The chatter in the locker room reaches such a high pitch that Carole and Lexi may be able to hear us from the staff quarters.
All the girls are planning their outfits and packing up their lockers, getting ready to leave.
“What are you gonna wear?” Jodie asks. “I was thinking of my pink halter top and my favorite skinny jeans. The ones that make my ass look spectacular.”
“That’s because your ass is spectacular, Jo-Jo.” I giggle and she pulls me closer and gives me a noisy, slightly wet kiss.
“You’re just the best friend ever, Tar. I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
I hug my best friend.
I should tell her about those texts, but she looks happier and more relaxed than I’ve seen her since her boyfriend broke up with her before spring break. She’s riding a high after our first performance, and I don’t want to worry her and ruin her night.
Those text messages will still be on my phone tomorrow.
“I love you, Jo-Jo.” I squeeze her tight.
“Ride or die, baby.” She whispers in my ear. “So, what are you gonna wear?”
A sigh escapes me as I shut my locker. “To be honest, babes, I don’t think I’m up for a party tonight. I’m beat and I was actually looking forward to having an early night.”
She looks around to make sure that none of our teammates are eavesdropping. “Ooh, I see. Did Tucker or Colsen ask you on a hot date? By the way, did you make up your mind about who you’re gonna choose?”
My head is throbbing with what promises to be one hell of a headache, but I don’t say anything. Knowing Jodie, if she knew that I don’t feel well, she’d give up on the party, and I don’t want to ruin her night.
“No, I haven’t chosen.” Before I tell her that we want to keep things as they are long term, I want to make sure that the guys aren’t going to change their minds. “And both Colsen and Tucker asked me to hang out, but to be honest, I’m beat. I might make myself a grilled cheese, watch a girly movie or a documentary, and if I feel up to it, do a couple of loads of laundry since everyone is going to be at the party and I’ll have the laundry room to myself.”
“Aww no, babes.” Jodie groans. “Come on. Let’s party. Live a little.”
I’m genuinely exhausted and my mind is reeling, caught in a vicious cycle of fear about who could be sending those texts. “Seriously, I’m too tired. But look, I’ll throw in a load of laundry for you too. How is that?”
“Are you sure? If you want some company, I can stay with you.”
I squeeze her bicep. “I’m positive. Go to the party and have fun. I’ll expect a full report tomorrow morning.”
“Ok.” She sighs. “But if you need anything, shoot me a text. I don’t have to party all night.”
“Don’t worry about me, Jo-Jo. Have fun and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
She giggles. “What? No, that would mean I would have to be on my best behavior. And I feel like getting a little wild tonight. Can you believe that I haven’t hooked up with anyone since we got here? This might be my lucky night.”
I hope Jodie has fun. I’m just looking forward to some peace and quiet.
CHAPTER EIGHT
CRAWLING IN MY SKIN
TARYN
Aquiet night is just what I need.
If Tucker and Colsen were disappointed that I didn’t feel up to hanging out with them, they didn’t show it. They respected my wish to have some me time, and that’s another reason why I think I might love them.
I encouraged them to hang out with their teammates tonight, and I reassured them that my need for space had nothing to do with our relationship. I didn’t want them to stress about it because I feel that with them I hit the jackpot.
When I think that they’re not going to ask me to choose, I can’t believe my own luck.
The only blemish on this situation is that someone seems to know, and they have decided to ruin my life.
