I scoot to the left and hop out of the car quickly so he won’t ask me for an explanation, but it ends up backfiring because now I’m trapped between the car next to us and Oswald. I try to shimmy past him, but he doesn’t offer an inch of extra space. I end up sliding against his front. “Perfect time to cop that feel,” he singsongs. I snort as the tension breaks.
“Are you going straight home?” Memphis levels me with his stare from the front of the car.
His tone alone is enough to have me snapping to attention. “Yes.”
I feel Oswald’s breath on the side of my neck, and then he whispers, “Yes, what?”
“Yes, I’m going straight home, sir.” I feel like I’m back in school and speaking with the principal.
Memphis taps the side of his thigh twice with two fingers, and my eyes are drawn to the movement. “We’ll follow you home.”
“It’s…”
“Not an offer. Get in the car, Waylynn.”
“Okay,” I agree and get behind the wheel. Oswald is standing in the doorway, so I whisper, “Am I in trouble?”
“No, he just wants to make sure you get home safe, and he likes bossing you around.” He grazes his thumb along my jaw. “Tell him if it bothers you, okay?”
“I just don’t want him to be mad at me.” I’m not sure why it feels so important that he’s not upset with me, but I don’t like the thought of it at all.
“He’s not. I was aggravating him, don’t worry.”
“Okay,” I agree, but I feel like something has been off with him since I sat down at their table for dinner.
“I probably won’t see you tomorrow, but I’ll text you,” Oswald says and steps back so he can close the door. I click my seatbelt and back out of the parking space as soon as he walks away.
Memphis
I could wringOswald’s neck, but I’m standing at the side of Bates’ van like a creeper with a semi because he goaded Waylynn into calling me sir.
“Are you planning on tucking her in?” Bates smirks as he climbs into his van.
“No,” I bark, and it just makes everything that’s going on more obvious.
“I knew you’d get turned inside out someday.”
“You think it’s funny she makes me irrational?”
Oswald jogs over, and I see Waylynn’s car backing out of her spot.
“Didn’t you tell her to wait for us?” I accuse.
“You scared the shit out of her, and she thinks she’s in trouble.” He pushes my shoulder.
“Don’t start this shit again.” Bates groans.
“We’re not, we’re leaving. Don’t forget to text me the details about the show,” I say loud enough for him to hear as I hustle my ass over to the truck. “She said I scared her?” I ask Oz as I turn too fast from the parking lot so I can try to follow her.
“She asked if she was in trouble and if you were mad at her, but I could tell she was nervous.” He adjusts in his seat.
“It’s your fault,” I accuse weakly. I know that’s not the truth. I was wound up before he encouraged her.
“Bullshit,” Oz scoffs. “What are you going to do if she calls you sir in class? Bend her over the desk and spank her with a ruler in front of everyone?”
I would use my hand, that way I wouldn’t hurt her. “No, I wouldn’t let people see her like that.”
Oswald goes quiet for a second, then starts to laugh silently. “I’m so glad I’m not in your head right now, but did you see her face when you called her my friend?”
