Evolve Series Box Set (39 page)

“My major is Music Education. I want to be a music teacher in an elementary school, where the kids are still young enough to just love the music.”

“You’ll be great at it.” I shoot her a wink.

“How can you be so sure of that?”

“The passion in your eyes when you talk about it.” I shrug, the explanation self-explanatory to me. “You could never be bad at something you feel so strongly about.”

I don’t know her well enough yet to pinpoint the exact emotion that passes through her eyes before she centers her shoulders and lifts her head just a little higher. “Thank you, Evan.”

“Thank you,” I give her a grateful smile and pop the second dipped fry in my mouth, “for giving my sorry butt a bed. You ready?”

She nods and I stand up, offering my hand to hold as she slides out of the booth. I settle the bill and hold the door open for her, thinking how easy she is to talk to.

“Here you go,” she says cheerfully, walking into the room ahead of me, turning down the bedspread and sheet. Then she fluffs my pillow and turns to me with a smile. “Do you need anything else?”

“No, this is more than enough. Thank you so much, Whitley, for taking in this gypsy. Are you sure you’re comfortable with this?”

She bobs her head, smiling. “It feels nice to have someone else here. I don’t know,” she pops her shoulders, “maybe we could make popcorn and watch a movie, or sit up and talk, or something,” she bites her little lip again, “if you’re not too tired.”

I try not to let the wonderment show on my face. How is this beautiful, kind, trusting girl lonely?

“What movie ya thinking?” If she says anything Disney, I’m jumping out the fucking window and sleeping on the sidewalk.

“I don’t care,” she says, the happiness in her voice at the prospect of a movie buddy almost sad. “You can pick.” She grabs my hand and pulls me to the living room like a kid at Christmas. “Come on.”

We get settled in on the couch, The Avengers about to start when she says softly, never breaking her fixed gaze at the TV, “Evan?”

“Yeah?”

“It was really nice meeting you.”

“You too, Whitley.”

CHAPTER 4

Wingman

***Laney***

When I walk into my Algebra class on Thursday morning, he’s the first person I see. It’s the first time I’ve seen him since that night leaving The K. I’d given up texting and calling; he wasn’t going to answer. I heard from Sawyer that he’s living in Morgan Hall, one building down and across the street from me, but that’s all the information I have. Honestly, I don’t know why I let it bother me. This distance between Evan and me started the minute we both left for college, but knowing that even though he’s here now, close enough I could reach out and hug him, and we’re still apart has an extra bite. I know he doesn’t want a hug from me right now, but someday we’ll be on speaking terms… Someday we’ll hug again, right?

How I wish I hadn’t hurt him. It’d be so nice to talk with him, to tell him about my mom, my life… I miss my friend. Evan will always be the best part of my past and the minute he’s ready, if he’s ever ready, I will welcome him back into my life with open arms. But I love Dane. I’ve spent a lot of time lately thinking how I would feel if the roles with reversed. What would I have done if Evan found someone new at UGA? I’d like to think I’d understand and still be his friend, but maybe I’m wrong. And if I’d have given up my team and went there for him… Well, when I throw that in, I’m right back to knowing his reaction is valid.

I heave a sigh. I’m beginning to think there’s no win to this situation. Even now, staring across the room at Evan’s downcast eyes and stiff posture, the image of Dane’s heated gaze and sexy smirk fight for headspace. I’m way too far gone to backtrack with guilt now, so I plaster on a confident smile and head over to say hello.

“Hi, Evan.” I fold into the chair next to him and get my stuff for class out of my bag.

He doesn’t look up but mumbles, “Laney. How are you?”

“Good. You?”

“Oh, just dandy,” he snorts sarcastically.

I sigh, not knowing what to say. Maybe the more I try the worse I make things? All I want to do is hug this wonderful guy and make it better, but I know it wouldn’t. A hug is much less than he wants, what he thinks he needs, and I can’t give him anything more. My heart’s no longer mine to give anyway; Dane took it, he owns it. I wish Evan and I had just stayed friends now. The few months we spent as a couple flew by, hardly a blip on the radar, but ended with major, maybe irreparable, collateral damage.

