Chapter 38
CHAPTER
THIRTY-EIGHT
CARSON
“You and Avery looked awfully cozy today,” Nash interjects. “Thought y’all were coolin’ it for a while.”
“Shhh,” I growl. “We haven’t told anyone that.”
“She has that freshly fucked glow, so if you aren’t boning her, someone else definitely is. She looks fucking hot.”
I shove my fist into his arm before he can even blink, “Don’t talk about her like that. We may not be together, but she’s still my friend.”
Nash holds his hands up. “Chill. I’m just saying someone else is gonna hop on that real quick, so if you want to change your mind, you better do it now.”
The sound of a locker slamming shut makes us both jump, Madden pushing by us. Nash and I share another glance. I don’t really have any beef with him, but we aren’t exactly friends.
“That is prime suspect number one,” Nash points.
I’ve heard the rumors, but thanks for the reminder. Jerk.
I lean against my locker, wondering if Avery and Madden really are a thing. I’ve seen the way they act around each other, and it’s not friendly. Actually, Madden looks at her like Edward looked at Bella, like he hasn’t satisfied his thirst in a thousand years. It’s possessive, actually.
Crew rounds the corner of the lockers, sitting on the wooden bench that splits them. “So I was listening,” he laughs. “Sinclair is hot. I’d definitely line up to take your place.”
I chuckle, trying to throw him off, “Wouldn’t do you any good. She’s a tease, man.”
Crew rolls his eyes, “It’s either one extreme or the other. Takes months to get it in, or they’ll spread their legs right away. Either way, I’d take my chances with her.”
Nash agrees, fucking with me, “Yeah, I think I could get to second base… ”
I can’t take this shit anymore,“Shut up, Nash. Neither one of you are bangin’ my girlfriend, idiots.”
Crew howls with laughter, “Oh, I know I’m not.
She wouldn’t give me the time of day. The only way I’m getting unlimited pussy around here is if I pretend I’m Nash.
Everyone in this damn school is afraid of him, but it doesn’t stop the girls from falling at his feet and fighting over who sucks his dick next. ”
He’s not wrong. Nash has never really been selective about who his dick disappears into. Well, not until recently. Not until the one girl he wants he can’t have. Which just so happens to be the same girl I want.
“I’ve been picky as of late,” Nash winks, looking at me. He wants me to know that it’s Cori.
Crew makes a face. “Yeah, Jovie has told the entire school that you accepted her Hoco invitation. I thought y’all were just”—he pauses mid-sentence, trying to think of a good label—“Friends with benefits… but good for you, man. Jovie’s hot.”
Confusion cuts into Nash’s expression, “Jovie is psycho. She hasn’t even asked me to Homecoming.”
Crew shrugs, standing up to grab his bag, “I’ll catch you guys tomorrow at Carson’s party.”
Nash sighs, “I won’t be there, gotta work.”
“Right,” he groans. “That sucks.”
“Yeah, it does.” I agree, watching his back as the locker room door closes. “How are we supposed to wear our annual bestie costumes if you won’t be there?”
Nash rolls his eyes, “Guess it’s time to kick you out of the nest and see if you can fly.”
“Okay, thanks daddy,” I tease.
“Is Corinne going to be there?”
“I hope so,” I shrug. “I invited her.”
He gives me a sideways glance, “You did?”
“Yeah,” I quip. “I did.”
“Why?”
“You made your point that you want her,” I remind him. “We’re just friends.”
His jaw tightens, “I don’t really consider inviting her to your house as backing off.”
I snap, “What do you want from me, Nash? I’m treating her like I treat everyone else. It would be more strange for me to ban her from a party that literally everyone is invited to.”
“Just watch out for her, okay? I won’t be there to do it.”
“Damn,” I sigh. “You really do have a soft spot for her.”
“She’s the girl that is going to break me, I just know it.”
“You’re already broken, bro. Maybe she’s gonna fix you.”
Although I wish it was me.
He groans, “I gotta start doing something right. I’m stuck in reverse with her right now.”
“Just follow your heart.”
Even if it breaks mine.
Blowing out a shaky breath, he whispers, “That’s easy when it beats for her. I guess it always has.”
With that, the guilt eats me alive. Again.
