Page 80 of Released from the Sin Bin

“I’m not.” I frown and look at the guys to see them nodding in agreement.

“You’ve barely touched your nachos, and you’re being quiet.”

“Is it Carter?” Alex nods.

“No, it’s not Carter.” I lower my voice and look around. The place is filled with locals tonight and a few tables of students that are not close enough to hear us.

“Ya shouldn’t be changin’ yerself for a man.” Finn’s accent is slipping in the angrier he gets and the more he drinks.

“But I have changed,” I shout, tired of their questioning me. “I changed myself for Vic. For three years, I was wearing what he wanted. Short skirts that were not short enough. I hated them, but my closet is full of them. This time, I’m changing for me. I wore leggings and sweatshirts, because I couldn’t bear to wear those tight skirts he likes. I bought these jeans because I liked them. I’m not wearing them for anyone other than myself. And what’s wrong with changing myself? I’m not going to find a decent guy by stuffing my face with nachos and cursing at the TV.”

Feeling dejected, I cram a few chips in my mouth and concentrate on the game, just as Luca is heavily checked and a call is made against him.

“What the fuck kind of call is that?” I cover my mouth to stop the tiny pieces from flying out.

Three sets of eyes are smiling at me as I do.

“We’re just trying to look out for you.” Kandi rubs my arm.

“I’m ok, and it has nothing to do with Carter.”

“What has nothing to do with me?” Carter comes and sits back down next to me at the worst time.

“Nothing.” I try to laugh it off.

“That’s bullshit. If you’re talking about me, I’d like to know.” His jaw ticks and his eyebrows furrow as he puts his phone in his pocket.

“Relax, we weren’t talking about you,” Alex jumps in.

“No, just casually dropping my name in a conversation while I step away from the table.” He snaps.

“Carter, we weren’t.” I shake my head and reach out to touch his arm, but he pulls it away.

“I have to go anyway.” He pulls out his wallet and throws a fifty on the table for his share of nachos and water.

“That’s too much, but stay. Please,” I beg him to stop. “We weren’t talking about you.”

“Nah, I’m sick of this.” He pulls on his coat. “I have to take care of something anyway.”

His phone falls out, and I catch a glimpse of a text from his mom, telling him not to come home.

The guys angrily roll their eyes.

“I’m going too.” I hop off my stool and grab my coat.

“Willa, just let him go.” Kandi stops me from leaving.

“It’s not…” I sigh and rub my eyes. “I’m tired. It’s been a long day, and I just want to go lie down.” And stop Carter from getting the shit beat out of him. “It’s ok. Thanks, guys.”

I run after Carter before he can leave without me. Hopping with my clunky boot, as fast as I can go.

“Carter, wait up.” I call out to him once I’m out the front doors.

“What are you doing?” He whips around to see me. “Go back inside.”

“You’re my ride. You’re taking me home.” I follow him to his car.

“Kandi lives next to you. Go be with your friends.” The word friends sounded like a curse spewing out of his mouth. “I have shit to do, and your house is out of my way.”

---