Page 13 of Strike & Score
Get together is code for a party, just like it was in high school. I don’t know why he’s allergic to the word, but it’s always been this way as long as I’ve known him.
“Congratulations,” I deadpan.
“You’re not invited.”
“Too bad, I live here.”
“Exactly, and you have a room you’re going to stay in.”
“You may think you’re in charge, but you can’t actually make me.”
The side of his mouth lifts in a way that has a shiver running down my spine. “I can’t?”
He looks around the room, that smirk still on his face, and when his eyes find mine again I know I should prepare to fight. That’s especially true when he opens his mouth. “Enjoy your night, Mayson.”
Before I can stop him he shuts the door, and I run over, immediately trying the handle but realize it’s locked. From the outside. Because that asshole switched the door handle. I bang my fist against the wood. “Colin! You asshole, what’s wrong with you?”
“Fuck, babe, I love the way you sound screaming my name. Can’t wait to hear it when I’m inside you.”
I scream in frustration, dropping onto the bed because I can’t stand him. His footsteps hit the stairs, and I stare at the ceiling. If he thinks I’m just going to accept this he’sverywrong.
He starts blasting his music downstairs, and I hate that we have a similar taste but it’s not going to distract me. I finish packing my bag for the trip and then look in the mirror. My long dark hair is piled in a bun on top of my head and I’m in baggy clothes, not exactly party attire. But it’s all I’ve been allowed by my captor. Since Colin is doing everything to make sure I don’t go downstairs tonight, I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure I do.
The voices get louder as morepeople arrive. The music has changed to typical party music from the type Colin had playing earlier so I think someone else has taken over as the DJ. I wait until it gets later the night, even though I normally would be in bed because we leave early in the morning but I’m going to end up sleeping on the bus.
It’ll be worth it to fuck with Colin.
I glance over to the mirror, taking in my appearance. My hair falls down my back in soft waves, and a light layer of makeup covers my face. I manage to improvise with my one pair of jeans and t-shirt I tie to show off a sliver of my stomach. Just like that, I’m ready to ruin my stepbrothers night.
My first thought is to attempt to break down the bedroom door, but that sounds like a lot of work. Instead, I step up to the one window, and look down into the side yard. It’s sketchy, and if I fall I’ll be fucked because I’m sure I’ll end up breaking something, and I can’t afford to not play soccer.
Some guy walks around the corner and lights up a cigarette, or a joint. Doesn’t matter, he’ll work.
I push open the window, leaning out and put in my best flirty expression. “Hey.”
He looks around before finally looking up to see me, and I offer a smile with a little wave.
“Hi.” He leans back, taking a drag from the rolled paper between his fingers. “What’re you doing up there?”
“Super embarrassing,” I lie. “I accidentally locked myself in my room.” I pretend to play the damsel in distress, and the guy buys it easily.
“Oh man, I’ll come up and help.”
“No.” I shake my head because I don’t know where Colin is and I don’t need him to catch this guy before I’m able to make it out of this room. “I can climb down, just make sure I don’t fall,” I tell him as sweetly as possible.
“Oh yeah, for sure.” He puts out whatever he’s smoking and acts like he’s about to be my fucking savior or something even though I’m going to do all the work here. I just hope he won’t let me fall and break my leg.
I glance around for my best course of action, trying to cause the least amount of damage possible to myself. Luckily, there’s a ledge I think I can hold onto, and another one I might be able to reach and stand on if this guy can guide me down from there.
That’s exactly what I do. My fingertips burn from the concrete as I climb down, but as soon as the toe of my Vans are firmly planted on the bottom ledge, I breathe out a small sight of relief.
His hands find my hips, and I can tell he’s nervous about it which makes me roll my eyes. Luckily, he helps me down and my feet hit the ground with a thud. I smile up at the unfamiliar guy. “Thanks.”
His eyes rove over my body, examining me and while he’s attractive enough, he has nothing on Colin and the reminder just annoys me even more.
“What’s your name?” he asks.
“Mayson,” I answer, but don’t even bother to ask for his.
