Chapter Eleven

Greta

 

I slammed my forehead onto the table once, twice and a third time. Maybe, just maybe, if I hit it hard enough, the overwhelming doom would go away. I hit it again but remained in the same place. Too damn bad we aren’t wizards.

“G?” Callie bounced around the apartment in her running clothes and smelled like outside. “Was someone knocking?”

“Nah, that was me.” I did it again. “I’m having a pity party. Want an invitation?”

“Are there free drinks?” She chuckled and sat across from me. “What’s wrong?”

“All these scholarships for future teachers. I need to win some. Then, there is financial aid and the applications suck. My parents make enough right now so I won’t get help. They won’t have this much after the forced retirement and after my brother’s divorce is finalized. I’m stressing.”

“Shit. That sounds like a lot.” She rubbed my back. “God, your back feels like rocks are in it.”

“It’s my tension. I carry it around with me all day like your damn fanny pack.” I cracked my neck and she worked on the knots. Bless her little athletic training hands. “Am I having a quarter-life crisis?”

“No.” She stopped massaging and smacked my neck. “You get ten more minutes of feeling sorry for yourself. Then I’m going to force you to run with me.”

“No. Not the R word.” I pushed myself up and scanned all the documents on the table. “Fine. You win. I suck.”

She ran her finger over her chin and studied me. “Does this have anything to do with Aaron?”

“Oh. Him.” I grunted. I hadn’t seen him in six days. Six days. Because of baseball. He was expected to get back tomorrow, the day of my official performance. I was anxious and nervous and desperate to see him. We hadn’t ended on good terms. Not at all.

I commented on all his posts like we’d planned. I posted my own pictures of us and everything. But he’d been playing baseball out of town all week and hadn’t had time to text. Not that I was waiting for texts. That would be needy. I still hadn’t received an apology from him and I needed one. Like I have feelings for Tanner when my world revolves around Aaron? Psh. “I’m still upset with him.”

“Girl, I would be too!” She sighed. “Zade’s called me each night, but it’s for minutes. I feel pathetic. Missing him so much. It freaks me out. What the hell am I going to do when he’s off pitching in the majors some day? Will he forget about me?”

My heart folded. Callie was feeling insecure and that took priority. I preferred to focus on the problems of everyone else because I was a mess. “Cal, you and Zade are going to do whatever it takes. He loves you. You know this.”

“Yeah, but he seems so sure about our future, like it’s no question we’ll make it. How can he be so damn sure?”

“You’re going to do whatever you need to. My parents always said relationships, good ones, take work. It’s not all rainbows and fairy dust and shit.” I patted her hand. “Him playing baseball is a part of who he is. You’ll adapt to it, just like you adapted to school here. And look how well you’re doing here.”

“God. You win the best friend award.” Her eyes didn’t hold the same amount of worry. “I’m an asshole. You were stressing and I made it about me. Talk to me, Goose.”

“Uh, it’s stupid.” I stretched my arms, procrastinating. Callie was relentless. “Aaron and I have always been close. When we’re talking or hanging out…it’s never weird. I mean, the couple of staged kisses we had were a little shocking.”

“Is he a good kisser?” She wiggled her eyebrows at me. “I bet he is.”

“Yeah. He is.” I laughed. “He’d better be. He had enough practice.”

“True. So, you guys are close, kissing isn’t repulsive. What’s the deal then?”

“I don’t know. He accused me of having feelings for Tanner. Which I don’t. Not anymore. Plus, it was more of a crush last year. Not real feelings. Anyway, he accused me of it almost a week ago and we’ve barely talked since. Just bullshit small-talk texts.”

“Hmm. Yeah. Aaron can be over the top with texting. Have you guys talked about last week?”

“No. I don’t want him to worry about it when he’s playing. It’s not fair.”

“Once again, Greta puts others above herself.” Callie shook her head at me. “We need a girls’ night. Our real and fake men are gone. We’re wallowing. “

“You know what? You’re right.” I stood, nodding a little too hard. “We haven’t hit the town for a while. Drinks, dancing and bingeing on burgers sounds amazeballs.”

“I’m going to finish stretching, then get ready. Wanna leave in two hours?”

“Hells yeah, girlfriend.”

She walked out and I felt better. Sure, my worries were still there, but I had been focused on the bad all week. I hadn’t focused on how many tips I’d made. Or how my brother had called and we’d laughed for the first time in months. Or how my parents had found a nice, cozy home to put a bid on.

