For the rest of the damn game, my mind is elsewhere. All of the thoughts running through my head, and almost all of them involve a five foot three, dark haired woman that for some reason has stolen all of my focus.
She never used to get to me like this. I used to be able to push the thoughts of her away. Sure, I’ve thought about what she looks like naked since she grew tits, but it didn’t used to take over every single brain cell I have.
Lainey Barkley is dangerous, because she doesn’t even have to try to get my attention. She’s always had it, and I have a feeling it’s going to get a whole lot worse before it gets better.
Chapter 11
Lainey
Iusually get really into the games, but tonight I wasn’t as into it as usual. I can’t figure out why.
Maybe it’s because I have planned this weekend out to a T for Gwen’s bachelorette party. I’ve kept everything a secret, which is actually really hard for me because I suck at keeping secrets.
I didn’t even say anything when Ellie and Haley tried to coax it out of me with my favorite wine and ice cream. That usually works pretty well.
I’ve held strong, and really I want it to be a surprise for everyone. I think Holland or Logan planned something for Ryker tomorrow night too, so the bride and groom will have one night of stress-free fun before getting back to wedding prep.
That’s exactly what they need. It’s exactly whatIneed. I haven’t heard from mom or dad in weeks, and yeah, I’m okay on my own. Yes, I’m used to it, but how have they not checked in at all inweeks?It’s like they’ve completely fallen off the face of the earth or have completely forgot they even have a daughter.
I don’t usually wallow in self-pity, but I haven’t had any of my usual distractions in a few days, which is why this weekend will be good. I’ll be able to put my parents, or lack thereof, to the back of my mind.
As we wait outside the locker rooms for Holland and Mason, Ryker’s brother Logan catches up with us, a grin on his face as he approaches his brother. Ryker brings him into a hug, patting his back like guys do whenever they hug another dude.
When they pull away, Ryker chuckles softly.
“There he is,” Logan says, a teasing lilt to his voice. “How’s life in the big city without me?”
Ryker shakes his head. “It’s great. Better than this shithole town.”
“Shithole? It’s not that bad, man. I got a new girl,” Logan begins.
“Did you? Better than that cheating bitch Adrianna, hopefully,” Ryker comments in disgust. Logan laughed and nodded, shoving his hands in his coat pocket.
“Yeah, a lot better. Her names Charlotte, and she’s really fucking great, man. She’s in the bathroom,” Logan explains, turning around to look toward the bathroom where a small blonde girl is walking this way, a shy smile on her face as she approaches.
She’s cute, her hair in two long, blonde braids over her shoulders. She’s wearing a hat identical to mine, and her blue eyes are bright enough to see the color even in the dark.
Logan’s smile says it all. He’s clearly into this girl, and I’m honestly surprised I hadn’t seen him with her at the Elite mansion. I wonder if she’s not a partier. She honestly doesn’t look like she would be. She looks really uncomfortable in this setting, being surrounded by virtual strangers.
Logan scoops her into his side, leaving a kiss on her forehead which causes her to smile brightly.
“Here she is. Guys, this is my girlfriend, Charlotte. Char, this is my brother Ryker, and his fiancée Gwen,” Logan gestures toward them. Gwen reaches out her hand to shake Charlotte’s hand. Charlotte takes a minute before taking Gwen’s hand with a small smile.
“Hi! I’m Gwen, it’s great to meet you, Charlotte,” Gwen introduces herself with her warm and welcoming smile. She gestures toward Ellie, Haley, and I. “This is Lainey, Ellie, and
Haley.”
I give Charlotte a big smile. Taking her hand in mine, I pull her into a hug.
I’m not a shy girl. I’ve always been outgoing and confident. I’ll always say what’s on my mind, especially if I don’t like you. But I’m also really friendly. That’s something that my teachers in elementary school always said on my report cards that my parents never got a chance to look at.
Honestly, it’s a miracle that this is my personality with growing up essentially alone, but maybe that’s what caused it. I was tired of being alone, and I wanted people to like me.
Now, I don’t care who likes me or not. If you want to be my friend, great. If you don’t, well you can fuck right off. It’s not going to bother me. I have Ellie, Haley, and Gwen. I guess you could say I have Holland too, since he and Ellie are my oldest friends.
I pull back from Charlotte, and she looks even more uncomfortable than before.
“Hi, I’m Lainey,” I tell her, even though she already knows this.
