Page 61 of Summer Shot
“Thank you.” Blaine raises his glass to me in a salute.
As soon as I muster the courage to ask Blaine about his split lip, Libby reappears out of nowhere.
“I found Tyler.” She hands me a beer bottle. “C’mon.”
“See you later then,” Blaine mumbles under his breath, walking in the opposite direction Libby pulls me to.
Tyler and Keith stand under the biggest tree in the yard with some other players and plenty of girls, two of whom I recognize as new girls on my team, Emery and Lena.
Greeting them warmly, they thank us for inviting them and including them.
“This party is awesome,” Emery says. Her eyes dazzle with amazement.
“The guys are all so nice,” Lena chimes in.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spy a wicked grin forming across Tyler’s face.
“Great, I’m glad you’re enjoying yourselves,” I respond with a smile.
“Lulu just got here.” Lena nudges Emery. “Let’s go find her.” Both girls go off to find the other new freshmen. A gentle warmth blossoms in my chest seeing how they quickly became friends.
My eyes meet Tyler’s. The smug smile still on his face turns my friendly gaze to a sharp glare.
“What?” Tyler throws his hands up, trying to feign innocence.
“I didn’t say anything,” I retort, sipping my beer.
“Your look said it all,” Tyler claims and moves to stand next to me.
“Stay away from my new girls, Tyler.” I jokingly threaten him with a poke.
“But they’re hot and think I’m nice,” Tyler groans.
“Do I have to stay away too?” A voice from behind me asks. Ryder meanders over, a cocky grin tugs at his lips.
“If I have to, you have to,” Tyler declares, furrowing his brow at Ryder.
“Just don’t cause any issues,” I scowl at them, “or you’re on my shit list.”
“Why is it okay for Ryder to talk to them?” Tyler retorts his voice loud
“You can talk to them all you want,” I shrug, “Just don’t—”I pause thinking of the right phrase to use without being crass“—pursue them.”
Tyler folds his arms, offended by my orders not to make any moves on my girls.
Laughing, I explain that Ryder is at least a freshman and so are they.
“Not fair,” Tyler claims, arms still folded. “Wipe that arrogant smile off your face Ryder before I do it for you.” Tyler’s voice goes cold.
“Hey, man, I can’t help how old I am.” Ryder nonchalantly laughs. “Don’t give me a fat lip like you did Blaine.”
So that’s where Blaine’s split lip came from: Tyler. My blood pulses as anger fumes within me. Tyler has gotten into more fights this summer than I’ve ever seen him get into.
“There you are,” a soothing voice sings sweetly. “I've been looking for you."
Lucas turns me toward him. I turn back to unleash my frustration at Tyler, but he darts off the second he sees the opportunity.
“Urgh,” I let out in frustration.
