Chapter Eighteen

 

The next week was a rollercoaster ride through hell. On the one hand, things with Collin were rolling along smoothly. He called me every night when he got home from work and we saw each other twice during the week. He even said that he'd spoken to Spencer but he wouldn’t disclose what was said – all he would tell me is that Spencer took it well.

I had my doubts but I didn’t push it. They had their regular gig at Rusty’s Friday and I’d just have to wait and see how things played out.

Collin called me Friday just as I was about to walk out the door and warned me to keep things cool in front of Spencer. That immediately put me on guard but I sucked it up and agreed. I wasn’t exactly anxious to flaunt my new relationship – or whatever it was- under Spencer’s nose.

I got there as the boys were setting up their equipment and found Irelyn at our regular table. I dropped into a chair next to her, my eyes on Spencer.

“Has Spencer said anything?” I whispered.

“About what?” Irelyn asked as she turned her head toward me. “Oh, Collin must have talked to him.”

“Yeah, he said he did but he didn’t exactly elaborate on the details,” I said in a bitter tone. I motioned for Marissa to bring us some drinks.

I caught Spencer glance at our table but when I looked at him, he quickly averted his eyes. My stomach plunged to my feet and my blood iced. I desperately wanted to talk to him and try to smooth things over but I hadn’t had the best of luck lately so things weren’t exactly looking good for me.

The guys didn’t join us for a pre-gig drink and when I raised a brow at Collin, he gave me a swift head shake. My stomach fell even further and I couldn’t get comfortable or relax. I did, however, take it easy on the alcohol, although it was tempting to just get sloshed.

The guys were nearing the end of their last set when Tori joined us, adding to the awkward tension cloud lingering over my head. She smiled feebly at me before turning her attention to the stage. I couldn’t look at her.

When they finished, they settled around the table and absent was the usual raucous chatter that always thrived on their adrenaline. Only Lucas seemed at ease and the urge to punch him was damn near irrepressible.

“Hey, Bailey,” Spencer said as he stood. His hands clutched the back of his chair and his knuckles turned white. “I’m going to step outside for some air – care to join me?”

I fought to keep my eyes on Spencer’s and not let them dart to Collin. I slid my chair away from the table with a tight smile. “Sure.”

He held the door open for me and placed a hand on my back. He steered me to the metal steps that led to his apartment. He sat on the third one and patted the spot next to him. I settled on the cool metal and took a deep breath.

“All right, Spence, spill,” I ordered.

“Why didn’t you just tell me, Bailey?” he asked, his voice pitiful.

“Tell you what? About Collin?” I asked but didn’t wait for an answer. “Spencer, there was nothing to tell. I was totally honest with you when I broke things off. There was no one else – I just didn’t have the feelings for you – not romantic feelings.”

“But Collin said that he wanted to date you – that you wanted to date him,” he said.

“That’s the truth,” I said as I craned my head to look at him. “But at the time, I had no idea that he liked me in that way.”

“Did you like him – that way?” he asked, his eyes earnest.

I swallowed. “Yeah, I did – but I didn’t think he felt the same way. I never thought he would.”

Spencer narrowed his eyes. “Why?”

“Geez, Spence,” I said as I dropped my head. “I never thought you’d feel anything real for me, either. I’m just not that girl, you know?”

“Oh, bull,” he said as he grabbed my chin. “That’s bull shit, Bailey. Maybe if you’d stop putting yourself down for a few minutes you’ll see that other people really care about you.”

I could only nod. I knew he had a point but for the past few years, I’d relied heavily on my reputation – it was easier than letting my guard down. But since Irelyn and Morgan stormed into my life – followed closely by Spencer, Collin, and Lucas – I’d lowered the walls a bit. It was nice having real friends and people who accepted you no matter what.

And now I was hurting them all. First Morgan and now Spencer.

I sighed heavily, expelling all the negative air that I could. “Spencer, I didn’t do you right. I didn’t do Morgan right. Hell, I probably won’t do Collin right.”

“Stop,” he said, laying a hand on my arm. “You’re different around Collin – I’ve noticed. Maybe you tried to hide it but I could see. I could see before Irelyn and Morgan could. Hell, I probably saw it before you.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked as I lifted my head.

He ran his hands through his hair. “The tension – the chemistry. You two must have been blind and stupid not to notice it or else I was paying more attention.”