Luckily, the professor walks in and begins as we sit there, worlds apart, the silence screaming. Class seems to take forever, and when it’s over, Evan’s out of his seat and through the door before I even have my bag over my shoulder. No “goodbye,” no “catch ya later.” I try, God, do I try, to hold them in, but I think it actually makes it worse… The silent teardrops start to fall. Evan’s back turned on me just isn’t a view I’m used to and I’m glad I’m not practiced at it; once is more than shattering enough.

When I need to talk something through, I talk to Dane. When I need to cry, he holds me and tells me he’ll make everything better. When I laugh, it’s usually because of something he said. But now, can I really call him to boohoo that the hurt I caused is coming around to bite me in the ass? Nah—I better not. A small snicker actually leaves me as I hear my dad in my head. “You found your way in this mess; find your way out. It’s called ‘taking your licks,’ Slugger.”

With Dad’s words in mind, I suck it up, wiping my face with the sleeve of my shirt and snorting my runny nose in the most ladylike way I can manage. Putting the problem with Evan out of my mind is all I can do right now—I can focus on lots of other things, like school and ball and Dane. Evan can wait until we’re both ready to talk face to face, right? Maybe the guys will have some advice for me…or at least take my mind off everything.  A girl can hope, right?

Trudging to lunch is a chore; if I was walking any slower, I’d be headed backwards. Why I even bother with food I’m not sure. My stomach is in knots and I glance around for my boys, almost perking up when their friendly eyes meet mine.

“Hey,” I manage, slouching into the seat beside them, not capable of fighting Sawyer off his immediate attack of my tray like I usually do. No, today I peacefully concede my whole plate over to him; this should be their first clue as to my mood. Boys.

Zach’s mesmerized by his phone, as usual, so I kick him under the table. “Ow!” He rubs his leg. “What the hell was that for?”

“I don’t know.” I shrug. “Tell me something interesting.”

“Avery says hey,” he says, staring at his phone again.

“Oh my God, if that’s the best you’ve got, I’m screwed.” I bang my head on the table.

Sawyer stops inhaling his, make that my, food just long enough to interrupt. “Avery, huh? Kirby get on your nerves too?”

Okay, this is a conversation that may actually keep me entertained. I could use a diversion.

“Kirby’s cool. She doesn’t get on my nerves, but I’m definitely more into Avery,” he says, smiling shyly.

Yes! I lost twenty bucks on Sawyer, but just won the same with Zach’s confirmation, so I break even!

“Well, no wonder Kirby’s gone if you’re getting into Avery more.”

“Sawyer!” I smack the back of his head. “Say nothing, Zach, I mean it.” This conversation is going downhill fast but actually gets worse when Sawyer speaks again.

“Sig party tomorrow night, man, you in? We’re heading over when I get off, ‘bout eleven.”

“Who’s we?” Zach asks.

“Me and Evan.” Sawyer darts one eye at me, shifting a bit in his seat.

“Nah, man, y’all go. I’m gonna hang with Avery. What are you gonna do, Laney?”

“Um, not go to a party with Sawyer and Evan.” I laugh halfheartedly. “I’ll be doing whatever Dane has planned, I’m sure. And Sawyer?” I stare at him until he reluctantly meets my eyes. “I appreciate you taking Evan under your wing, honestly. Just make sure you and I stay close too, all right?” I give him a smile and wink. I’d really miss Sawyer if we grew apart.

“You got it, Gidge.” He pulls me into his lap for a big Sawyer hug. “I promise.”

“We’re all very lucky to have you, big guy.” I kiss the top of his head and bend mine to his ear. “Please tell him I’m sorry I hurt him,” I whisper, “and I hope he finds someone to love him like he deserves.”

He nods, kissing my cheek. “So how’s my boy? He treating you good?”

“Dane is wonderful; amazing in fact.” I climb out of his lap, grabbing my bag and hugging Zach goodbye so I can leave on a high note. It’s not like I was eating anyway… “Evan’ll be on the football team with you, Zach. You should hang out and get to know him. He’s a great guy.”

His green eyes meet mine, a sweet sympathy in them. “Sounds good, Laney. I’ll holler at him.”

I give him a curt nod that his smile tells me he knows means “thank you.”

“Walk me to class, Sawyer?”

He stands and offers me his arm and a smirk. “That’s a real good look on you.”

“What look?” I look down at my outfit, which is nothing special.

“Happy.”