My mother’s words came back to me. Happiness is a mindset. Force yourself to think of the good. Not the bad. Choose to be happy in every situation. “I’m happy,” I said to myself. I tended to talk to myself from time to time. It wasn’t entirely strange.

My phone pinged and Aaron’s name popped up. My stomach did the awkward dance again. I must have been excited for a night out. That was all.

 

Aaron: We ended up getting second.

 

Greta: Nice job.

 

Aaron: Second is the first loser.

 

Greta: Change your mindset. I rolled my eyes at myself.

 

Greta: It’s not even the real season. It’s summer ball. You’re there to get reps in.

 

Aaron: How have you been? We come home tonight.

 

Okay…hello, mood swings. I contemplated my response. I hated playing games. We’d texted casually all week, him needing to focus on baseball and not any drama with me. But now, should I respond honestly or lie?

 

Greta: I’ve sort of missed having you around.

 

Aaron: I assumed you were still pissed.

 

Greta: I am. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t miss your annoying ass.

 

Aaron: Did you post a photo today?

 

Greta: Yes, sir.

 

Aaron: Thank you.

 

Aaron: I left you alone this week because I thought you wouldn’t want to talk.

 

Greta: Ronnie, being upset or angry with someone doesn’t cease all conversation. You talk it out.

 

Aaron: Can we talk then?

 

I intended to say yes. I really did. But Callie waltzed in at that moment and blasted music from her speakers. “G, get some tequila and Latina music. Mama wants to dance.”

“Atta girl.”

And I became distracted. It felt like old times, when Callie and I would spend hours getting ready and listening to shitty music in high school. We shared her bathroom mirror, curling our hair and applying makeup a little too heavily. We did shots of tequila, both of us gagging.

I helped do her hair into braids. She wanted me to pick out her outfit, which I did without hesitation. She had a killer body but chose to wear athletic gear every day. Good for her, but I forbade it tonight.

“Wear the black dress, Cal.” I giggled, the two shots already getting me warm.

“It’s short.” Her red cheeks gave her away. “Maybe it’ll be fun. Yeah. I’ll wear it.”

I left her closet to find my outfit, an ivory laced romper that brought out my weak summer tan. It was short enough to be risqué, but had a high neckline. It was the perfect flirtatious outfit. “Boom.”

“Looks good, G.” Callie joined me ready in her outfit. “Want to Uber there?”

“Yes, please.”

I picked up my phone to call for an Uber and saw I had multiple texts from Aaron. Multiple. I gasped, reading them.

 

Aaron: Greta? I owe you an apology. I’d like to see you tonight.

 

Aaron: I’m pissed you didn’t tell me about Tanner. He told me. I handled it poorly and I took out my frustration on you. I’m sorry.

 

Aaron: Can I make it up to you? I missed you more than I thought I would.

 

Aaron: Okay. I’m getting annoyed. You don’t play games. REPLY TO ME.

 

Greta: I was getting ready. Cal and I are going out tonight. Not my intention to ignore you.

 

Aaron: Does Zade know?

 

Greta: Why does that matter? I did wonder if Callie had told him. Not that that would change anything.

 

Aaron: Because he likes to know where she is. Where are you heading?

 

Greta: I’m not sure yet. We’re seeing where the night takes us. You know how it is.

 

Aaron: Be careful. Don’t do anything stupid.

 

Greta: Ronnie, I’m safe.

 

Aaron: Hello, remember Todd? I had to fucking get you before you got hurt.

 

Greta: We aren’t going anywhere off campus. I promise. Calm down, mom.

 

His name popped up, calling me. “Yes, dear?”

“Don’t forget you’re in a fake relationship, Greta. I’ve seen you dance. You’re wild,” he barked at me. Hello to you, too.

“I’m not going to whore it up, dick face.” My mood soured. “Have some trust.”

“Promise me.”

“Promise you what, exactly?” Anger laced my tone. We were off. I felt it, and he did, too. Our easy banter was gone.

“You don’t do anything fucking stupid. You’re known for it.” His words felt like a knife to my chest. Why is he so angry at me?

“Message received.”

“I’m just looking out for you,” he growled.

“Whatever, Aaron.” I sighed, desperate to get off the phone. “I need to go. We’re leaving soon.”

“Let me know where you go.”

“I don’t know yet. We’ll see.”

“I want to know,” he demanded, a little stronger this time. “I deserve to know.”

