Page 44 of Falling With a Spin

“Well, before I say anything on that matter, Taylor, you’re a freaking wild one.” Matt gives her a high five. “You didn’t even hesitate before going for his throat.”

I’m not surprised that Taylor went after Chad for what he said. Part of me is actually relieved that Garrett and Justin were there to stop her because she wouldn’t have backed down until he was bruised and bloody.

“No one walks away unscathed when they hurt my best friend. You will have to drag me kicking and screaming.” She wears a triumphant smile on her face.

“We did.” Garret and Justin say in unison. The group breaks out in laughter, and Taylor rolls her eyes, shoving Garrett in the shoulder.

I wrap my arms around my best friend, hugging her. I’m so lucky to have a friend like her. One that will drop everything and be there for me when I need her. One that will punch someone for hurting me. But she also is the friend that will also tell me when I'm wrong or when I need to get my head out of my ass.

“I love you,” I whisper in her ear, still holding onto her.

“I love you too, Em.” She lets me go and takes a step back and towards Garrett’s side.

“Matt, what happened when you guys came out?” Hunter repeats his question from earlier.

“Oh yeah. Well, we didn’t get banned, but that group did.”

Right on que, Chad’s group walks out to their cars, Caleb being the last one out. His head is down, and his brows furrowed. There is a part of me that wants to walk up to him and just shake him senseless. Scream at him as to why he can’t see what Chad is doing. Caleb looks up, our eyes lock, and an ache in my chest widens when I see the confusion and hurt in his. I quickly tear mine away from him before he can even think about approaching us.

“Oh wow,” Justin exhales, as everyone else stays silent.

I walk back to Hunter, leaning against the hood of his car. He places his hand on my thigh, squeezing it gently. I give him a reassuring smile, but I'm not sure who it's for, him or me. Breaking the silence and changing the topic, I look around the group. “Can we leave now? I'm starving and could use some of Garrett’s Famous Pasta.”

“Famous Pasta?” Taylor questions him.

“Do not get him started on it. His pasta tastes like any other kind.” Justin rolls his eyes at Garrett, who tries to be offended.

“Well, I can’t wait to try it.” She looks up at Garrett, and the way he smiles down at her makes me question if this is really just a fling.

“Alright, well, let's get going.” Justin claps his hand, and with that, we break apart, each of us walking to our cars.

I catch Taylor walking towards her car. I completely forgot that we drove here together.

Looking at Hunter, I say, “Give me a second. I will be right back,” I catch Taylor just as she’s starting up the engine.

Leaning against the car, I sigh and run my hands through my hair. “You doing okay?”

She looks forward, staring out the windshield, “Yeah. I hate that he can walk around here and act like what he did wasn’t wrong,” her voice becomes strained, and I want to reach into the car to hug her, “and fucking Caleb, not doing a damn thing about it. I know you haven’t told him, but the least he can do is stand up for you. I fucking hate him.” Taylor's grip tightens around the steering wheel, and I place my hand over hers, attempting to ease her anger.

“Trust me, I know. It’s a bunch of bull shit.” I close my eyes, shaking my head. “But, I’m going to ride with Hunter back to their place. Do you want to see if Garrett will ride with you?” I ask her.

“Yeah,” she lets out a long breath, “That's fine. I will see you there.” She gives me a small smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. I’m wondering what Caleb did back there hurt her.

I push myself off the car and walk over to Garrett to let him know that he will be riding with Taylor.

“Can you keep an eye on her for a little bit? I think what happened tonight didn’t just hurt me, but it also hurt her.” I look back towards the car, wondering what about tonight could have her acting this hurt and angry.

“Yeah, that’s not a problem at all.” He places his hand on my shoulder, and I look back towards him. “We have both of your guy’s backs.” I nod my head, and he walks towards Taylor’s car, getting into the passenger seat.

I walk back towards where I left Hunter, “Everything okay?” He asks, opening the car door for me.

I nod my head because I’m really not sure if they are okay. I get inside, and the heated seats instantly defrost me, warming all over.

I turn to face Hunter, and everything from earlier fades away. The hurt I’m feeling gets buried deep with everything else as he looks over at me, and I give him my best smile. He takes my hand, threading our fingers together.

“Now, what Disney movie are we picking tonight?” A smirk lifts on his lips, and laughter bursts from me as we drive out of the parking lot.

Chapter 17

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