Page 30 of XO

“You made it,” Kevin exclaims with a wide smile. He steps in close and pulls me even closer into an unexpected embrace. Over his shoulder, I see Jacob’s handsome face and tightly clenched jaw. His annoyance is palpable, but what does he expect to happen? Me to remain single the rest of my life. “I didn’t think you’d come,” Kevin continues. “But I’m glad you did.” He seems pleased at seeing me, yet is he really the main reason why I’m here?

“Had to make it to at least one game in my life.” I laugh nervously, fidgeting with the collar on the Panthers’ jacket. “Congratulations to you both.” While Kevin continues his mega-watt smile, Jacob barely reacts, too caught up in watching the interaction. I feel the heat of his stare and can’t fight off the conflicting messages he’s sending me.

“It’s party time,” Chelsea screams excitedly, running from the exit with two cheerleaders in tow. Cupping her hands around Jacob’s face, she pulls him into an X-rated make-out session which continues far too long for comfort. Needing to free himself from the succubus, Jacob struggles to pull away while Nessie quietly mimics dry-retching, and I become suddenly fascinated with the hideous mural on the stadium wall.

Annoyed, Kevin clears his throat. “Fucking hell, can you two eat each other later… like not around us?”

Chelsea finally releases her victim, and laughs like a hyena before pulling a silver flask from her waistband. “Since when have you ever refused a show, Kevin,” she taunts spitefully. “Looks like you fellas have some catching up to do.” While Jacob wipes his mouth, his girlfriend holds out the flask which no one accepts before she shrugs indifferently and takes another swig. “Whatever, fuckers. Why are we still here?” She eyes me up and down, malice shining brighter than the stadium spotlights. “And what areyoudoing here? Andyou?” she says to Nessie. “Since when haveyoubeen in our circle?”

“Don’t be rude,” Jacob chides, but being reprimanded by her boyfriend in front of others doesn’t sit well.

“What the hell has crawled up your ass lately, Jacob? You’re always so fucking moody.”

In an effort to not have a very public argument that can escalate out of control in a matter of seconds, Jacob stuffs his hands into his jeans’ pockets, while the vein in his neck twitches.

“Ignore her,” Kevin assures. “Being a bitch is in her blood. You coming to the party?”

I shake my head adamantly. “No, just wanted to give this back.” I turn my attention to Jacob. “Sorry it took so long.” I hold it out, and the harshness on his handsome face fades, and is instead, replaced with something far gentler.

Chelsea, on the other hand, sees red. “What the hell are you doing with his jacket?”

Phew! More confirmation word hasn’t spread about the bus incident. If anyone would know, it’s Chelsea.

“Never mind,” Jacob snaps while taking his jacket, his fingers grazing mine in the process.

“Never mind? This is the reason you’ve had detention every day this week. And all this time it’s becauseshe’shad it?”

My heart falters. “You’ve had detention because of your jacket?”

“Coach saw me turn up to training without it,” he admits for the first time. “It’s just detention, no big deal.” He smiles to reassure me, but I feel stricken with guilt. Chelsea continues to look at me like I’m the scum on her shoe.

Kevin slides his fingers down my arm before clasping my hand in his. “Come to the party, it’ll be fun.”

“No, I don’t think—”

“Don’t think, just do.”

“You’re going to invite her to the party?”

“Shut up, Chelsea,” he snaps.

“Don’t tell me to shut—”

“It’s not her scene,” Jacob interrupts, and we all turn to see what’s got him so irate. The smile he only just wore for me is replaced with an intense glower and anger in his beautiful eyes. He scowls at me the entire time, successfully making me feel the same way his girlfriend just did.Perhaps they are suited to each other.“Posie doesn’t belong at that party. She’ll be the odd one out.”

Posie…odd… so, we’re back to that.My heart plummets.

Chelsea smiles in victory.

“Not if she’s with me,” Kevin rebuts.

“Especially if she’s with you.” Jacob pauses a moment to look me up down with disdain. “She’s hardly your usual sort, is she?” The last line is delivered with spite, and my plummeted heart takes a beating from the sledgehammer.

Why does he have to be so nasty?

Chelsea giggles, and if I weren’t so hurt and on the verge of tears, I’d slap her.

Turning back to Kevin, cheeks red with humiliation, I give a small smile. “Thanks, but I’m just gonna go home, and—”

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