“Uh, no, you don’t. You aren’t in town and it’s none of your business. You aren’t being nice right now.”

“You’re my girlfriend, Greta. I can know where you’re going.”

“Or how about you trust me?” I left the words hanging, my heart clenching again. “I gotta go, Aaron.”

I hung up. Angry. Annoyed. Ugh. My phone pinged at the alert I’d set on his accounts and I scrolled at the notification. He’d posted a picture of me, one I’d sent him on Snapchat months ago. I’d used a dumbass filter to give myself dog ears. My heart shrank at his post.

 

Hilly_A: Look at my girl, have fun tonight xo

 

I shook my head in disgust. It was fake, fake, fake. “Let’s go, Cal. I need more tequila.”

“Girrrl. You and me both. I feel so loose. Like loose as a noodle. I want to sway to shitty music and have fun with my bestie.” She slurred her words. She didn’t drink as often as I did. But I did work in a bar. It made more sense. “What if some cute boys hit on us tonight?”

“Then we send them on their merry way, chica.” I put my arm around her. “Don’t worry your little head about that, Callie. I’ll take care of you.”

“I love you, G.”

“Love ya, too, Callie girl.”

 

* * * *

 

Music. Lights. Dancing. Hands. Repeat. That was how I found myself hours later, dancing to some house music with Callie grinding her little booty against me. I felt great. Free. Happy. And not at all worried about my life.

I took charge, being the more responsible between the two of us. I had more to lose. Well, she had Zade and I wasn’t worried about her messing that up. I didn’t trust myself. I was in a fake relationship with a guy who was a dick and had no feelings beyond friendship. I was horny, lonely and looking for a distraction.

I couldn’t afford to be drunk—I would do something stupid. So, I took the responsible friend role and watched after Callie.

“Grrrettaaaaaaa, I love dancing. I feel like I’m on Dancing with the Stars. Am I awesome?” she yelled with a dumbass grin.

“Yeah. You are awesome.” I laughed and danced with her. I didn’t need alcohol to wiggle my jiggle. I could dance sober or drunk, in the rain or sunshine. I loved a good rhythm. “Did you answer Zade’s text?”

“Yup. Yup. Yup. An hour ago. Or ten minutes. I don’t remember when I told him. But I did. I think I did.” Her eyes widened, a whole lot of drunk. “I assured him I was dancing with you. That’s it. He’s the man for me.”

“Of course. He knows that,” I reassured her and pulled her off the floor. “Want a drink, or water?”

“Nahhh,” she slurred again and my neck tingled. It was midnight, from my guess, and I knew we should head back. “Let’s dance, Greta Michelle.”

“Okay, Callie girl.” I laughed and continued dancing. We danced again, for two more songs, then I made the big-girl decision to leave. It was almost one, and I wanted to not feel like total shit the next day. My gut told me it was time to go. And it was right.

Todd walked into the bar a minute later, bruising around his eye and everything. I gasped. What. The fuck.

“What is it, G?” Callie swung her arm around me. It was mainly for her support, but I appreciated the gesture. “Why are you as stiff as a board?”

“Todd’s here.”

“Biker bar dick Todd?” Her scary eyes narrowed. “I’ll kick his little ass. I swear it.”

“Calm down, boo boo.” I petted her head. “He won’t see us. Let’s head out.”

“I need to pee now. Now,” she begged and I obliged. I had been on that end of the line before. She had always waited for me. So, I would do it for her. “Gretaaaaa. I need to pee.”

“You got it. Let’s go then.” I tugged her to the back of the bar. We were at Geo’s, the rival to where I worked. Clyde would probably cry if he knew, but hell. I was a college kid. I could live a little. We passed a group of girls I recognized, but not by name. I nodded to them.

“Fake-ass bitch,” one mumbled under her breath. My blood boiled but I swallowed down the urge to fight. Callie, on the other hand, did not.

“Excuse me?” she replied. “What did you say?”

“You heard me.” The tall, tan girl sneered at us. “I know you two. You’re fake as fuck. Acting like one of the boys. You’re not. You can’t hold our guys.”

“Why would you think that, huh?” Callie argued, getting right in the girl’s face. “You think you’re the right one? As if!” She laughed. A little nuts, a little scary.

The girl’s face blanched. “Uh—”

“That’s right. You think you are. You’re not. These guys aren’t property. They don’t date cleat chasers like you. You’re just a place for a dick to sleep over.”

