Tripping on my feet, I fall into the locker, catching their attention. They both start laughing when they see it’s me.
I sign, needing to speak even though I know he’s not going to understand what I’m saying. I want—noneed—to know what’s going on.
“Aww, looks like she’s caught us.” Allie steps up to me, making sure she’s speaking at me so I can read her lips. “It was just a bet, stupid. Did you really think the captain of the football team would want to date you? The deaf girl?”
My eyes shoot to him, waiting for him to tell her to shut up, to say she’s lying. But he doesn’t.
“I’m now a hundred dollars richer.” He laughs, wrapping his arms around Allie’s shoulder. “It would've been more if I could have gotten you in bed with me.”
Allie pouts. “Look at her face, she’s going to cry. This is epic. Hold on.” She pulls out her phone and starts recording.
I can see both their lips moving, but I’m stunned, unable to move, to process what’s happening. All I can do is run. As far away from here as I can.
A familiar wetness on my face pulls me from my memory, and I lift my hand, wiping it away. James taps me on the arm, and I look over at him as he pulls to a stop at the light.
Are you okay?he asks.
I nod. It’s a lie. One I’ve become a pro at telling. Benton had to go turn in the leftover items at the coach’s office, so he drove by himself today, while I rode with James.
You sure?I should’ve known he wouldn’t believe me.
Yeah, just tired. I need a nap.
Me too.He signs just before the light turns green, and he takes off.
I wish I could leave everything in the past where it belongs, but it continues to rear its ugly head. Everything that happened to me only made me stronger. I know that. There’s no way I’m going to be anyone's joke again. But it doesn’t mean that the past, the memories, don’t still hurt when they rear their ugly heads, trying to sour the good moments.
James pulls up in front of my house and shifts the car into park.
Want some company?
I shake my head.No. I’m going to get something to eat and maybe take a nap. I’m exhausted. Message me later.
He nods as I get out of the car and head inside.
Going to my room, I drop off my purse and jacket, and change into my pajamas. I firmly plan to be a couch potato for the rest of the day and night. Heading back downstairs, I go straight to the kitchen and open the refrigerator, smiling when I see there’s still some leftover lasagna from last night.
After scooping some onto a plate, I stick it in the microwave and let it warm up, while I get a can of Wild Cherry Pepsi.
My thoughts drift to Lincoln again, wondering what he’s doing. Then Grady makes an appearance, and my concern over his wrist consumes me. The way his pink grapefruit and ginger scent called to me. He’s a grown man, someone I haven’t even had a conversation with before today, yet I find myself worried about him, wanting to care for him.
What the fuck is wrong with me?
Once the light goes off on the microwave, I take the plate, drink and phone to the kitchen table.
I’m eating and scrolling through my emails when a message from Lincoln pops up.
Lincoln: How are you?
My heart skips a beat with excitement.
Me: Good. Just tired. I helped my brother with a charity event today.
Lincoln: My brother and Milton were at that too.
Me: I know. I talked to Milton. A teenager got a lucky hit today and smacked a puck off the net and hit his wrist. He should’ve been wearing gloves. It was pretty swollen.
Lincoln: Aww, was my girl playing nurse today? I have a boo boo, too. Can you kiss it and make it better?
