Page 90 of Your Side of the Offense

"What's wrong?"

"Can I borrow a sweater; I need something that can go maybe midthigh. The skirt is going to be really short without underwear."

Arch chuckles. "I should have put them in the washer for you. I forgot."

"Of course you forgot. Too busy drowning in this WAP."

He grabs my waist and kisses me fiercely, laughing.

"You can't blame me for that."

"I can," I joke.

"You don't want pants too?" He goes to his closet.

"Nah, they will be too walk-of-shamy. Just give me a nondescript sweater."

"You sure I can't give you my football jersey?" He teases.

"Don't play."

"I'm not."

And I know he isn't joking, but ends up giving me a sweater that reaches midthigh and I wear my own clothes underneath. My hair is combed, and I look fresh. You wouldn't think I just came from a dick appointment.

Mostly because I found a space in Arch's closet with my hair products, facial products, various combs, and moisturizers. He must have bought them the past week; he’s always prepared. And that speaks to who Archer is as a person. I know in his head he has decided he isn't letting me go.

We walk down the stairs. At this point, I have to accept that the others know everything. I don't want to face them because I feel like a hypocrite and I am. I find Harvey, Caleb, and Jaden on the couch playing a video game. It quiets down when they see me. They pause the game giving me their full attention. I open my mouth, but then I chicken out.

Archer grabs my hand trying to steady me, but I can't bear their gazes.

"Bye," I say, sprinting out of there like I am being chased

27

WHAT. THE. FUCK.

Caleb

All of us stay frozen watching the door where she just disappeared.

"What was that all about?" Jaden asks.

Harvey, Arch, and I avoid his gaze as I get up to get myself something to drink. Footsteps follow behind me. When I turn, I find Arch and Harv behind me like fools and I roll my eyes and get myself a juice.

"Why isn't anyone saying anything?" Jaden gets up and approaches. He looks at each of us one by one, his frustration growing. "What the fuck is going on and why am I the only one who doesn't know?"

We look at each other.

"Fucking talk, idiots!"

We laugh at his tantrum, but he isn't laughing.

"Do you want to tell him?" I look at Arch. I mean, it’s only right. He's the one who’s kept her to himself for whoever knows how long.

"They both fucked Summer last night," Harv says, pointing to us.

Jaden keeps his gaze firmly on Harv. "And how do you know this?"

---