Page 83 of Destroying Everleigh

I scowled at him. “What if I’m busy?”

He let his hands fall from around my waist. “Not my problem.” His eyes drifted back to the sofa we’d been sitting on, and he grimaced. “I’ll be in touch.”

I blew out a breath when he turned his back to leave again. Part of me thought he’d take me right here, but Dallas wasclassierthan that. I rolled my eyes. He’d probably expect me to meet him somewhere, or he’d pick me up. He’d most definitely fuck me in his car before doing it in this dump. It could be worse, though. He could be a fifty-year-old man with a wife at home andmouths to feed. To my knowledge, Dallas was single and had no children. It wasn’t the worst deal, but it was still a pretty shitty one.

I waited until the door closed behind him and then gathered up some clothes for a shower. My head was a mess when I slipped into the bathroom and turned on the water, testing it every now and then until it was heated to my liking.

Things couldn’t get any fucking worse for me.

No.

Scratch that. I’ve said that before and they indeeddidget worse.

I stripped out of my clothes, stepping beneath the hot spray. My mind swarmed with thoughts I didn’t even want to be sorting through. Lucas for starters. He was a decent guy, and he seemed to genuinely give a shit the majority of the time. But there was nothing there. It felt like I was just stringing him along at this point. Then there was Briley. My sister, who should have had my back through anything as I’ve had hers, but she was quick to put a knife in it when it benefited her. I couldn’t forget about Ashton, Jameson, or Kash. Not when they made it their mission to make my life less bearable. And now I had Dallas to worry about on top of it all.

On the bright side, Ashton hasn’t posted that picture of me and Jameson yet. But I knew he hadn’t forgotten about it. I wasn’t that naive. He was waiting for the perfect opportunity, which meant that he was far from done with me.

After showering, I got dressed in a pair of black leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. My long black hair tumbled around my shoulders, dampening the material, but I was in no mood to completely dry it.

I moved robotically through the house until I reached the kitchen. I put together a plain ass sandwich, using the last pieces of bread we had. Just another thing on my never-ending to-dolist. I’d probably have to make a trip to the grocery store before the day ended. The ham and bread tasted like sandpaper as I chewed, having no real desire to eat but knew I’d feel sick if I didn’t.

After a few bites, I sat my plate on the counter and pulled out my phone, finally biting the bullet to look through Lucas’s messages.

Boyfriend

Hey. I was thinking you could swing by tonight. It’s been a few weeks since we had sex.

I rolled my eyes. That message was sent shortly before the chemistry project. I’d had too much on my plate to run into his arms and didn’t really bother opening the text, knowing it would show him if I read it or not.

Boyfriend

What the fuck, Everleigh?! We’re kissing our exes now, is that what we’re doing?

Are you still in love with him?

Answer the damn phone.

Fine. I’ll go find someone else to fuck. You didn’t want me to mess around with other bitches, but it’s cool for you to do it to me?

I winced. He had a point, and it made me feel even shittier. Yes, my kiss with Ashton hadn’t been entirely consensual, but I did kiss him back. Then I had sex with Jameson, and thathadbeen consensual. Now, I was agreeing to screw my landlord just so he’d let me and Briley stay in this shit box we called a home.

Lucas

Look. I’m sorry for freaking out. I didn’t mean that. Just please talk to me.

I don’t know what happened. I’m starting to get worried. It’s been days since we’ve spoken. I love you, Everleigh. Just help me understand.

I skimmed through the rest of the messages. He was right. He deserved some kind of explanation. It was wrong of me to keep giving him the silent treatment regardless of how I felt. It was childish and he deserved better than that. Speaking of that stupid video…

Had Briley seen it? She certainly hasn’t mentioned it to me. And they were apparently dating. But she has been more distant. Maybe that was why. That could also be why she decided to bring him into our home and suck his dick in Mom’s bed. Petty revenge. My stomach twisted into knots at the thought of her reacting so callously over something as small as a kiss I didn’t even want in the first place.

I clicked on Amber’s unread messages next.

Amber

You dirty little bitch!

I can’t believe you spit in his face. You’re my spirit animal, babe. Would it be weird if I masturbated to it?

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