Play Nice (Make the Play Book 3) (7 page)

It’s Monday, and Ashley’s not at school. Not that I’ve been looking for her. She’s one of those people that’s impossible to miss. Even with her being shunned, she’s still larger than life. Her light blond hair, pink clothes, and overpowering scent can be spotted a mile away. Besides, she’s always the talk of the school. Even now.

Her name’s been tossed around as often as a baseball during a game.

Not that it’s unusual for Ashley to miss school. She’s been known to skip quite frequently. However, when Ashley’s missing, so are other people – Talia or Heather or Ashley’s latest boyfriend of the week. But this time no one else is absent.

Only Ashley.

That’s what makes it weird.

At lunch I scan the cafeteria, my gaze flickering to the large windows that overlook the parking lot. Without meaning to, I glance at the spot Ashley’s car is normally in. Today there is a red truck parked there instead.

“Who ya looking for?” Brady slides onto the bench next to me wearing a smug expression.

“No one.” Lowering my head, I reach into my backpack and pull out a can of soda.

“That’s good, because I don’t think she’s here today.” He nudges me in the side.

“Who isn’t?” I play dumb.

Brady snorts and shakes his head.

“Do you think she’s really sick?” A nasally female voice floats from the other end of the table.

As I grab a sandwich out of my lunch bag, I glance over to the end of the table where Talia and her friends sit.

“Nah. I think she’s at home feeling sorry for herself.” Talia smiles wickedly, and it turns my stomach.

Since when did she become so mean? When we were together she used to talk about how she hated the way Ashley treated people. But now here she is doing the same thing. Acting exactly the way Ashley used to. I know that everyone else thinks it’s justified, but I think it’s hypocrisy at its finest.

“Same way she was on Friday night apparently,” Heather interjects, picking at her salad, but not eating it. As skinny as she is, I doubt she ever eats her food. Probably uses it as a prop.

So Ashley wasn’t at the party on Friday night? I didn’t think she’d show up. But I’m sure everyone noticed. Ashley rarely misses a chance to party.

I take a bite of my sandwich and wipe my face. The guys are talking about some movie I haven’t seen, and I find myself eavesdropping on the girls again.

“And did you hear about what she was up to on Saturday morning?” Another girl pipes up. I can’t see who it is because her head is obscured by Heather’s ponytail.

“Heather and I saw her at the coffee shop,” Talia says.

“Well, a bunch of other kids saw her and said she was sitting with some old dude,” the girl relays. That’s when I get a glimpse of her face. Her name’s Aubrey. She’s a year younger than us, and I don’t know her very well. All I know is that she’s worked hard to climb the social ladder so she could hang with Talia and her group. Well, actually, the group that was once thought of as Ashley’s, but now seems to have been taken over by Talia.

Talia giggles behind her hand as if she’s trying to be discreet, but she’s not fooling anyone. She’s eating this up. “Like how old?”

“Ancient,” the girl says. “Like grossly old. He even used a walker.”

Anger simmers in my veins hearing them talk about my grandpa like that.

“Really?” Talia openly giggles now. “I mean, I knew she liked older guys, but eww.”

Heather throws her head back in laughter. “Maybe she’s just trying to figure out her future, you know? Like now that she’s lost her social status and doesn’t have, like, any solid goals in life, she’s realized that she needs a sugar daddy.”

Talia roars with laughter. “Oh my god, that is so gross. I bet he can’t even get it up.”

That’s it.
I can’t take it anymore. My whole body is shaking as I drop my sandwich, push away from the table and stand up. All eyes turn to me as I storm over to Talia.

“Hey, clean it up, Talia. That’s my grandpa you’re talking about.”

Her head whips in my direction, her eyes widening. “Your grandpa?”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I nod angrily.

“Oh.” Her hand flies to her mouth. “I-I-had no idea.”

“Of course you didn’t. Why don’t you try getting your facts straight before you sit around gossiping about people,” I snap.

She recoils, her hand fluttering over her chest. Her friends freeze, their mouths agape.

After a silent moment, her face smooths out, curiosity filling her eyes. “What was she doing with your grandpa?”

Sighing, I glance around. The entire table is staring up at me waiting for a response. Why did I get involved in this conversation? I thought I was helping, but clearly I’ve made everything worse. By the end of the day word will have spread all over school that Ashley has a thing with my grandpa.
Great.
Knowing that I can’t let that happen, I answer honestly, “It was nothing. She was in line. He was trying to sit down, and he almost fell. She helped him, and then they talked. End of story.”

Talia’s mouth drops incredulously. “Ashley helped him? Yeah, right.”

I narrow my eyes. “Are you calling my grandpa a liar?”