I shrugged. “Maybe we ignored it because we didn’t want to hurt you.”

He laughed a hollow sort of laugh. “Maybe. But listen, I love both of you and I’d hate for us to not talk. I don’t want us to end up like…you know…Morgan.”

I cringed a little and he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “I sort of saw it coming and I’ve been trying to prepare myself. Yeah, it bugs me a little bit but I’ll get over it.”

I bobbed my head up and down. “Thanks, Spence.”

He kissed my cheek. “Will you tell me one thing?”

“Sure,” I said, my heart lightening.

“Did you…did you sleep with him…you know, while we were together?”

It was like a sharp smack in the face and my breath left me in a gush. “No, Spencer. Damn. How could you think that about Collin? Do you think he’d do that to you?” I asked, the pitch of my voice rising. “I mean, I know I deserve that because – well, I do sort of have that reputation…”

“Hell, Bailey, I didn’t mean…” Spencer started.

“Well, well, well,” Owen drawled as he approached us, his arm wound tightly around Morgan’s waist. “Lover’s spat?”

“Bug off,” I spit, my eyes shooting darts at him. The little weasel had forgotten our conversation from the previous weekend and dared to show up again with Morgan. I’d make him pay.

“What are you doing here?” Spencer asked in an icy tone. I was mildly surprised – Spencer usually spoke warmly to his friend.

“Thought we’d hang out, didn’t we darling?” he said as he kissed Morgan’s cheek, making my skin crawl.

“Yes,” she whispered, her eyes skipping all over the place.

“Well, if you’ll excuse us,” I said with venom in my voice, “we’re having a private conversation. Move along.”

Owen shot me a wink and urged Morgan inside the bar.

Spencer watched them closely until the door closed behind them. “Collin let me in on the situation with Tori. Man, I knew Owen could be a dick but I didn’t know he could be that bad. I hate to see Morgan with him.”

“Tell me,” I said as my body began to tremble. “I can’t stand it. And I won’t. I’m going to get her away from him anyway I can.”

“Yeah, so I hear,” Spencer said as he twisted slowly to face me again. “And you need to stay away from him, too.”

“I can take care of myself,” I iterated firmly. “Morgan, on the other hand…”

“Morgan has made a choice,” Spencer said as he gripped my arm.

“Morgan is trying to get back at us,” I said.

“Do you honestly think she’s that spiteful?”

I leaned back on the step behind me. “I’m beginning to think so.” I hoisted my body off the steps and clumped to the ground. My blood began to race as anger stirred inside my stomach. “And I am going to get him away from her. No matter what it takes.”

***

“Absolutely not,” Irelyn said as we sat around Collin’s table later that night. She turned her eyes on Lucas, begging him to agree.

“Irelyn’s right,” Collin said. He leaned back in his chair, full bottle of beer in his hand. “The only thing we can do is keep trying to talk to Morgan.”

“That’s what you guys think,” I said as I stood and moved to stand near the counter. “But I can handle him. He wants me. I just – didn’t keep up with him. I let too much time pass.”

“No, Bailey,” Spencer said. “Listen to us. He’s trouble.”

I laughed. “You thought he was a great guy until a few days ago.”

“Well I was wrong,” he muttered as he shot a quick look at Tori’s pinched, pale face. He took her hand on top of the table.

“But Tori’s not,” I said as I narrowed my eyes at her.

“Leave her out of it,” Collin warned, finally looking at me.

I raised a brow, not at all happy he was defending her. I understood, but didn’t like his sharp tone. “I’m not attacking her – just pointing out that she is the one who really knows him.”

“Yes,” she said, quietly. “And I don’t think it’s a good idea for anyone to get mixed up with him.”

“But it’s a good idea for Morgan?” I asked, my anger climbing toward hysteria.

“Not at all,” Tori said. “And I don’t know why he’s with her - Owen has a thing for you – I can tell.”

“Exactly,” I said, throwing my hands in the air. “And Owen wants me. It won’t take much to get him upstairs.”

Collin nearly knocked his chair over as he leapt to his feet. He took my shoulders gently and ducked to meet my eyes. “You cannot force Morgan to do anything she doesn’t want to do and getting yourself involved with Owen is only going to make her want him more.”

