Page 85 of The Midseason Fakeout

“Hey,” she says, reaching out to stroke my knee. “I’m sorry. It was my idea.”

I pull into the driveway, park the car, and turn toward her. “If you think I’m upset about doing that with you, you’re wrong. There was nothing wrong with the act, Bails. We probably should’ve been smarter about where we did it. Man, I’ve got so much going on.” I take a deep breath. “And if your parents had been called, they probably wouldn’t let you date me, let alone stay here at Warner.”

She swallows, not denying anything.

Little by little, I feel myself withdrawing, my brain hyperfixating on shit. I pull out my phone and send a text to Darrin.

Dude, you home?

Yep.

Cool. Bailey is coming in.

I pause, staring at my phone. She shouldn’t be alone right now, but I can’t… I just can’t do this right now. I need to think shit over.

I lick my lips, glancing up at her. “I’m really tired. I think I’m just going to go home.”

“Oh. Yeah,” she says. I see the disappointment in her gaze, and it kills me. I’d be worse off for her if I went in though. I know that.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, though.”

“Right. Yep.” She pushes the car door open, and I reach for her hand, holding it until she peers back around toward me. Her eyes glisten, and I look away. “What?” she asks.

I pull her hand up, kissing her knuckles. “See you tomorrow. Text me, ’kay?”

My heart squeezes as she agrees. The car door shuts, and I watch her stride up the sidewalk to her house. She turns at the door, and I give her a short wave. She returns it before slipping inside.

Immediately, I take out my phone again and text West.

Where are you?

Kenna’s.

Can I come over? I need to talk.

Of course.

I take the short drive to Kenna’s place, the whole time chastising myself. Despite it being Saturday night, the city is rather quiet. Few people are walking the streets and even fewer cars. The car horn echoes when I lock it after getting out.

I knock on the door, and Sydney opens it. “Aidan, hey.”

“Syd.” I give her a big hug. “It’s been a long time.”

“I know.” She retreats, smiling at me. “I saw your girlfriend at the game. She’s the cutest thing. I’m so happy for you.”

For some reason, her words feel like an anvil to the chest. “She’s…great.”

“Oh, Sydney,” Kenna calls from the living room, “Aidan wants to talk to West. Come watch TV with me.”

“Oh. Oh.” Sydney’s eyes widen. “Sorry. You guys talk. I’ll get out of your way.”

“It’s no big deal,” I find myself saying, but everything feels like a big deal right now.

She passes West in the hallway, and I hold up my keys. “Want to take a drive?”

“Sure, but we’ll take my truck.”

“Ooh, the Hulkmobile.”

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