I stand staring after her for the second time today. I close my eyes and groan as I think over what all I just said to her. None of it came out right.
What I meant to ask was why she was here after getting hit this afternoon. She should be home resting. I keep putting my foot in my mouth.
I start to go after her to clear things up, but my frat brothers come and surround me, dragging me into a drinking game. Not wanting to make this worse and ruin her first college party, I go with them and try to ignore the fact that she’s here.
“There’s more going on there than you’re saying, am I right?” Jason says in my ear as I down a shot.
“I don’t know what’s going on. I’m not trying to be an asshole. It’s just when she’s around, my brain-to-mouth function never works right.”
He laughs and pats me on the back. I look at him and scowl. I’m not sure what the hell is so funny.
I shrug his hand off and turn to look around for Zah. My blood boils as I notice a group of my teammates has surrounded her and her friend. However, my head explodes as I watch Carly toss a drink on Zah’s shirt then try to act as if it’s an accident.
“Well, damn,” Jason breathes in shock as we watch what happens next.
Zahirah
I can’t believe Bentley.I mean, who does he think he is? Corey and Jason don’t even know me, and they’ve been so nice to me and shown me so much concern.
If not for wanting to show him I can go to any party and enjoy myself with or without his permission, I would have left. However, I’m not going to allow him to ruin my first college party. My head is fine and I’m having a good time.
Arlene did a great job curling my hair and helping me pick out an outfit. I was surprised by her knowledge of how to work with my hair until she told me she’s from a blended family and has a stepsister who’s African American. I totally lucked out when it comes to my roommate.
She’s making this party fun and has taken my mind off the big idiot across the room. I’ve been doing my best not to look in Bentley’s direction even as his friends make a ruckus while tossing back drinks and horsing around.
“So you’re going to be on the track team?” a guy whose name I can’t remember asks.
“That’s the plan. I’m excited to meet the team and throw myself into the new routine,” I reply.
“You guys have a great program. I look forward to seeing you compete,” he says as his gaze rolls over me.
I turn to the guy on my right to keep from sending mixed signals. He seems like he might be a nice guy, but I’m not interested. He’s been undressing me with his eyes since he came over here.
To be honest, most of the guys here seem to be more interested in hooking up than anything else. I’m not taking this that far. I’m offered another beer and decline.
“Come dance with me,” Arlene says as she leans into my ear.
I nod and go to turn with her to head to one of the open areas where everyone is dancing. There are a lot more people than I was expecting. Which is why I’m not that surprised whensomeone’s drink ends up on me and my shirt. I jump back and shake my hands out.
When I look up, Bentley’s girlfriend stands looking back at me with a nasty grin on her face. She gives a fake gasp and covers her mouth with her hand.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you there,” she says dramatically.
I see right through her. Her friends snickering around her only confirms what I already know. I ball my fists at my sides. The last thing I’m about to do is allow this chick to bully me.
“I’m sure it was an accident,” I say dryly.
“Those seem to be happening a lot around here. How’s your head?” she says in the snarkiest tone I’ve ever heard.
“My head is fine.”
“So you admit you’re a lying, boyfriend-stealing slut,” she hisses at me.
“Excuse me?”
She pulls a face and steps closer into my space. I refuse to step back. She’s not about to intimidate me.
“I said you’re a liar, a boyfriend stealer, and a nasty-ass slut. Look at you all up in our star players’ faces. You skank-ass bitch,” she says and goes to push me.