I’ve kissed her now, twice.
Pretended to be him.
Let her confide in me with her past.
I’m not going to let a girl come between our friendship, though. If I have to hide my feelings, I will.
“You work tonight too?” I ask, gladly changing the subject.
“No, I’m gonna go visit my mom. They’re finally allowing visitors.”
I wince, “You need backup?”
“Nah, you go get ready for your party. I’ll catch you later.”
We walk out of the building, the sun already starting to set. “If you need me, you know where to find me.”
“Thanks, bro.”
He slips into his Jeep and speeds away, and I can’t help but worry about him.
Honestly, I thought Kendra being away might help pull Nash from this funk he’s been in, not having to hunt her down and drag her home every night.
But now? I’m not so sure. It’s almost like he doesn’t know how to have parents at home.
There are some things we just don’t talk about, though. It’s better that way.
It’s later than usual when I pull into the driveway at home. Surprisingly, Mom’s car is still here. I thought they’d be in New York by now. They go at least one weekend a month and sometimes I tag along, but not during the school year... Hence the party this weekend.
Before I realize what I’m doing, autopilot takes over and I’m standing in my kitchen, staring at my mom. “I thought you had an early flight?”
“I decided to catch the redeye tonight so we could talk. I feel like we haven’t gotten much time together.”
“Yeah,” I huff. “Coach has been pushing us pretty hard.”
She stays silent, stirring her iced coffee with a straw.
“Is something wrong?” I ask, pulling the stool out next to hers.
“You tell me, son.”
Ugh, I hate it when she does this. She already knows something, or at least thinks she does.
“I’m fine.”
“Avery is back in town,” Mom acknowledges.
“Yes. She is.”
“And you are inviting Corinne Clark over here for dinner, sneaking her into your room at night and watching movies?”
“We’re just friends,” I defend, knowing it’s a lie. Sort of.
“You need to post on social media that you and Avery broke up.”
“I know. We’re planning to, just waiting on a game plan from Lindsay. People aren’t stupid, though. We haven’t posted anything together in weeks.”
She grabs my arm, squeezing it reassuringly, “I know you are afraid that people will be mad at you for calling it off, but it’s going to be a lot worse if something comes out and it looks like you are cheating.”
I give her a side-eye, “We’re just friends, mom. I promise, besides Cori and Nash are… well something.”
“Oh, Carson…” she trails off. “That’s messy. Especially considering a few weeks ago you said that you didn’t want to stay away from her.”
“I like her,” I admit. “But not enough to ruin my friendship with Nash. He is borderline obsessed with her, so I told him I would back off. Besides, I need to focus on baseball anyway.”
“Just be careful,” she warns. “I would hate for anything to come between you and Nash, especially a girl. You have been friends forever, and he’s part of this family. If you have feelings for her, you need to tell him the truth.”
“It’s fine, Ma. I promise it’s not a big deal.”
She walks across the kitchen, tossing an package across the island at me, “Interesting choice of costume.”
I sigh, “I promise it’s just a few friends. No alcohol.”
She stares at me for a second, “Carson.”
“Mom, please, I promise I’ll clean up after. No alcohol, no drugs, no sex. It’s just a costume party.”
“Well, I want to be pissed that you planned a house party with us out of town, but I’m glad you didn’t lie about it.”
“It’s gonna be like 15 people, tops.”
“I trust you. Don’t give me a reason not to. Do you understand?”
I nod, and she continues, “I’ll have eyes on the house, so don’t even think about doing something you shouldn’t be.”
She gives me the mom stare that makes me a little afraid and finishes, “I’ll order food for you guys and have it delivered tomorrow afternoon, maybe some decorations.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
She kisses my head, grabbing her carry-on suitcase by the handle. “We’ll be back on Monday. Dad cleared his schedule because I have meetings in the morning, so we’ll be home around dinner. If you need anything, call Judson.”
I follow her to the door, waving at my dad as they drive away. I grab the package off the counter and head up to my room. Motion from the window next door catches my eye, and I watch as Cori slips her shirt over her head. I don’t even try to hide. I can’t. I just stand there in awe.
Her eyes find mine at the exact time I’m blinded by headlights turning into my driveway.
Nash.
Talk about perfect timing.