Page 25 of Fighting the Odds

“What’s up, man? Got your head on straight yet?” Wes asks sternly.

Is he for fucking real?

“Mine’s always been on straight. You should be asking yourself that question.” I pull away from him, breaking our contact, and continue to the parking lot.

“She’s just a skanky piece of ass. Not even a good one. You’ll grow tired of her soon!” he yells, causing those in earshot to burst into laughter. I throw my hand in the air, flipping him the bird.

I hate Wesley Johnson. Even more now knowing he’s the reason Sierra and Sam are in the situation they’re in.

As the Jeep comes into view, I’m still fuming and when I see Colt leaning against it, his head down, staring at the ground, I want to punch him for ever believing Wes’s bullshit.

“You need to get your boy in check,” I bark as I walk around to the passenger side and climb inside, slamming the door.

He walks around to the driver’s side and climbs into the backseat with a huff.

“Look, I admitted I made a mistake. What else do you want me to do?” His tone is low in defeat.

“Maybe tell Wesley he can fuck off. Stand up for Sierra when he talks shit about her. Anything. You haven’t even messaged her, have you? Why don’t you let her know you were an idiot?” I angrily spout off. There are so many things he could be doing and he hasn’t.

“I told you I want to talk to her in person. That’s if she’ll even talk to me.” He mumbles the last part so low, I barely hear him.

“I get that, but wouldn’t it look better for you if she sees that you’re at least worried about her and trying to check on her? It would go a long way in gaining her forgiveness.”

Colton starts to speak, but Braxton opens the door and climbs in the driver’s seat, handing his bookbag back to Colton.

“Has she messaged back?” he asks.

I shake my head, dropping my phone into my lap as he starts up the Jeep.

“Messaged what?” Colton leans forward, squeezing his upper body between the seats.

“Sierra read my messages.” I show him.

“Mine too,” Braxton adds in.

“Is she okay?” He perks up, his tone full of hope.

“Don’t know. She hasn’t answered,” I mutter, as I shift in my seat and let my head fall against the window.

“Oh,” Colton replies as he sits back.

Braxton starts up the jeep and pulls out of the parking lot.

“Don’t forget, we need to stop for Dad,” Colton reminds him.

We decided on the pizza place in the plaza that has a grocery store. While Colton runs to get the ice cream, Braxton goes to get the pizza, leaving me in the car. I’m staring out the window absently, watching people go in and out of the store. I envy those with happy smiles as they hold the hand of their significant other.

I watch a couple about my age walk hand in hand, cuddled up next to each other, heading towards the pizza place, and I can’t help but be jealous.

My phone vibrates in my lap and I jump as a scream bursts from me. Okay, they may take my man card for that!

But a smile quickly takes over and my heart races.

She messaged me!

MYGIRL♥?: How is Sam?

She wants to know about Sam. That’s understandable, it's her sister.

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