.”
I drowned the beer and crushed the can in my fist before dropping it at my feet.
Opening my arms wide, I spun on myself, relishing the night breeze on my burning cheeks. I savored my newfound independence. Letting go was new to me. And highly addictive. All my worries vanished. I felt free. From my fears, my doubts, my insecurities. Tasha and I laughed our hearts out. Some guys wolf-whistled and cheered on us, but we kept dancing the night away.
The day was yielding its place to the night, the sun low on the horizon and the sky, a piece of art with pink and orange streaks.
“Ava, come with me,” my friend announced after a while. “I gotta pee, and no way am I going alone with all these creeps around, trying to catch a sight.”
We jumped from the back of the truck, and soon we were replaced by another set of girls. I blinked a few times, the world spinning around me.
With our arms linked together, Tasha and I weaved through groups of people, all gathered around the bonfire. The music faded the more we neared the edge of the woods.
“Okay, you go first,” she said. “I’ll keep watch for you. Then I’ll go, and you keep an eye out.”
In a dark corner, behind lined-up bushes, only lit by the silver light of the half-moon shining over the lake, I relieved myself before switching places with my friend.
Ronald joined us, and Tasha signaled one second with her finger. “I’ll be right behind you,” she said when her boyfriend kissed her.
Two guys, visibly drunk, started arguing. The shorter one tackled the other, much taller than him. People gathered around them, but nobody tried to stop the imminent fight.
“Keep your filthy paws off my girl, Delaney,” the tall guy barked. “And stop hitting me. I’m warning you to step back.”
“This is ridiculous,” a girl standing beside me said.
She walked away, and even though I tried, I couldn’t avert my eyes from the two pissed-off guys.
“Don’t be possessive over women,” Delaney said. “Crawford, a pussy is a pussy. Find yourself another girl. I call dibs on this one.”
Crawford blinked. “Are you serious? Or are you blind? Cass wants nothing to do with you. We’ve been dating for four years.”
The sound of the small crowd drowned their replies, and a fight erupted. Other people jumped in, trying to stop the fight.
A couple of people bumped into me, and I wavered on my feet when I was about to retreat. I hadn’t even taken ten strides forward when I tripped over. The booze I drank earlier didn’t help with my balance. Someone else bumped into me. Harder. This time, I landed on my knees. It stung. The fight moved closer. When I stood up on shaky legs, more people backed into me, and I got knocked over a second time.
Sand flew into my eyeballs.
Where was Tasha? I tried to spot her in the crowd but could barely see two feet in front of me.
“Ava.” I heard her voice. Before I could rise to my feet, two muscular arms lifted me from behind.
“What the hell, Tash. What were you thinking when you invited her here tonight?”
“It’s just a drunken fight, Ride. No need to become overbearing,” she said. “It’s usually peaceful here. We did nothing wrong.”
“Delaney is being his creepy self. I don’t understand why people keep inviting him.” Ryder’s tone left no room for arguments.
“I’m safe. Thank you very much. Now you can release me,” I said, trying to jerk away from his grip. Instead of freeing me, Ryder tightened his arms around me.
“Let me go.” No effect. I punched his hands away, with no success. “You’re not the boss of me.”
“You shouldn’t be here,” Ryder warned in a cold tone. “The show is over. You had your fun, and now it’s time to go home.”
“Why?” I asked. “Because everyone else is allowed to have fun this summer except me? Why are you still treating me like a kid? You should mind your own business. Find Misty. She’s probably looking for you anyway. She was a bit possessive earlier.”
Ryder stilled behind me, his grip around my waist tightening. I felt his harsh breaths on my nape.
For a quick instant, I enjoyed his strong arms around me. It made me feel safe, like I belonged there. All I wished for was to lean against him and pretend he could really protect me.
“I don’t care about Misty. She’s no one to me. And I’m not treating you like a kid,” he whispered through clenched teeth after a minute. His deep voice rippled through me. “Just looking out for you. Don’t be a brat. We’re leaving.” Gone was the fight in his voice. He sounded…concerned. I knew better. Ryder didn’t do concern around me.
I broke off from the booze trance enveloping my brain and remembered Ryder and I were enemies. We didn’t care about each other. And his endgame was to ruin my life.
“Well, I don’t need you watching over me.” I jabbed my finger into his arm. I slurred my words, but I couldn’t care less. “I can watch over myself just fine. And I’m staying.” I nodded my resolve.
“How much did you drink?” he asked. “Tell me.”
I shrugged. “None of your business, Mister I’m-No-Fun. Nothing to get pissed about. Stop pretending you care. We both know you don’t.”
“Fuck, you’re wasted.”
Oh, someone wasn’t happy with me. “Oops. I am. Now let go of me.”
Tasha jumped in. “Ava is right, Ride. You’re not her daddy. She’s with me tonight. Let go of her. Until your psychotic girlfriend showed up, we were having fun. I’m the one driving her home later.”
“No,” he said at the same time I said, “Yes.”
“Stop arguing, I am driving her home.” Why was he talking as if I wasn’t here?
“No, you’re not,” I argued, trying to push away from him.
“Yes, I am.”
“I won’t climb into your stupid car. And it’s what? Like ten o’clock? Why would I leave now?”
“Because I said so,” Ryder said, his tone almost lethal.
I blinked.
“Ride, Crawford and Cass left. And someone escorted Delaney away. Since when are you big brother material?” Tasha asked.
He huffed but said nothing. Before I could comprehend his actions, he scooped me over his shoulder. “I’m nobody’s brother. Tasha, mind your own life. And just to be clear, Misty’s actions are the least of my concerns, baby girl. We’re leaving.”
I kicked the air. “Let me down. How will I ever make friends this summer if you humiliate me in front of everyone? Release me.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Good luck.” I could hear the sneer in his voice.
I lifted my head and looked at my friend. “Tasha, I’m sorry.” Embarrassment coated my words. “Can we do this again later? When Ryder here is a no-show.” I punched his back, a new surge of rage pounding through me. “Put me down. I’ll flash everyone.” I used one hand to keep my skirt in place. “I can walk. Let me go.”
“Ride, you’re being ridiculous,” Tasha argued, following us.
He continued toward the parking lot as if she’d said nothing, tightening the arm around my bare thighs to prevent me from falling as I kicked and punched in vain.
“Ava, I’ll call you tomorrow,” Tasha called after me. “Text me when you’re home safe. Just in case Neanderthal Man here decides to hide you in his cave, thinking there is no other place where you’ll be safer.” She brought her attention back to him. “Ride, you’re making a scene. I’m done with you. You used to be cool.” She flicked her wrist over her head. “So much drama for nothing.”
“I’m sorry,” I mumbled. My emotions clogged my throat. My body often mixed anger and sadness. Both made me cry, and right now, I prayed the tears wouldn’t come as I was about to give Ryder a piece of my mind. As soon as he lowered me to my feet.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked as we approached his car.
“Home.”
“Put me down.”
“No.”
“Gosh, I was having fun. I’m not ready to go.”
“Well, it’s not up to you, baby girl.”
“How is it not? And, for your information, it’s not up to you either. It never was and never will be,” I replied.
“We’ll see.”