“Not if you guys get her to the club tomorrow night,” I said desperately. “I can make him think I want him and she’ll see me go upstairs with him. That’s all it will take.”

“And what happens when he gets you upstairs, huh?” Collin asked, shaking me slightly. “What then?”

I gritted my teeth. “I can handle him.”

“If anyone can, she can,” Tori added. “I mean, Owen thinks she’s…”

I rolled my eyes. “He thinks I’m a whore – you can say it. I know what people think.”

“I didn’t…” Tori stumbled. “I just meant…”

“Don’t worry about it,” I said as I held up a hand.

“No,” Collin said, dropping his hands and shaking his head. “No, way. There’s no way in hell I’ll allow this.”

I blinked rapidly as my mouth opened. I was momentarily shocked stupid. “You…you’ll not allow it? What the hell?”

“You know what I mean,” he said, his eyes unwavering.

“No,” I said as I recovered and crossed my arms over my chest. “I’m afraid I don’t.”

“Okay, cool down you two,” Irelyn ordered as she rose and stepped between us.

“Forget that, Irelyn,” I said as I stormed out of the room. “If he can run off for a week with Tori because of Owen then I sure as hell can make Morgan think I’m screwing him.”

“Bailey,” Spencer called as he chased after me. He snagged my arm. “Think about it. Think about what you’re planning,” he said as he lowered his voice. “Not only will you be hurting Morgan but you’ll be hurting Collin, too.”

I snorted. “How? He knows the truth. I don’t want Owen – I can’t stand him. Collin knows he’s the only one I want.”

“Does he?” Spencer asked.

“Bailey,” Collin said as he stepped into the room. “Don’t do this.”

“I have to,” I said quietly. “I’m the one who caused this and I’m the one who needs to fix it.”

“No you don’t,” he said. “It’s not up to you to fix everything.”

“You didn’t cause this,” Spencer added. “I’m the one who cried on her shoulder – I made her think you hurt me worse than you actually had.”

I couldn’t face him. I couldn’t look him honestly in the eye. He had no clue what really set Morgan off and I wouldn’t tell him. I wouldn’t push him away from Collin.

“I’m doing this with or without your help,” I said. “I’ll get Morgan to that club somehow.”

“Bailey, if you do,” Collin said, his eyes dark and angry. “I swear…”

“What, you’re threatening me now?” I asked.

He stepped back, his jaw set and his arms across his chest. “Take it how you will.”

I stared at him, looking for the bluff. I couldn’t find it. But it wasn’t going to stop me. He’d come to his senses – he had to. He was the one who’d taken Tori by the hand and helped her through her nightmare. He should be the first to understand why it was so important to get Morgan away from Owen before it was too late.

I stepped toward Collin and rested a hand on his chest. “Collin, I have to do this. I caused it and I need to fix it.” I stood on my toes and pecked his lips. “I’m sorry.”

I fled before anyone could stop me.

***

I spent the entire night wracking my brain to figure out a way to get Morgan to the club the following evening and when the sun came up Saturday morning, I still hadn’t come up with anything.

My cell rang and I glanced at the ID. It was Collin this time. I ignored it like I had all the other calls from him, Irelyn, and Spencer that had disturbed my poor phone all night. Once I was sure his call went to voice mail, I opened my phone and toyed with the phonebook, looking for Morgan’s number and wondering if she’d answer if I called.

I stopped when I came to a number I’d never called and an idea suddenly sprang to mind. A queer smile crossed my lips as I contemplated calling him. I wondered if he’d be willing to help – or at least have lunch.

***

“I have to say that I am surprised you called,” Craig said as he settled in the booth across from me. “And I’m even more curious about this plan.”

I smiled warmly at him, a little surprised that he’d agreed to meet me after I'd poured out the whole ridiculous story to him on the phone. “Well, it’s probably a long shot but my luck’s bound to change, huh?”

“Do you actually think your friend Morgan will go out with me?” he asked dubiously. “I mean, if she’s already supposedly seeing this Owen guy?”

“It’s worth a shot,” I shrugged as the waitress took our order. I waited for her to leave before continuing. “Like I said, I don’t think she’s really into him – I think she’s using him to piss us off.”

“Sounds like it’s working,” Craig smirked.

“Like a charm,” I muttered as I dropped my eyes to the table.

