Page 25 of His Shy Girl

If it weren’t for wanting to prove I’m worthy to my cousin, I’d opt out of the party with her. But it feels good to be acknowledged for once, and to feel like I’m not the loser she claims me to be.

“Everyone’s stoked to meet you,” Bren urges, still looking eager for me to go. I would’ve thought he’d suggest for me to go home with Tierney so I don’t embarrass myself further. But he still wants me there.

“Y-y-yes, I w-w-will c-c-come.”

But as soon as we show up to Chase’s house, the place packed, music pumping, kids drinking, I’m wishing I’d gone home with my cousin.

Bren takes me around, introducing me to all his friends. But he doesn’t let me speak. And as the night goes on, I don’t even bother trying. I let him do all the talking. Looking toward him when someone asks me a question. What’s the point? I’ll start stuttering my answer, and he’ll end up finishing my sentence, making me feel like even more of an idiot. Making me feel inadequate.

16

Brennon

She’s being awfully quiet. I know parties are not her scene, but it feels like something’s wrong. I’ve never seen her this nervous before.

“Come on, babe. Let’s go find somewhere quiet to talk.”

I take Willow’s hand and lead her through the kitchen and into the great room, but there’s not much of a reprieve from the noise. The hallway isn’t much quieter either, so I head toward the back door leading to the pool.

“Bren! Come play with us, man!” Rickman calls out as we’re passing by the dining room. He and a bunch of kids are setting up a game of beer pong. “We need you on our team. You’re the pro.” I rub my fingers through the hair on the nape of my neck, feeling foolish for the gazillionth time tonight. All night, I’ve had to steer her clear of conversations where the guys were trying to embarrass me. I don’t want her thinking I’m some kind of chugging king who likes to party all the time.

“Not tonight, man.” I gesture towards Willow. “Got my girl with me.”

“Dude, don’t be a wet blanket,” he jests. “She can play too. You want to join us, pretty girl?”

I look toward Willow, checking to see if she’s interested, but all signs point to a negative. She looks like she wants to bolt and is trying to pull out of my hold.

“Y-y-you c-c-can p-p-play…”

I shake my head, looking back toward Rickman. “We’re all set, man. You guys have fun.” There’s no way I’m making her any more uncomfortable than she already is, nor am I leaving her to the pack of wolves. “By the way, I’ve got a twenty on you, Rickman, so make sure you represent.”

I take Willow’s hand again and continue to the back door. Her palm is sweaty, and she’s barely squeezing mine back anymore. She’s not enjoying any of this. I know it’s not her scene, but I think if she just let her guard down a little, she’d have fun. My friends are pretty cool to hang with and none of them care about her speech. The only thing they’ve been shocked about all night is the fact that I have a girlfriend.

“You know, beer pong is kind of fun,” I tell her as I open the back door. “You can play and not drink if you don’t want to. Sometimes, I’ll chug water or soda. The burps are bad though.” I chuckle, but she doesn’t think it’s funny. Great, now she’s going to think I’m the belching king.Smooth, Brennon. Real smooth.

“What’s wrong, babe?” I lead her outside, taking in a breath of fresh air to calm my nerves. “You seem upset tonight.”

“Y-y…” Her mouth closes and she gives up. Her eyes drop to the ground, and I can feel her spirit deflating. I lean forward and tip her chin up, pressing my lips to hers. Usually, I can calm her down. Kiss her until her words come out smooth. But she’s pulling back from me, looking even sadder now. “You should go hang out with your friends. I’m going to go.”

It’s the first time her words have come out clear all night, but that’s not what I wanted to hear.

“I don’t want to hang out with my friends, babe. I want to spend time with you. Can you tell me what’s wrong? I’ve never seen you struggle so much with your words.” She can text me if she wants to. I just want to know why she’s so nervous to talk to me.

“I-I-I’m s-s-sor-ry.”

I shake my head, dropping my head so we’re eye level. She doesn’t need to apologize. “Don’t apologize, babe. I’m just trying to figure out what’s wrong.”

“I-I-I j-j-just w-w-want t-t-to g-g-go h-h-home.”

I don’t fucking get it.

“Are you mad at me?”

She doesn’t answer. And I can’t tell if it’s because she can’t speak or if it’s because she doesn’t want to tell me that she is.

“I’m sorry I pressured you into coming tonight. I just really wanted you to meet my friends. But that was probably a bad idea.” They’re all painting me out to look like a drunken meathead. That’s probably why she wants to leave.

Her face drops again. I feel like I haven’t done or said anything right all night. Maybe I should just cut my losses, and talk to her tomorrow, log onto Kanturia and remind her of who I really am.

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