“It’s just a little hard to believe.”

“Well, it’s hard to believe that I ever went with you, but it’s the truth,” I retort.

Her face flames. “That makes two of us.”

I hate that I’m arguing with her like this. I hate that I felt the need to say such a hurtful thing. I didn’t mean it. I know she did, though, and it stings.

Backing away, I lift my hands in surrender. “You know you’ve turned into her, right?”

“Since when have you become Ashley’s defender?” It’s a question, but it sounds more like an accusation.

“I’m not. I’m the same guy I’ve always been. And you know me, Talia. I don’t like bullies.” Before allowing her to say another word, I head back to my seat.

“And you always did root for the underdog,” her words follow me.

After sitting back down, I try to shake them off, but I can’t. She’s right. I do have a weakness for the underdog. When I was younger, my friends used to tease me about the baseball teams I followed. They picked theirs based on who won the most games. I picked the ones that lost the most. Not because I like losing. It’s because I love stories of triumph. Of the underdog rising to the top. Of the least likely team winning the World Series.

Even when I pick movies it’s the inspirational ones I choose. The ones where the weak rise to the challenge, surprising everyone. Or where the kid being bullied gains victory over his bullies.

Maybe it’s because I’ve seen it happen with those closest to me. Namely, my mom. She and my dad had an awful marriage. He treated her like his personal slave. Ran her ragged, never cherished her. Then eventually he met someone else and dumped her. Many in town thought my mom would never survive, being left to raise two boys after being abandoned by her husband. It seemed unfathomable, especially in a town like this where everyone knows everyone else’s business.

But my mom didn’t let expectations define her. She defied the odds. Went back to school, got her degree in nursing. She’s not a survivor. She’s a champion.

And she makes me believe in the human spirit. In our ability to overcome insurmountable odds.

But is that the reason for my fixation on Ashley? Can Talia peg me that well?

By Wednesday, Mom threatens to take me to the doctor if I’m still sick. I actually contemplate it. Then I realize how ridiculous I’m being. I’m not sick. A doctor will see right through me. It’s the reason I’ve avoided Dad whenever he’s been home. So I suck it up and go to school.

And it goes exactly like I thought it would. Talia and her new posse ignore me while the rest of the student body tosses me curious glances as if I’ve sprouted ten heads. Not that I blame them. I used to rule this place. I still don’t understand how the tides changed so quickly.

While I lie in bed yesterday I hatched all these plans for getting back on top. I envisioned myself storming into the school and demanding my popularity back. I did it once. I can do it again. But now that I’m here all of my courage dwindles. It’s not that I don’t think I’ll be successful. When I put my mind to something I always accomplish my goal. But I’m tired. I don’t have it in me to fight anymore. I spent years clawing my way to the top, and I was barely hanging on. The idea of starting over - of planning, deceiving, manipulating, struggling, stepping on people and playing games – none of it sounds appealing at all.

In fact, at the mere thought my stomach churns.

However, I don’t know what else to do. I’ve never been someone’s friend simply for the sake of friendship. I wouldn’t even know where to start. I wouldn’t know how to behave.

Not that it matters. It only takes a few minutes in the school hallway to hear the rumors. Apparently, I’d been spotted sitting with Hayes’ grandpa at the coffee shop. Now everyone thinks I’m having an affair with an elderly man. I would laugh if it weren’t so preposterous. I’m sure it was Talia who started the silly rumor. And I’m certain she doesn’t believe a word of it.

Then again, the truth never stopped me either. I’ve definitely spread my share of rumors around this school.

That’s why I don’t bother defending myself or proving the rumor is false. Let them think what they want. In some small way I feel like it’s my penance.

In the halls between classes, I keep my head down, my gaze fixated on my strappy sandals. Which are super cute, by the way. Way cuter than anyone else’s sandals at this stupid school. My dad may not be around, but he always makes sure I have enough spending money to buy what I want. And Mom loves to go into the city to shop at fancy boutiques. It’s one of the few perks I have of being in my family, and I fully take advantage.

During classes, I ignore the students and actually pay attention to the teacher. After spending the last several years cheating or having other people do my work, this is a foreign concept. Honestly, I’m realizing that I’m smarter than I thought. Perhaps I will actually get into a college and make something of myself, like my dad wants me to. Mom doesn’t care about stuff like that. She only wants me to go to college to meet a man who can take care of me. I’m not sure if that’s what I want, but I used to think it was my best option. Now I’m wondering if maybe I was wrong.

