Page 76 of Furious
She nods. “Ok. Even if we can’t be alone, I’d rather see you. And I hope Lev agrees to help us.”
As if summoned by our words, Lev leans into the passenger window. “What do you need my help with?”
I explain our predicament and Lev agrees easily.
“Sure. We’ll have to work around my classes and practice, but we can definitely organize something for one evening, or even two. You guys can stay here if you want and I’ll go sleep at the Gamma house. I finally got a room. The only night I can’t help you is Thursday night, because we have a home game against Bridgeport. Other than that, let me text you my schedule and we can see what works best.”
Conflicting emotions war in my chest. I should be grateful for Lev’s help, and I am.
At the same time, though, I’m jealous as fuck that he doesn’t have to hide. He can see Zara whenever he wants. He can hold her hand, even kiss her in front of our parents.
“Ready, Zee?” Lev smiles, totally oblivious to what a piece of shit he has as a best friend. “It’s Saturday and the town hall is closed, so Scott and Kelly will be home. I just got a delivery from Tilly’s bakery,” he says, lifting a big brown bag. “I got some croissants and pastries to bring to your house. They’re stillwarm. Why don’t you come with us, Ares? You can follow us in your car, or you can ride with us. We can say we came to pick you up, since Tilly’s is downtown and your place would be on our way back here. Then we can drop you back off to get your car before Chance and I go to practice. I don’t know for what crazy reason Coach Harrison doesn’t want us at the rink until ten thirty today, but I’ll take it.”
Yeah, I’m definitely a piece of shit. Lev is being a real friend, despite the fact that we’re competing for Zara’s heart. I should be fucking grateful, but all I can do is envy him.
“You seriously don’t mind if I leave my car here?”
Lev opens the door to let Zara out of my Jeep. “You can even sit in the back with Zara and have a few more minutes before we get to your parents’ house and you turn into a pumpkin.”
Fuck off. The words are on the tip of my tongue, but I swallow them back. Lev isn’t chiding me, he’s genuinely trying to help me.
“Thanks. I will.”
I take Zara’s hand and lead her to the back seat of Lev’s SUV. I don’t get it. Sure, we’re best friends. We’ve known each other since before we can even remember. I feel closer to Lev than to Chance, since my little brother was never interested in professional racing, but Lev joined Star Arrows.
But I have to wonder what his angle is . Why is he being so helpful when we both want to be the last man standing with Zara? Is he being so nice to get brownie points? Or does he think I’m not a real threat?
I pull Zara closer to me and hold her until Lev pulls into my dad’s house driveway.
I should act detached and keep my distance, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Not yet.
I walk closer to Zara than it would be appropriate. Our arms are brushing against each other and I have to fight the urge to wrap my arm around her waist.
Lev is on her other side and I’m counting the fucking seconds until I have to take a few steps away from her and keep my distance.
Zara lifts her face to look at me and I almost say fuck it and kiss her a few steps away from the front door.
“Princess.” I whisper, linking my pinky finger with hers for just one more second.
“Guys?” Lev clears his throat in warning and I follow his gaze to the front door of my dad’s house.
What the fuck is Heather doing here first thing in the morning?
And why is she looking at me as if she had seen a ghost?
“Ares.” Her eyes are full of tears and I don’t understand what the fuck she wants. “I was so worried about you. Where were you all day yesterday?”
Her voice goes up in pitch with every word. Tears start falling and her fists are clenched by her side.
I open my mouth to say something, but no sound comes out. I don’t understand why she’s here and why she’s so fucking upset.
“Ares, Lev, sweetheart.” Kelly appears by Heather’s side. “Why don’t you come in?” she sounds relieved to see us.
ZARA
Mom wraps her arm around Heather’s shoulder, leading us all into the kitchen.
“I’m sorry,” Ares is furious. I can hear it in his voice even though he’s trying to keep his temper in check. “What is this all about?”
