Page 33 of Dash

I run my hand over my messy bun and remember that I look like hammered dog shit. I smile at her. Her words may seem harsh, but that is just how she speaks. She’s not mean, just honest. Most women hate her for that—people hate to hear the truth.

I stiffen as Rodger throws his arm over my shoulder. “I called you just a few minutes ago, Tabby.”

Tabby! He knows what the name does to me, how it pisses me off. “What are you doing?” I whisper when Whitney turns around to say hello to someone else.

He lowers his lips down to my ear. “You do look awful. You know? How could you leave the house looking like that? Didn’t you know you would see me today?”

The words don’t sound the same way coming from him. He makes it sound like I’m the scum on the bottom of his shoe that he needs to scrape against the sidewalk.

“Did you forget that I no longer have to look perfect for you?” I snap. ‘No hair out of place’ is what he once said to me before we went over to his father’s for dinner.

“To the world, you’re still mine, sweetheart.” He speaks his words softly, but it is meant to be a threat. Our breakup is still not public knowledge, and I have a feeling his father has something to do with that. He probably paid someone a pretty penny. I know that we are not famous actors or singers, but his dad likes to live in the limelight. So he will leak shit or pay to have stuff thrown out there for everyone. No matter how much he hated me, he thought my father’s fame was good for him and his son.

I shove him away, and he stumbles over the table behind us. The commotion causes Whitney to turn back and face us. “Are you okay, Rodger?” she asks, her baby blue eyes wide as she reaches out to him. “What happened?” She looks over to me when he refuses her help to right himself.

“Sorry,” I say as I fake cough. “You shouldn’t get too close, babe. You may catch my cold.”

His jaw tightens as I say babe. He hates that word. Actually, I do too, but I like to see that look of anger on his face. I actually give him a real smile.

“No worries,” he says before he straightens his suit jacket. Who in the hell wears a suit to college? He does, every single day! It’s annoying and unattractive!

“Are you taking your Vitamin C?” Whitney asks Rodger. He rolls his eyes at her. “Seriously, Rodger. You can prevent sickness with a daily consumption of Vitamin C,” she finishes with a sweet smile. I can’t help but laugh at her.

“Well, it’s been fun chatting with you all. But I must go,” I say needing to get the hell out of here.

“Okay,” Whitney says and reaches out to hug me once again.

“I don’t want you to get sick,” I say taking a step back.

“No worries. Unlike your boyfriend, I take my precautions for this kind of event.” She pulls me into a hug and then lets me go. I try not to cringe at her calling Rodger my boyfriend. We say our good-byes, and I don’t even bother to say another word to Rodger.

I go about my day, sit in my classes, do my work, and try not to fall asleep. I yawn as I exit my car once I pull up to my house. Jackie has been blowing my phone up today checking on me and I haven’t responded. I don’t want to hear what a dick Dash is. That’s what best friends do when a guy dumps your ass. They make them sound like dirt to put a smile on your face. But I also know that she and Blake are going out tonight—she told me that in one of her text messages. But right now, I need sleep more than I need alcohol.

Hmm. Never thought I would say that.

I put my key into the lock and hear the sound of a motorcycle engine. I turn around to see one of the bikes that was in Dash’s garage the other day when he took me for a ride.

I stand frozen as I watch the guy get off it. “Tabatha,” Dash says the moment he removes his helmet.

“No,” I say shaking my head. “I don’t wanna hear it, Dash,” I announce before I spin back around and finish opening the front door. I rush through it and turn to slam it shut, but he shoves it open.

“I need to talk to you.”

I laugh. A laugh that makes my blood boil. How dare this fucker show up here? I continue to walk toward the kitchen. He grabs my shoulder from behind and spins me around. “Don’t walk away from me,” he demands. For the first time since I’ve met him, I see him literally pissed. His gray eyes narrow. His nostrils flare, and jaw is tight. Too bad for him. I couldn’t care less how mad he is.

“Don’t you fucking dare!” I shout back.

“Please,” he pleads, softening his voice, “let me explain.”

I shake my head. “Your actions told me everything that I needed to know.”

He finally releases me and sighs heavily. “You’re wrong.” He takes a step toward me, and I take a step back to match it. He reaches out once again and gently pulls my body into his. “I’ve been at your father’s.”

“No, you haven’t,” I reply immediately.

He gives me a small smirk. “I have, I promise you. You can even call him. That is who I went home with from the hospital.”

I shake my head slowly not wanting to believe his words. “I heard her parents. They said that they had talked to yours and offered for you to stay with them. Valerie came out after seeing you and said that you were going to their house.”

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