Page 42 of The Alternate Captain
“What took you so long?” Mike asks.
I’m out of his car in time to catch Johnny’s explanation.
“Kelly didn’t answer her phone, so I went to look for her. Some creeper was looking like he was about to eat her alive, so I told him I was her boyfriend. Naturally, I had to stay for a drink. But there wasn’t any drama.”
Well, colour me surprised.
I gape at Johnny. And he’s so casual about it.
My heart pounds so loud, my pulse is strong in my ears. I’m waiting for Mike to react. I’m waiting for Mike to say something... waiting for him to freak out. He holds his fist up, offering it to Johnny, who bumps it.
“Cheers, man. Who was he, Kel? Anyone we know?”
I stutter over my words. “A friend of Charlotte’s, that’s all. No one I’ll likely see again.”
“Good, because remember what I said—no dating. After that fucking loser—”
“Okay, Mike. I get it.”
I glare at Johnny.
Mike nods and turns his attention back to his friend, offering him a drink.
I get the hell out of there, in case Mike asks any more questions.
Pushing past them both, I don’t even bother saying good night. I head upstairs and knock on my parents’ door, which Mam opens in a flash—I knew she’d be waiting up to make sure I was home safe.
“How are you feeling now, love?” she says.
“Yeah, fine, thanks. I had a good evening.”
“Good. I knew Johnny would get you back safe. Dad had a few drinks, see.”
“Yeah, it’s fine, Mam. Just going to bed.”
She pecks me on the cheek and wishes me a good night before closing her bedroom door.
I get myself ready for bed, plugging my phone in to charge before I climb under my duvet. Laying in the darkness, my mind is working overtime.
Who is Johnny, really? Like deep down. Who is he?
I absentmindedly run my fingers along my lips. Because whichever version of Johnny kissed me—that was something else. I’m wondering if he always kisses like that as my phone vibrates on my bedside table when it comes back to life.
Charlotte
Oh my God. You owe me the full story regarding your fella. He is *flame emoji*
I also have an unread message from earlier.
Unknown
It’s Johnny. I’m on my way to pick you up.
I stare at it for a moment, then close my messages, trying to push everything out of my mind.
I have so much to say and nothing to say at the same time. The turmoil of emotions twist and turn not only in my head, but in my heart, too. There’s something about Johnny that has me wondering, and I want to understand.
I tap out a message to him and hit send before I change my mind.