“I told you on the phone that I’d try,” Craig said softly. “I’ve been in that bookstore countless times so I know exactly who you’re talking about.” He leaned back and scrunched up his face in concentration. “Maybe a different approach would be better.”

My head jerked up immediately as my brows crammed together. “What do you mean?”

“Well,” he started as his face cleared. “She might not go for the idea of accompanying me to a club since we don’t know each other. But,” he leaned over the table. “Do you think she’d be hip to meeting with my book club?”

My brows dipped further as I snorted. “I don’t think I’ll manage to get Owen to a book club and even if I did, I doubt seriously that Morgan would believe that I’m going to screw him in the library.”

He laughed richly and it was a nice sound. Wouldn’t it be just peachy if Craig and Morgan actually fell for each other? I hurriedly shoved that thought to the side. I couldn’t play Cupid right now – I needed to play the part of the horrible, back-stabbing friend.

“I’m not suggesting you drag Owen to my book club,” he said as he sipped his soft drink.

“Do you actually have a book club?”

His smile widened, revealing his dimples. How cute. Too bad I was already in love with Collin even though I was about to possibly throw it all away. “Not really but I do have a group of friends from the university that would more than likely be happy to pose as a book club.”

“Okay,” I said slowly. “That’s great. But how is that going to help get Morgan to Owen’s club?”

“Well,” he drawled as he rested his arm on the back of the chair. His grin was mischievous and I was beginning to suspect he had a devious mind. “That will be my in, you see? I’ll tell her that I’ve seen her at the book store on several occasions and ask her if she’d like to meet my book club. I’ll have her join us somewhere – I haven’t figured out a place yet – and we’ll sit around and talk about books for awhile. Then, I’ll have one of my friends suggest we go out for a drink and we’ll somehow get Morgan to the Tail Feather Club.” He lifted his hands as if to say ‘Duh!’

“That could work,” I said in awe. “It would work brilliantly as long as you don’t tell her what club you’re going to.”

“That’s simple,” he smirked. “We’ll all ride together and drive past and I’ll have one of the girls say she always wanted to go there and we’ll just pull in and park. I’ll charm Morgan into going if she makes a fuss.”

I appraised him carefully. He was more of Morgan’s type – studious, handsome, charming. If anyone could do this, he could. I wasn’t one hundred percent comfortable with this plan but it was the best I had.

He pulled a cell phone from his pocket. “Let me call my sister,” he said as he pressed buttons. “I’ll have her help. She’s only a year older than me and she likes to hang out with my friends. She’ll help me think of a place for our faux book club.”

I nodded. The waitress brought our food while he was on the phone. He made two more phone calls while I pushed my fries around on my plate. When he finished, he smiled.

“Okay, all set. My sister and her boyfriend are in on it as well as my friend, Cal, and his girlfriend.” He picked up his cheeseburger and bit off a huge chunk.

“Where is this meeting of the minds going to take place?” I asked.

He held up a finger as he chewed furiously. “At Cuppa’s. It’s a coffee shop not too far from the Tail Feather.”

“Brilliant,” I said admirably.

“Thanks,” he blushed. “But my sister came up with the place.” He shoved a bunch of fries in his mouth and tilted his head. “I’ll call you as we leave the coffee shop and let you know we’re on our way. Now, what’s your plan?”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I’m more than willing to help you get a nice girl away from a perverted asshole but I’m not too crazy about you being all alone with him in some room upstairs.”

I was touched – honestly. “Don’t worry about me – I’ve handled worse.”

“What about your boyfriend,” he asked, his eyes boring into mine. “What does he say about all this?”

I shrugged. “He hates it.”

“Is he going to be around to protect you?”

I laughed as I narrowed my eyes at him. “I don’t need some white knight coming to my rescue and saving the day – I’m hardly a damsel in distress. I will be fine.”

He nodded slowly. “That’s all fine and good, Bailey, but don’t think that me and my friends won’t be watching this idiot closely and don’t think that we’ll stand by and do nothing if we think you’re in trouble.”

I cracked a grin. “That’s nice to know. Now, finish your food – I need to get home and prepare.”

He nodded again but didn’t smile back as he picked up the remains of his cheeseburger and ate it in one gulp.

After I left the diner and drove home, all the things that could possibly go wrong with this plan rolled through my head. I shivered but did not change my mind. I would do this for Morgan even if she hated me for the rest of her life.

I owed it to her.