My lids drift closed as the last tremors of my climax subside. When I open them again, Cin is gone.
I can’t believe what I just witnessed. I went upstairs to use the bathroom since the one downstairs was occupied. I only walked towards Bri’s room because I saw the light was on, and I hadn’t seen her since I arrived. Nothing could’ve prepared me for the scene I happened upon. I felt a surge of jealousy. It’s an ugly emotion I shouldn’t have. I’m in a relationship. What Lilah, Bri, and Art do shouldn’t matter to me, but it does.
Trevor isn’t in the living room when I get back, so I make my way to the kitchen. The space is crowded with kids. I’m dismayed to find Danny has started a game of red face. It’s something he made up last summer, where two opponents slap each other senseless until one person gets knocked out. He always wins. Each person has to put up twenty dollars to participate. Zeke stands behind Danny in the unlikely event he’s finally met his match. Robbie stands behind his unfortunate opponent. I wonder how much is on the line. Trevor, Anneli, Dex, Josh and Aiden stand together, watching the show. I walk over to join them.
“Are you okay?” Trevor asks.
“I’m fine.”
Anneli peers over at me. They’re too damn perceptive.
“You sure?” Trevor presses.
“Positive.”
“You have a distressed look on your face, like someone hit your puppy.”
“No, I’m fine.” I laugh it off.
He studies my face.
“How much money is on the table?” I ask to prevent him from commenting on my abrupt change in mood further.
“It’s up to a hundred dollars now. Danny has knocked four people out so far,” Trevor answers.
I breathe a sigh of relief when he doesn’t ask any more questions.
“Let’s go, baby,” Danny shouts.
He brings his arm back as far as he can, then swings it forward full force. The sound of Danny’s palm hitting the face of that poor soul resembles an explosion.
Collective screams, shouts, and laughter resound throughout the kitchen.
The boy falls back into Robbie’s arms. He’s out for the count. Robbie drags his limp body out of the kitchen.
“Who’s next?” Danny peers around the room.
No one steps forward.
“Come on, you bunch of pussies! Who wants a piece?” He raises his arms like a rock star entertaining his fans.
“Me.”
My head whips in the direction of Art’s voice. I hadn’t noticed he came into the kitchen.
“No, your money is no good here,” Danny says.
Art pulls his wallet from his back pocket. He reaches inside, retrieving a hundred-dollar bill.
“Are you sure about that?” He holds up the money for everyone to see.
All noise ceases. Everyone is waiting to see what happens next. Danny is too greedy to pass up this opportunity.
“Okay. Bring it on.”
“This isn’t going to end well,” Anneli says.
“No, it isn’t,” I agree.