I blush, embarrassed he can see it written all over my face. “Yeah? Feels pretty good too.” I clear my throat after a few minutes of quiet walking. “So…his birthday is coming up and I don’t know what to do. After the birthday he gave me, anything I do will seem lame in comparison. I just want to make him as happy as he makes me.”

“Wrap your naked self in a bow and blow his candle out.”

Oh dear God.

“You should see your face right now.” He bends over laughing, clutching his sides, and I whack him…for the second time today. He’s on a roll. “Okay, seriously…if I know Dane, the best thing to give him is alone time with you. No outside world or bullshit.”

“How do I pull that off? I live in a dorm and Tate lives with him right now. Alone time is scarce these days.”

“Hmmm.” Lines crease his forehead with deep thought, suddenly replaced with a huge, beaming smile and a snap of his fingers. “I got it! Dane has a cabin in Rockhurst, like 40 miles from here. Take him there for the weekend. I’ll get you directions. You could cook for him, strut around naked, whatever.”

“Really? Ya think? I was thinking maybe a puppy, for when Tate leaves and he’s all alone in that big house again.”

Sawyer laughs and wraps a ginormous arm around my shoulder. “Gidge, dogs are all well and good, and it’s true that men like them, but he’d rather have a kitty. Your kitty.”

I can feel how red my face is and I’m not sure why I ever let his words shock me. “Why do we let you speak again?”

“Cause you love me and I have great ideas, of course! Go with the cabin, I’m tellin’ ya.”

We’re at the door to my class now so I give him a quick squeeze and peck on the cheek. “Thanks, Sawyer! You’re the best!”

CHAPTER 5

Lead the Way

***Evan***

The Sig house is hoppin’. Trash, toilet paper and a few smokers huddled together for warmth decorate the front lawn. A loud bass line thumps from inside and Sawyer’s head is bobbing to the music like a dashboard doll as we make our way up the walk. Neither one of us is a Sig, but I’m thinking nobody tells Sawyer he can’t join the party, so I figure I’m golden.

All I want to do tonight is forget; I want erase from my mind all that is my new school, my forfeited jersey and my lost girl. Maybe I can just pretend to be somebody else.

Seeing Laney in Algebra every week is gonna suck, and I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to treat her with cold indifference; it just doesn’t feel right. We were friends for so long before we were anything else, but I’m not sure yet if we can get it back there. Not having her in my life at all is foreign and hurts like hell, but I don’t know if I can pull off anything more than cordial distance right now, and the cordiality is sometimes a stretch.

Not wanting to do the mental debate thing for the hundredth time, I follow Sawyer into the party, vowing internally not to think of it, her, us, them, again tonight. We hit the keg straight away, then head over to a group of people Sawyer knows. Introductions are made and the only one I register is Josie, a short, really pretty brunette across from me. Yes—I still have eyes.

I give her a smile and hold her hand in mine longer than a normal “nice to meet you” shake, rubbing my thumb across her wrist on the release. I just want to connect with someone, anyone, even for a moment. I’ve always been half of a whole, always known the girl in the room who was “mine,” and now I’m lost.

Sawyer picks up on my interest in her and gives me a nod, turning his attention to her friend, guiding her away to dance.

Very nice.  I’ve got one foot in the stirrup, ready to fling my leg over and get back on the horse when a pair of small hands covers my eyes from behind.

“Guess who?” a sweet voice says in my ear.

The hands lift and Whitley pops in front of me, totally disregarding Josie, who’s now standing behind her. I have to grin at her boldness.

“Hey, Whitley, how are you? Do you know Josie?” I awkwardly indicate to the girl throwing daggers into her back.

Whitley swiftly turns her head, giving Josie a once over, then looks back to me. “Nope,” she says nonchalantly with a shrug. “Who are you here with?”

“Sawyer. He’s around here somewhere.” I cast my eyes around as though looking for him, not daring to make eye contact with Josie. I don’t think I’ve ever been the ball of nip in a catfight before, and the thought is making me sweat in a nervous, “I’m not breaking this shit up” kind of way. Don’t get me wrong—I love a good catfight as much as any other guy, but I don’t want to be in the middle of one.

“I don’t care where Sawyer is.” She giggles. “Come on, let’s dance.” She drags me into the middle of the room, furniture moved to provide a makeshift dance floor, before I can decline.