Page 4 of Embers in the Outfield

“What do you mean you didn’t go out with her? She told everyone what you did to her.” Now that causes the easygoing smile I was sporting to drop off my face.

I put my hands up as if I’m surrendering, not sure what she heard about me, but knowing the source, I can guarantee it’s false.

“Listen, I know Shelby, but I haven’t spoken to her since that night at prom, and I did nothing to her.”

Even though I’m trying to diffuse the situation, my words seem to be making this chick angrier with each sentence.

“Right. I bet every guy that gets denied the back door says that.”

What. The. Fuck?

Ashton nearly sprays me with his beer, and Samara’s mouth hangs open in shock. Her eyes are volleying between her friend and me like she’s engrossed in an episode ofLaw & Order: SVU. Great first impression award goes to none other than me.

“What the fuck are you talking about?” I literally have no idea what this chick is talking about.

I can’t hide my irritation with my question, and I see my verbal pushback only makes this chick more annoyed.

From the corner of my eyes, I can see Ash bring his fingers to squeeze between his eyes, probably thinking I did something with Shelby at prom because I have been on a rampage since the Kailey debacle.

I went to prom with Shelby as a favor to my mother. Her best friend from high school, who happens to live in New York, has a daughter named Shelby. I’m not trying to be a dick, but Shelby has had a crush on me since we were twelve. Apparently, she couldn’t find a date, so my mom begged me to take her to the prom.

Clay had a great time giving me grief as prom approached. Lucky bastard got out of helping Shelby because she apparently liked me more. We’re fucking twins! How can she choose one over the other? I had no excuses as to why I couldn’t take her due to the fact I had no girlfriend to shield me from this whole thing, so I went, and I vowed to never hang out with Shelby again if I could avoid it.

“Yeah. She said that she had to dump you because you said you’d only continue dating her if she let you, you know.”

That last part she says under her breath, leaning closer to me, emphasizing with her eyebrows, yet keeping the actual words out of her mouth. I can see the discomfort etched in her features talking about this, but I decide I may as well have some fun if she’s going to burn me at the stake. Of course I know what she’s referring to, but now I’m annoyed and also intrigued that ass play is making this girl uncomfortable. However, calling me out on it seems to be completely fine by her.

“Sorry, I don’t know. Please clarify.” I stand up a little taller and cross my arms in front of me. If she’s going to be pointing fingers at a complete stranger, I may as well have her admit it using all the words possible.

“You know what I mean. She said, and I quote, ‘If I can’t fuck your ass, I’m out.’” The karma gods must be throwing a bit of pity my way because right then, the music cuts out, and that last part is heard by everyone in our vicinity.

This girl’s cheeks flame a deeper red, and I can’t help but laugh. It’s a dick move, but at this rate, what do I have to lose? Apparently, I have the reputation of liking a little backdoor action or I’m not wasting my time, so I might as well just go along with it.

There are a few chuckles, and then the music starts up again. I can see the fumes nearly coming out of this girl’s ears, and now I’m all in on making this encounter even more uncomfortable for her. I love how easily I’ve pissed her off, and we haven’t even exchanged names yet.

“Yep, Skipper, you nailed it. That’s how I roll.” The nickname slips out, and I think it just made her angrier at me. This is really going great for me. First this girl steals my breath away, then she’s breathing fire in my direction. I, on the other hand, am incredibly intrigued, attracted, and annoyed all rolled into one.

I’m definitely not the person she’s accusing me of being though. Did I take Shelby to her prom? Yes. Did I want to? No. Was I dating her? Definitely the fuck not.

The ironic part is, Shelby was the one begging me to fuck her. She said she was still a virgin, and all she wanted was to go to college and not have to worry about it anymore. Come to find out, she didn’t just tell people I wouldn’t screw her, but that I wouldn’t see her anymore because I only accepted her with anal involved.

Listen, I’m no saint, but I’m not a total dick. I didn’t want to lead Shelby on, knowing feelings were involved on her side of things. Plus, I couldn’t stand her, even on a good day. I’d have a stage-five clinger on my hands. That scene fromWedding Crasherswhere the actress says, “I’ll find you,” kept playing onrepeat as she begged me to have sex with her that night. No fucking thanks.

Obviously, I had no idea she was going to return to school and tell a rumor to her entire class that I was a major asshole. I mean, I wasn’t a dick about it. I let her down easy.

“Listen, I don’t know what Shelby told you, but that’s not at all what happened. You want me to call Shelby right now and ask her? I can.” I’m ready to move on from this conversation. What a turn the night has taken.

“Right. She’s the liar, and you’re the victim.” Her eye roll nearly makes me see red. The nerve of this one. Fucking forget runway model; this one is off her rocker. Whatever attraction I had for her is out the door now. She might be pretty to look at, but man, does she make my blood boil. She’s all fired up, and she doesn’t even know me.

“I don’t have to explain myself to you, sweetheart.” I take a sip of my beer, completely over this conversation.

“Don’t call me sweetheart,” she snaps, the air around us crackling, and not in the hot way like I’d prefer.

“Okay, both of you, take a chill pill.” That was Samara, while Ash rubs his hand down his face.

He’s met Shelby before, and I know he finds this fictional story too far-fetched, even for her. Fucking Shelby and the damn stories she makes up. Maybe after I share this one with my mother, the PG version, of course, I’ll get excused from having to see her anytime soon.

Samara tries to fix this dumpster fire of an introduction, which hasn’t gone past accusations. She just went right in with the insults. I may have met Ashton’s girlfriend, but I have yet to know who the firecracker is by Samara’s side.

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