At lunch I find myself back in the safety of my car. Sliding down in my seat in hopes that none of the staff members or other students see me out here, I pull out my sandwich and take a quick bite. As I chew, I hear footsteps in the lot. Heart kicking up speed, I duck down. If one of the teachers sees me, they’ll make me go back inside. We’re not supposed to be out here unattended.

Worse, if it’s a student, I’ll never hear the end of it.

My window is open a crack, and a familiar panicked voice reaches my ears.

Hayes?

“Okay. Calm down. It’s gonna be all right,” he says.

I don’t hear a response, so I peek out the window. Hayes is racing into the parking lot, his cell phone pressed to his ear. His expression is one of panic. My stomach twists.

“I know. But we have to be strong for him,” he speaks into the phone, still moving swiftly. Reaching in his pocket with his free hand, he yanks out his keys. Then he drops them and they crash to the ground. He mutters a curse word under his breath and bends over.

“Mom, I’ll be there as soon as I can, okay?” His voice is muffled as he snatches up the keys. After standing up, he shoves his phone into the pocket of his jeans and blows out a shaky breath. His words kick around in my head until I find it difficult to draw breath. There’s only one person he could possibly be talking about.

I think of Henry and how sweet he was to me at the coffee shop. Without thinking, I drop my sandwich on the seat and step out of my vehicle. Hayes’ head swivels in my direction, a confused look cloaking his face. I expect him to ask me if I’ve been eating in my car, but he doesn’t. In fact, he doesn’t acknowledge me at all. He turns in the other direction, hurrying toward his car.

“Hayes!” I call after him, my curiosity getting the better of me.

He peers back at me, exasperated. “Make it quick. I’m in a hurry, Ashley.”

I walk toward him. “I can see that. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

He snorts. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I don’t have time for it.”

“I overheard you on the phone,” I say. “Is it Henry? Did something happen to him?” My own grandpa’s face flashes in my mind, and my chest tightens.

His expression hardens. “What is your sudden interest in my grandpa?”

His words hit me like a sucker punch. Surely he knows I’m not into his grandpa. “Despite all of the rumors, I don’t have a thing for your grandpa. He was just nice to me, which is more than I can say for anyone else.”

His face instantly softens, reminding me of what a good guy he is. “Sorry.” He shakes his head. “I’m just on edge. Worried, you know?”

“So…something did happen to Henry?”

Nodding, he says, “He fell, and he’s in bad shape. They suspect a broken hip.”

My hand flies to my mouth, a small gasp escaping. “Oh, I’m so sorry.”

Hayes grunts in frustration. “I hate that I wasn’t home with him, you know? He had to call an ambulance himself. I still don’t even know how he did it.”

The pain etched in his features cuts to my heart, and I reach out to gently touch his arm. He flinches as if stunned. And the truth is I kind of am too. I’ve never touched Hayes willingly before. And I’m not really good at comforting people. This may be one of the first times I’ve attempted it. “You can’t beat yourself up, Hayes. You were at school.” I toss him a smile. “I mean, it’s the law, right? We kind of have to be here.”

One side of his lip curls upward. “Wow, you suddenly care about the law, huh?”

Shrugging, I chuckle.

Hayes takes a deep breath. “I really have to get to the hospital.”

I pull my arm back and nod. “Say hi to him for me.”

Hayes cocks his head to the side. “He really made an impression on you.”

It isn’t a question, but I feel compelled to answer. “He’s a pretty cool guy.”

“For what it’s worth, you made an impression on him too.” Without saying goodbye, Hayes whirls around and sprints to his car. I watch as he pulls out of the lot and speeds down the street. Once he’s gone, I glance around the empty parking lot feeling like an idiot. My gaze darts to the school, and I half expect to see the entire student body gawking at me. But no one is watching. Most likely they’re all busy eating lunch and chatting with their friends.

Shoulders slumping, I head back to my car to finish my sandwich. As I slide into the driver’s seat, Hayes’ last words skate through my mind.

You made an impression on him too.

***

Hayes is gone the rest of the day. I look for him in between classes, and after school I scan the lot for his car. But it’s not here. I wonder how Henry is. Sighing, I pick up my phone. I want to text or call Hayes to find out what’s going on, but I don’t have his phone number.

No wonder he was surprised by my concern for him. We’ve never been friends.

Lowering my phone, I walk toward my car. The heels on my sandals click on the pavement. A car zips past me, music blaring. Glancing over my shoulder, I notice a few boys in the junior class. The two in the back give me appreciative glances. It should flatter me, but it doesn’t. Snatching out my keys, I unlock my car. As I’m opening the door, the scent of floral perfume wafts under my nose. It’s identical to the one I wear, but I know it’s not mine because I forgot to spray it on this morning. By the time I made the decision to go to school, I had to race around like crazy to get ready on time.

