“It’s the only way, Will.”
“They’ll never give it back to you.”
James crossed his arms. “I’ll try. If worse comes to worst, I’ll have fun.”
William unexpectedly turned around to me. “Do you want to come?”
James and I exchanged glances. His was horrified; mine was confused.
“What the fuck are you saying, Will?” he burst out.
I blinked a few times. Was that a joke? It had to be. Will and I had planned on going out, but instead he was inviting me to go I don’t know where, with I don’t know who, but most importantly, to do what?
I laughed, thinking it was a joke, but I soon understood that William was serious.
“Snow White’s virgin eyes definitely would burn if she went in there,” James said, laughing.
“Meaning?” I growled at him.
“That it’s no place for you.”
Will grunted while James looked at me with an arrogant smirk, so I got up to leave. I needed some air, and they confused me. I was collapsed against the hallway wall when Will caught up to me.
“June, what’s going on?”
If he liked me as much as he said he did, why couldn’t he be alone with me for a single damn night? Maybe Amelia was right; a little strategy wouldn’t hurt since William seemed to take me for granted.
“Why don’t you ever say no to him, Will?”
“You don’t get it, June.”
“Can you not even say no to him once?”
William tried to push a lock of hair behind my ear, but I pulled back.
“June, listen. If James gets himself into a bad situation, it’s my fault too.”
“Then tonight you have a choice. It’s either me or him.”
I said it out loud, but I couldn’t bear to see William’s expression, so I turned around and ran to the bathroom.
>> <<
“Mom, someone’s at the door!” No answer.
The doorbell kept ringing. I looked out the window but didn’t see a car in the driveway.
“Mom!” I went hoarse.
I finally remembered that she’d left for her painting night class. I prayed that if it was a delivery person that they wouldn’t be cute. I was in pitiful condition. I flung the door opened and was speechless.
“Will?”
A sound escaped my lips that was so shrill that I barely recognized my own voice.
“I don’t like ultimatums,” he announced.
“You’re right, I was impulsive.”