The place fell silent.

Awkwardly silent.

A glass fell. My heart raced. Someone sneezed. And this bitch chose to hit Callie in the face. Oh. Hell. No.

Callie roared, slapping the girl’s hand away while I pulled her back. Callie was persistent, throwing blind punches and kicks, but most of them hit me. I managed to get her to the main dance floor when all hell broke loose. Suddenly, my life was a movie, yet again.

People yelled.

Callie’s fist hit the girl in the mouth and she gasped. “Oh.”

The girl screamed. She charged at Callie, who stood off-balance to my left. Callie somehow dodged to the side and the girl fell to the ground. Callie and I shared a look before I grabbed her hand. “Let’s get the hell out.”

“Yeahhhhh,” she slurred and tripped as we headed toward the entrance. It suddenly felt packed—I couldn’t see more than two feet ahead of me at a time. Being tall had some advantages so I pushed through the crowd and found myself face-to-face with Todd.

His eyes widened, the bruising a sick reminder of what happened all those weeks ago. “Greta?”

“Hi, Todd,” I said without emotion. My focus was getting Callie out of there. “We’re on our way out.”

“Come on, looks like you need a back way out.” He took the tip of my elbow, gently, and helped push a way to a side door. “Your friend there is a little spitfire.”

“Yes. Callie is.” I smiled at my best friend, who was minutes away from crashing. “Thank you for the help, Todd.”

Callie chose that moment to pay attention. She jerked out of my hands. “This is the Todd?”

Todd’s face blanched, damn well knowing she couldn’t mean anything good by it. He ran a hand over the back of his neck and cringed. “I’ve been meaning to call you, Greta.”

“Trust me, no need,” I scoffed. “I’m glad to see you’re alive at least.”

He let out a string of curse words and frowned at me. “I didn’t realize… Look…I’m not a bad guy.”

“Not saying you are.” I checked my phone. It was one now. We needed to head out and walking wasn’t an option. I opened the Uber app and saw it was fifteen minutes away. Jesus.

“I owe you an explanation.” He stepped closer toward me, his handsome face showing regret. My stomach tightened. This passed awkward. “My brother is in their gang. He stole money from them. I had no idea.”

Callie gasped and looked at me with wide eyes. “Is this real life?”

“Yeah.” Todd smiled at her. “Sadly, yes. Anyway, they decided to send a message to him through me. I never would have taken you there if I’d thought you could’ve gotten hurt.”

My gut told me he meant it. It was the truth. But it didn’t change anything. I sighed, hearing angry voices farther down the alley. “I appreciate knowing you’re not a criminal. Which I assumed.”

“Naturally.” He put his hands in his pockets and kicked a rock on the road. “Can I at least give you both a ride back?”

“Nah, we’ll wait for an Uber. Thank you, though.” I smiled and heard the voices get louder. I glanced down the alley and saw two massive shadows coming our way. My neck tingled.

“I’ll wait with you then.” He didn’t look alarmed or in a hurry. “How did you get home that night anyway?”

“My friend came to get me.” My chest hurt at the reminder of my stupidity. Callie sank to the ground and I joined her. Our outfits would be ruined, but fuck it. I was exhausted. The night had been fun until an hour ago. I knew we should’ve left at midnight.

“I know this is a long shot,” Todd said, “but I really liked you. I assumed you would never talk to me again after that night. But would you want to try again?”

I didn’t get a chance to answer before someone punched him in the face. A large, swift body came out of nowhere and it took me thirty seconds to realize it was Aaron.

Aaron punched Todd in the face.

“What the fuck, man?” Todd spat out, wiping blood from his mouth. His eyes were wild and afraid.

“That’s for the shit you pulled at Dirty Matt’s.” He pulled back his fist and hit him again. “That’s for pathetically asking my girlfriend out.”

“Aaron!” I jumped into action, confused as hell about how and when he’d got there. “Stop. Let it go.”

“I’m good. I got my two shots in.” He twisted so he faced me and Oh. My. God. His eyes were lethal. Steel gray, calm and predatory. “I’ll never forgive him for scaring the shit out of you that night.”

I stood, dumbfounded. “How… Why are you here?”

“Zade came for Callie. I came for you.”

Ugh, my goddamn heart. His words could kill me or light me on fire.

Zade already had Callie on his back, him carefully looking at her fingers. I assumed he’d found out about the fight and was whispering sweet nothings to her. I glanced back at Aaron and he was still studying me. His chest heaved, the tight gray fabric leaving nothing to the imagination. My mouth dried up.

