Page 29 of Steeling Her
I look beside me when I hear Haley laugh. I then avert my eyes and glance at the rearview mirror. I double take when I see Nick already looking at me. He sends me a small smile to which I return. I look back out the window as we pass by a gas station and numerous quaint houses. A family car drives by us, and I get a small wave from a little boy looking out the window. I wave back to him, laughing with excitement in his face that I paid some attention to him.
“Ugh! He’s so cute!” Haley’s waves at him too.
I agree. This kid is adorable. As the car drives on, I lean my head against the window, trying to figure out where we’re going. I still don’t know my way around here yet. I’ve never driven here. I get my car in a few days. It’s being transported from New York at the moment.
I feel the car come to a stop, bringing my attention back to the present. I slip out of the car and TJ takes hold of my arm.
“You guys grab us a seat. I just want to talk to Carter real quick.” He nods ahead at the doors for them to carry on. They do as they’re told and they all look back toward us for a second before opening the doors.
“Um, I owe you an apology, Carter—”
“It’s fine, TJ. Honestly, I overreacted and I shouldn’t have.” He takes hold of my shoulder, shaking it a bit to stop me from talking.
“Carter, you had every right to react like that. I asked if you were pregnant . . . in public . . . in a hallway crammed full of people. I know I have no filter but I really didn’t mean it. I just started to worry about why you were nauseous. Being in college, that’s all you hear from girls. ‘I forgot to take my pill, my period’s late, I feel sick . . .’ et cetera.” I start to laugh at his girly voice he’s trying to pull off. I see him smile down at me, and I smile back.
“TJ, honestly, it’s fine. I get where you’re coming from. But I’m not that type of girl . . . according to Nick.” I poke fun at myself about the whole thing, seeing his grin form widely on his face.
“Yeah, well, I suppose idiots stay together, don’t they. But I am sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. Can you pretty please with a cherry on top forgive me?” He clasps his hands like a child, batting his long eyelashes at me. I nod and laugh while I hold on to my sides.
“I forgive you, TJ. I never held a grudge against you, anyway,” I say through my laughter.
“Good! So, can I get a hug to seal the deal? You can’t back out of it then! Also, my hugs are the best!” I quirk an eyebrow at him, trying to figure out if he’s serious or not. Sure enough, both his arms wrap around me, pulling me closer to his body until we’re pressed together.
After a few moments, we pull away and begin to walk towards the double doors and into the diner. All three of them are staring at us with shocked expressions. I sit in the seat next to Haley and opposite to Nick while TJ sits on the other side of me.
Looking up, I see Nick and his creased brows. They soften as soon as I make eye contact with him. Then he darts his eyes to his best friend, who is oblivious to his stare.
“Y’all ready to order?” An older woman comes up beside me, resting her hand on the back of my chair casually like she’s done this all before. Seeing people nod in silence, I feel like everyone’s on edge right now. But why?
We all place our orders and Danielle is the first to speak up, cutting the awkward silence.
“What were you two taking about?” she asks, casually sipping on her orange juice. I wait for TJ to answer but he’s looking at me instead.
“He apologized for the other day. All is forgiven. I’m over it.” I sit back on my chair. Why is everyone making a big deal out of it? Watching Haley think about what I said, she sighs in relief. But Nick is the only one still on edge from it.
We start talking to each other at the table; except for Nick, he’s just sitting there watching all of us closely. We hear a throat being cleared and we look up to see a tall skinny brunette standing over Nick, smiling down at him.She’s so pretty,I think to myself. Her bright pink top is a little too low and her shorts are a little too short.Stop judging her, Carter, she could be a really nice girl.
I get a nudge from Haley to look away and stop staring, so I do.
“Hi there! I’m Amy, I just wanted to come over and introduce myself. I see you around campus a lot and I come to your games.” His eyes reach hers when I subtly turn back to face them.
“Nick.” He points to himself. But he knows she knows who he is.
“I know.” She laughs a little before looking around our table. “I was wondering if you were free this Friday?”
He shakes his head. “I’m not free for Friday, sorry . . .” He’s sweet to her and I feel my stomach turn as I’m watching this. She looks to be more his type. Skinny, luscious long brown hair, perfect face, and clothes that hug her figure in all the right places. I look over to Danielle, who is glued to the entire situation.
“Okay . . . well, here! Take my number, call me anytime.” She bends over to scribble down her number on his napkin, her breasts spilling out of her top as she bends down. As she’s writes it down, she looks over at him and sends him a smile with those inviting eyes. He starts to rub his temple and stares at the napkin in front of him.
She finally leaves us after countless minutes of flirting with Nick. The entire time, I felt my lungs being restricted with air. I excuse myself to go to the restroom after I’ve eaten my breakfast. I will take the rest home as I didn’t eat much. I slap my face with water and dab it dry. Once I’m ready to leave, I pull the door back and walk into a tall guy. He turns around to face me. It’s Nick.
“Sorry! I didn’t see you there.” I touch his arm, making him stare at it. I quickly retrieve it, feeling like I shouldn’t have touched him.
“It’s fine,” he replies with a shrug. I go to walk around him but he steps the same side. I step to the other and he follows me. I stay planted and so does he. Is this a game? I see him staring down at me with a creased brow.
“Is everything okay?” I ask, scared of what he’ll say.
“Not really, no,” he says in a low tone.
