“Nah, I didn’t want to stretch it out since it fits you perfectly.” He retakes his seat next to me, even though his plate is empty. Is he flirting? I feel like he’s being flirty, but then I feel guilty for noticing and kind of liking it.
I lean to the side and grab my crutches so I can put a little space between us. I don’t need anything else to feel guilty for.
I’m already resigned to the fact that I need to tell Memphis and Oswald the truth about my past, but I decided telling them right before the game is a bad idea, and we’re going to watch Bates play tonight, so that means tomorrow is the day. My stomach revolts at just the thought, and my toast feels like a lead ball in my gut.
Memphis returns home when I’m at the sink, loading dishes into the dishwasher. I feel his eyes on me, but I pretend not to notice and continue with my task. It’s shady of me, but I’m happy Bates is here. If we were alone, I wouldn’t have an excuse not to tell him now.
“It was already busy down by the stadium,” he says, sitting in the seat I vacated next to Bates. That doesn’t surprise me after being at the game last weekend. It was crazy busy. I’m glad I didn’t need to find a place to park.
“I don’t know how he gets out there. I would be so nervous, knowing everyone was watching me. You too.” I turn and point at Bates. The bar doesn’t hold as many people as the stadium, but they are all watching and listening to him.
“Oz loves it,” Bates shares. “He thrives off the attention, always has.”
“Not you though. Remember your first solo?” Memphis shares a smile with his friend.
“My stomach hurt so badly, I thought I was going to shit my pants on stage.” Bates tips back his glass of orange juice.
“How did you get over it?” He didn’t seem nervous at all when I saw him play.
“I think I just got used to it.”
“And he became the most popular boy in eighth grade,” Memphis adds.
It’s Bates’ turn to grin now. “You didn’t even want the throne. It was only fitting that someone else should have it.”
“I’m not complaining,” Memphis scoffs.
I can just imagine the two of them. I bet they made hearts throb everywhere they went. “Did you play sports like Oswald?” I lean my butt against the counter while resting my heel on the ground in front of me.
“Not really. I didn’t have time for after-school stuff.” He doesn’t say it like he resents the fact or anything, more like it’s just the way it was. I don’t need to know why he didn’t have time for after-school activities. It’s clear he was too busy taking care of Oswald.
I wonder if it was always like that or when it changed. I don’t want to ask. Part of me doesn’t feel like I have the right, but the other half of me doesn’t think it’s a conversation for right now. Even though Bates probably already knows, it still feels like too much to ask.
“When should we leave?” I change the subject before anyone can ask anything about my childhood.
“Two hours or so,” Memphis answers without missing a beat.
“I’m going to get ready then. I need to take a shower.” I lean over for my crutches.
“You need any help?” Memphis offers. His tone is low and sultry, but I pretend not to notice.
“I’m good, relax,” I answer without meeting his gaze.
TAKE A CHANCE
Memphis
Waylynn has been avoidingme since I told her I love her. In the two minutes since she left the kitchen, I’ve tried to talk myself out of going up there and making demands of her at least five times, but I know it’s a losing battle when I bolt upright so fast, the stool skids across the floor.
“I’m surprised you lasted this long,” Bates says to my back as I haul ass out of the room and up to hers. I don’t bother replying. It would be wasted breath.
When I fling her slightly ajar door open, I find her wide-eyed, clutching a small scrap of fabric to her chest like she’s holding in a scream. “Oh my gosh.” She gasps. “Is everything okay?”
I slam the door behind me and twist the lock for good measure. I don’t need Bates up here witnessing this right now. I’m too raw.
When I turn, her brows are furrowed. “Memphis?” she asks softly.
“You told me you wanted this,” I accuse, but I make sure my voice is calm. Her eyes dip down to my chest, and she swallows with effort.