“I think Zade’s taking Callie home.” He bit his lip, a grimace coming over his face when he noticed his hand. “I’ll walk you home.”

“I have an Uber on the way.” I checked my phone and saw it would arrive in two minutes. “I can’t cancel.”

“I’ll go with you. Come on, let’s leave this asshole alone.” He put his arm around me, his familiar scent intoxicating me. Being around Aaron was like a ride on a roller coaster without a seatbelt. I had no choice but to follow him toward the main road. His fingers teased my skin, up and down my bare arm. I shivered. “Are you cold?”

“Slightly. My adrenaline wore off.” My teeth clattered, the car pulling up that second. I sighed. “Good.”

We got into the car, but Aaron wrapped his arm around my waist. He prevented me from scooting all the way over. Instead, he pulled me onto his lap. He wrapped his strong arms around me. “Wh—what are you doing?”

“Warming you up.” He chuckled, his laugh hitting me in the chest. What the fuck is happening?

“Oh.” I welcomed his heat and soon enough, we were dropped off outside my apartment. Aaron kept his arm around me while we headed up the stairs and my nerves took off. He turned me on. I didn’t know when that had started. He messed with my head and emotions. We needed to talk, but it was already super fucking late. Did I invite him in? I had no idea.

“I’m coming in. I’m beat.” He shut the door and locked it behind him. He winked and added, “Remember I have an extra key?”

“I should probably take that back.” I fumbled with my words.

“Not a chance in hell. Do you need to sleep right now? Can we talk first?” His tone changed, confidence replaced with insecurity. “Please?”

I eyed him. He looked broken. “Sure. I can stay awake.”

He plopped onto the couch and patted the cushion next to him. “Come on.”

I obeyed and crossed my legs. I re-crossed them at least three times before he started talking. “Greta, I’m a shitty friend and an even worse fake boyfriend. I assumed you didn’t want to talk all week because I pissed you off.”

“I—”

“Don’t interrupt, G.” He put his long finger on my lips. He smirked. “Thank you. I know you’re the gabby one, but it’s my turn.”

I nodded, the first sign of relief flowing through me.

“You’re not like how I envisioned a girlfriend. You don’t fit the stereotype. Certainly not to me. I won’t do that again.” He held my stare and I gulped. “I hated not talking to you every day. I don’t know when you did this, but I blame you.”

“Blame me for what?” I blurted out.

“You got into my head. My day sucks when you’re not in it.” He shrugged, grabbing one of my bare feet. I gasped when he massaged it in his hands. I had no idea what the fuck was happening but I closed my eyes. It felt like heaven. “I’m not done.”

I nodded, but he let go of my foot. He grinned. “I’m listening, Chatty Cathy.”

“Ha ha.” He dramatically rolled his eyes. “I was jealous as hell when I heard you and Tanner had a relationship.”

“What?” I sat up straight, our faces a foot apart. “What did you say?”

“I was jealous.” His gaze flicked to my mouth for a second. “I liked thinking we were closer. That you and I were best friends. I don’t know why. It didn’t make sense, but thinking you had anything with Tanner annoyed me. I’m not used to feeling jealous, Greta. Ever. It’s new and gross and I hate it.”

“You were jealous?” I grinned.

“Yes, Pita.” He crossed his eyes at me and my heart warmed. Playful Aaron was back. My world felt right again. “I assumed, which I now know to never do. But I assumed all this shit instead of asking you.”

I nodded and he tipped my chin up with his fingers. “So, Greta, will you tell me what happened and put me out of my misery?”

Misery? “Nothing happened, truly. I had a crush. You know, well, maybe you don’t, but if you’re around people a lot and they’re off-limits…it was like a high school crush of sorts. I attempted, once, to hit on him. I had a couple of drinks and I used some asinine pick-up line. He shook his head and told me very firmly no.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” His brows pinched together.

“Uh, embarrassing as hell.” I shook the memory away. “Enough about it. Are we good?”

“Yes, Pita. We’re good.” He smiled his Aaron smile and I felt it in my toes. “Now, lie back down. I’ll massage your feet again, just to make sure I’m not in the dog house.”

“You punched Todd,” I mumbled minutes later on the verge of sleep. “Why?”

“He put my girl in danger. Ain’t gunna get away with that.”

Then I fell asleep.