Page 43 of Falling With a Spin

“Don’t worry, I know I’m a terrible singer. I just wanted to hear your thoughts.” Leaning back against the couch, I look around the room. “So, who’s up next? I think it’s Garrett?”

“Oh dear god,” He mumbles on his way to pick out a song. He puts the cassette in and presses play. “I Want It That Way.” by the Backstreet Boys plays through the speakers.

Taylor stands up and drags me with her when the chorus starts, and we create our own dance floor as Garrett serenades the four guys on the couch.

“Hey, do you want to head back to our place once we are done here?” Hunters ask. “We can watch a movie, maybe?”

“Yeah, I’d like that.” I smile, and he nods his head, leaning back against the couch.

As we make our way towards the front desk to check out, Hunter's hand lightly brushes mine. I move in closer to him, wanting a little more of him. My heart starts frantically beating when he wraps his arm around my shoulder, and I hope he can’t hear it because I sure as hell can.

“Tonight was fun. I’m glad you and the guys came out with us.” Taylor says, wrapping her arm around Garrett and looking at all of us.

The jingle of the door opening catches my attention, and I turn around. It seems that my mind is playing tricks on me because the person in front of me can’t be the same one that haunts my dreams, that took things from me that should have never been stolen, that the man - no - monster, that walks through those doors was supposed to protect me at all cost and not hurt me.

It’s Chad.

He strolls in with a few of his friends and some teammates that I know. But what really does the trick? Puts the icing on top of the cake. The last person that walks through the doors makes my stomach churn. My eyes lock onto Caleb, and they start to fill with tears. Glancing towards Chad, his eyes roam down my body as he taps his friend next to him on the arm and points to me. They start chuckling and look away, my gaze going back to Caleb, who does nothing but look away from me.

So much for caring what they thought of you. The annoying voice in my head says.

I tug on Taylor’s shirt, and she turns her head towards me, and her eyes widen at my tear-filled eyes.

“Chad is here with the whole team,” I whisper loud enough for her and Hunter to hear. Her eyes narrow where they are huddled, and Hunter's arm tightens around me.

Taylor turns back around and puts her hand on Garrett’s arm, “Hey, can you finish up here? Hunter and Emma are going to head back to the house. I need to use the restroom, okay?” She smiles at him, but something about this doesn’t feel right.

“Sounds good. We’ll meet you outside.” Garrett's eyes land on me, and he’s about to say something when his eyes drift behind me. I squeeze my eyes shut when he takes a step forward.

“Come on, Em. Let's go wait outside,” Hunter says, turning us around and heading for the front door.

“I don’t feel right leaving them in there,” I mumble. They shouldn’t be dealing with this. Why didn’t I just keep my mouth shut?

Right before the door closes, Chad's voice fills my head.

“You can only hide from me so long, Emma. I will get you back eventually. Have fun with her for now, Hunter.” Without looking, I know there's a smirk on his face as if he is imagining all the ways he can continue to hurt me.

My attempt at holding back the tears fails when I close my eyes, and I feel them land on my hand. Hunter’s grip tightens as he pulls me in closer to him as if trying to shield off the comments from Chad.

Taylor’s rising voice causes me to jump, and I attempt to pry myself away from Hunter, but he drags me towards his car and puts me in the passenger seat. The tears don’t stop, continuing to flow down my cheeks as I sit here helpless.

“Hunter, you better let me out of this fucking car right now,” I scream and bang against the car window.

“No can do, babe. You being in the car is in your best interest. Let Taylor and the guys handle this.” He stays against the car, and no matter how much of my body weight I put into opening the door, it doesn’t budge.

I let out a deep breath and leaned against the door in defeat. I just wanted a fun and nice night out with my friends. If I hadn’t turned around when the door opened, then I wouldn’t have seen him. It’s like my mind loves the torture and the pain that it causes me. Now my best friend and Hunter’s friends are inside dealing with my mess. I’m tired of this. Just so freaking tired.

My eyes drift back to the door, wishing I could see what is going on in there. To go and stop Taylor at whatever stupid plan she made up in her head. The door to Bad Toons and Booze opens with flailing Taylor being dragged out by Garrett and Justin.

Hunter moves to the side, and I fling the door open, almost hitting him as I run up to Taylor.

“What happened in there,” I scream at her with wide eyes. My voice cracks from the distress and constant crying.

“Well, before these two goons dragged me out here,” she points to Justin and Garrett, who just smile big at us, “I was on my way to kick Chad's ass for what he said to you.” She huffs, blowing away a piece of hair that fell to the front of her face. “Except they weren’t the only ones who stopped me; Caleb did too.” She glances back towards the front door, shaking her head. “He jumped in between Chad and me, telling me to leave. The fucking audacity of him.”

When Matt and Cole walk out, Matt looks amazed, while Cole looks like he’s about to pass out.

“What’s wrong?” Hunter questions them.

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