Page 49 of Bad Crush
“Hey, now. Let’s not get your boyfriend into any fights tonight,” Heath says from behind her.
“No need for violence. We’re fine.” At least I think we are.
“Do you want us to stick around for a little while longer?” Ginny asks. Heath does not look stoked about that, but he nods his head in agreement. He’d jump through fire if Ginny asked.
“No, you don’t need to stay,” I say with a small laugh. I catch Adam’s eye, and he smiles. I’m making too big a deal of this. “You two go home. I’m fine. We’re good. Seriously,” I add with a little pep to my tone.
Ginny puts her arms around my neck and hugs me. “Love you. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
When they’re gone, I weave through the still-packed bar to reach Adam.
“Hi.” I step up beside him.
“Hey.” His arm goes around my waist and then quickly drops. He stands tall. “Having fun?”
“Yeah, but I think I’m just about funned out. Heath and Ginny left, and I think I’m going to go too.”
“Oh, really? Already?”
I can’t read the expression on his face. Disappointment? But he’s made no effort to talk to me tonight, so that can’t be right.
“Yeah. I’m tired. It’s been quite the week.”
“Okay, well, there’s still a few guys out, so I’m going to stay and make sure everyone gets home before curfew.”
“Right. Of course. Do you want me to wait?”
“No, go home and get some sleep.” He pulls me to him for a quick embrace. I pause, expecting him to say he’ll call or see me later, but he doesn’t.
“O-kay.”
Briefly, his lips brush against mine, and then someone calls his name.
With an annoyed groan, he says, “Later, beautiful.”
I take a step toward the door on wobbly legs. “Later, Adam.”
But he’s already dismissed me and is talking to someone else. I’m more embarrassed than angry. Embarrassed that I showed up and made myself so available. Embarrassed I assumed he wanted me there.
I hurry out to the parking lot in time to catch up with Ginny and Heath. He’s got her pinned against the passenger side door, kissing her so hardIhave tingles.
I stare at the ground. “Uhh, hey, is it still okay if I catch a ride back to the apartment with you guys?”
Heath pulls away so reluctantly I want to laugh. Ginny’s head comes into view. She’s flushed, and her hair is a little messy. “Of course. We were waiting to see if you’d change your mind.”
“We were?” Heath asks.
Ginny shakes her head at him and moves to open the car door, forcing Heath back. He tips his head toward the car in invitation, and I hop in.
When we get back to the apartment complex, Ginny looks at me with sad eyes as Heath opens his apartment door. “Call or text if you need anything.”
“I’m fine. Everything is great. I’m just tired.”
I change clothes but don’t go to sleep. Sitting in front of the TV, I hold my phone in my hand. I consider texting Adam, but I have no idea what to say.
Being disappointed because we didn’t hang out, after an entire week of hanging out almost nonstop, seems a little pathetic. It’s really my expectations that need adjusting. We spent so much time together this week, and I thought it’d be the same tonight. No big deal.
But my stomach cramps, and I feel gross all over because I know Adam. I’ve seen him with so many different girls that I know his playbook by heart. Hanging out after a game at The Hideout is definitely part of that playbook. So is leaving with said girl.