“Hey, Ash.”

Even before I heard Talia’s voice I knew it was her because when we were friends she copied everything about me, including buying my favorite scent. However, I’d been hoping she’d ignore me. It’s what she’d been doing for the past week. I wonder what changed now.

“I hear your boyfriend’s in the hospital,” she says.

I spin around. “Henry’s still at the hospital?”

Talia’s eyes widen. “So the rumors really are true?” Heather giggles by her side.

The whole thing sickens me. “You’re the one who spread the rumor. Shouldn’t you know if it’s true or not?”

“Ashley McIntosh is worried about the truth. Wow. That’s a new one.” Talia laughs lightly.

I frown. “You know Henry’s not my boyfriend, Talia. And I think it’s disgusting that you’re making jokes when Hayes’ grandpa is hurt and in the hospital.”

“I gotta hand it to you, Ash. This whole doting concerned act you’ve got going on totally works for you. I mean, you almost have me going. Almost, but not quite. I know you too well to buy into it,” Talia says. “Your dream may be to go into fashion, but acting is totally your strength. Trust me.” With one last giggle, she links arms with Heather and they sashay away from me.

As hard as I try to slough off her words and pretend they don’t bother me, it’s no use. They do bother me. They bother me a lot.

It’s true that I’ve been good at acting in the past, but right now I’m not. I honestly am concerned about Henry. And I hate that anyone thinks this is part of some game or manipulation. I’d never do that to a sweet old man. Besides, this is different. There’s nothing to gain here.

Deciding to let it go, I get in my car and turn on the engine. Once I’m out of the lot and the school is in my rearview mirror, my chest expands. I may have to come back tomorrow, but I’m thankful for the small reprieve. My plan is to head home, but instead I find myself drifting toward the hospital.

When I was younger Mom and I would sometimes meet Dad for lunch. We’d sit outside on the picnic tables near the grass and eat fast food that we’d picked up on the way. That was before Mom was constantly on a diet, and before Dad started working so many hours that we never saw him.

After parking, I walk with clipped strides up to the main building. Glancing up at the many windows overlooking the parking lot, I count them until I figure out which one is Dad’s office. Even though it’s been years since I’ve been here, I still remember which one it is. The automatic doors open, and I step through them. I’ve never liked the way the hospital smells. Too sterile or something. I’d asked Dad about it before, and he said that he didn’t even notice it anymore since he’d been working here for so many years. I suppose that makes sense. We become desensitized to things if we’re used to them.

At first I head toward the reception area with the intention of finding out what room Henry Parker is in. But I stop before reaching it. Parker can’t be his last name. I think he’s Hayes’ maternal grandpa. After Hayes’ parents got divorced, his mom kept her married name. Probably to have the same last name as her son. She seemed like the type of woman who would do that. My mom, on the other hand, would’ve changed her name right away without giving me a second thought.

The woman behind the desk glances up at me, a question in her eyes. I’m sure I look suspicious standing here staring off into space.

“Can I help you?” She asks.

“Um…” Even if she can figure out which Henry I’m talking about, she probably won’t tell me which room he’s in. I’m not family. “I’m Ashley McIntosh.” Smiling politely I march right up to the desk. “Dr. McIntosh’s daughter.”

“Oh, yes. Nice to meet you, my dear,” the woman responds cheerily the way I knew she would. My dad is nothing if not charming. I’m sure every woman in this hospital is smitten with him.

“I…umm…have something for him.” Realizing I’m not holding anything, I pat the purse that’s strung over my shoulder as if what I brought him is nestled inside. “I’m just gonna go upstairs and leave it in his office.”

“I can get it to him if you’d like,” she offers, wearing a wicked smile. Coral lipstick stains the bottoms of her top teeth. If I was nice, I’d tell her so she could wipe it off. Too bad I’m my father’s daughter.

“It’s okay. It’s personal.” I throw her an apologetic look before scurrying away from her desk and down the hallway. As I walk swiftly forward, I know I have to be fast. If Dad gets wind of me being here, he’ll know I didn’t come to bring him something. And if any of the other hospital staff sees me snooping around, I’ll be escorted out. So I walk with purpose, my head held high as if I know exactly where I’m going.

Nurses and doctors slip past me, focused on their tasks, not noticing me at all. And I’ve never been so happy to be invisible before. Every time I pass a room, I discreetly peer inside. I think about what Hayes said about Henry falling, and I remember my grandma falling and breaking her hip a few years before passing away. She’d had to have surgery. The longer I look for Henry, I start to wonder if he’s somewhere in this hospital having surgery as we speak.