Page 37 of The Perfect Play

“Perfect! I’ll text you the address. Starts at seven, but get there closer to eight.” Serena waved goodbye and headed for her little Beetle car. She tore off through the parking lot, nearly hitting a parked car near the exit.

I chuckled and headed inside, dropping my bag in the locker room. Hopefully, I wouldn’t regret my decision to go to the party.

* * *

I’d chosena pair of jean shorts and a t-shirt blouse. I knew the girls were going to give me guff about not dressing up, but if I was going to be uncomfortable somewhere, the least I could do was be comfy with my clothes. I wasn’t trying to impress anyone, just trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life. I’d had everything mapped out for the past few years, but having someone to share things with was better than doing it on my own. Trying to meet my mother’s expectations even when she wasn’t around wasn’t the healthiest thing for me.

I found a parking spot somewhat close to the party and made my way to the front door. A note on it said to walk in, so I did, trying to orient myself in the large home. I walked through several of the rooms, searching the faces for one of my friends. I couldn’t find any of them and moved out to the backyard.

The view was surprising as the house was built up and able to look out over the small valley. The landscaping was remarkable, with a mini-golf course down toward the fence. It was only about four holes but still impressive.

I rubbed my hands over my upper arms, feeling the chill from the night air. I’d forgotten a jacket once again and turned to head back inside. What was before me caused me to stop in my tracks.

There were several chairs sitting on a little porch to the side of the house, and a bunch of couples were sitting in them. The guy in the second chair over looked familiar, and when the girl sitting on his lap moved to the side, I saw Jake’s face, a wide grin covering it.

I took a few steps in their direction, hoping my eyes were just playing tricks on me, when the girl leaned in and kissed him.

A fire erupted in my stomach, and hot tears dripped down my cheeks. He hadn’t changed.

I stormed off, pushing through the crowd of people in the main living room and kitchen to the front door. Pulling it closed as hard as I could, I sprinted to my car, not wanting to see anyone else.

Where did you go? I just saw you run through the house.The text was from Serena, and I could barely read it through the tears in my eyes.

Just saw Jake kissing some brunette girl on the deck. I’m going to head home.

I slammed the key into the ignition and took off, pushing the accelerator harder than I’d done in a while. Sure, my car was older and not the best-looking thing in comparison to the other cars students drove, but it had some guts still.

I made the drive in minutes and collapsed on my bed, sobbing, grateful for two days ahead when I didn’t have to talk to anyone or do anything. I’d never expected to feel such immense pain. And now I wasn’t sure how I would get through another betrayal by Jake White.

Chapter 29

Jake

“You’re an idiot!” I heard from behind me. I turned to see Serena, one of Penny’s friends with her hands on her hips and looking like she was ready to murder me.

“What are you talking about?” I asked, taking a sip from the Diet Coke in my cup. I raised my eyebrows, waiting for her response.

Serena shoved me in the shoulder and looked like she was trying to keep herself in check. “Why were you kissing some girl outside who wasn’t Penny?”

“What do you mean? I didn’t kiss anyone. I just got here a few minutes ago. I came with Dax, Nate, and Colt.” I motioned in the direction of the kitchen where my two friends were getting a drink. This hadn’t been my first choice of places to be, but Dax had insisted we come tonight, saying it would help put things in perspective, whatever that meant. Sure, I’d been a bear the past week, and the only reason I’d agreed to come was to take my mind off the situation with Penny with the loudness of the party, instead of the thoughts overwhelming me in the silence of my room.

Nate walked to my one side, trying to figure out what was going on.

Not the person I wanted to talk to at the moment either. We’d had it out before practice after he’d asked Penny to prom, and I still hadn’t said more than a couple of words to him. I’d gone over and over it all in my mind, wondering if I should just cave and go with her to prom, but I didn’t want to have a panic attack in front of the whole student body.

An array of emotions played across her face. “You weren’t outside on a chair, making out with a brunette girl?”

Now I was getting annoyed. “No. I wouldn’t do that. I’m still with Penny. At least, I hope I am.”

“You better think fast, then, Jake. Because she was here and took off because she thought she saw you.”

My breath caught, and my mind spun with all the scenarios Penny was probably picturing. I’d worked so hard to regain her trust, and although I hadn’t been an awesome boyfriend or even friend the past week, I didn’t want her to hate me for the rest of my life. Or worse, think that I’d just been gaming her the whole time.

“Did you look out there?” I asked pointing to the back deck.

Serena nodded. “You bet I did. But there was only a weird band couple making out, and there’s no way Penny would mistake you for that guy.”

“Do you have a car here?” I hoped Serena had a way to get me home. We’d come in Dax’s car, and I knew I wasn’t going to convince them to leave the party just after we’d arrived.

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