Page 1 of Catch
CHAPTER 1
JETT
“Hey, Ren! I left my tablet here by mistake!” I call out as I enter my boyfriend’s apartment.
It’s Monday morning, the start of the fall semester, and I’m already late for my class. I’ve been forgetting things for months and it’s starting to freak me out. It’s so unlike me, since I’m hyperorganized and used to getting shit done. I grew up on a ranch, so I’m wired to work hard and juggle chores, school, sports, and anything else that comes my way.
Or so I thought.
I’d arrived early to my biochem lecture, but when I opened my bag and started searching, my tablet wasn’t there… and I was sure I’d left it at Renner’s. Since I can’t work without it, I ran back across the campus to his apartment. He’s got his own place, and I have to say, it’s nicer than the dorms, but it is a long walk from my lecture hall. Thank fuck I train year-round as a rower and my cardio is top notch because making it back to my class in time is going to take an Olympic-level sprint. And in cowboy boots no less.
I knock on Renner’s door, but when he doesn’t answer, I use the spare key he keeps hidden under a nearby planter. Hewon’t mind. After all, he told me where the spare was located in case I ever needed it.
Only, when I enter the apartment, I think Renner’s still here. His bathroom door is closed, but I can hear his voice on the other side. Is he talking to himself? Odd, but whatever.
I’ll just grab my stuff and go. Now, where did I put that fucking tablet?
It’s got to be here somewhere because we’d been watching a movie on it Saturday night. Correction, I’d been watching a movie with my headphones on because Renner preferred to read in silence. He’s not a fan of superhero flicks like I am, or movies in general. Come to think of it, there’s not much I like that he does too, and why am I just realizing that in this moment?
Suddenly, there’s a loud crashing noise that comes from the direction of the bathroom, and then a louder groan.
Shit, did he have an accident?
“Ren, are you okay?” I yell.
There’s no reply. Absolute silence. I stalk over to the bathroom and knock on the door.
“Ren, what’s going on? Are you hurt?”
“What the hell are you doing here?” he shouts back.
Well, shit, I guess he’s alright, then.
I don’t like Renner’s tone, but I try to push aside my unease, that gut instinct telling me something isn’t right. Nothing I do pleases him lately, and I don’t know why. He’s been bitching at me ever since I returned for the fall semester. While he went to Maryland over the summer, I traveled back home to Aura, Nevada, to help my grandparents work their ranch. I’d invited Renner to come with me, but he didn’t want to go. Working chores in the desert heat wasn’t on his summer wish list. Also, we’d only been together about a month before the school break, and Renner told me he wasn’t ready to meet the “grand”parents yet…
“I forgot my tablet,” I explain.
I want to ask why he doesn’t come out of the bathroom and talk to me face-to-face, but time is ticking away, and I’ve gotta get back to class.
“Where the fuck is your head at, Jett? It’s probably on my desk.”
Glancing around, I notice a shit ton of stuff piled high on the vintage wooden table—his laptop, a stack of art books, along with takeout bags, and two coffee containers. Only, one of the coffee cups has lipstick on it. Huh. He probably had his friend Hailey Jones over yesterday. They’re in the same visual art program and they study together a lot.
I spy my tablet sitting under the pile of books and reach for it, slipping it into my backpack with a sigh of relief.
“Got it!” I reply as I sling my bag over my shoulder. “See you later!”
There’s no response from the bathroom, which again, is weird.
I turn to take my leave, but something holds me back. My feet won’t budge.
Instead of heading out, I lean against his desk, cross my arms, and wait.
And listen… And wait…
I hear Ren talking again and then a second voice. Prowling across the room, walking as stealthily as I can, I put my ear against the bathroom door and listen.
There’s a lot of laughter, but nothing about what’s happening right now is remotely funny.
