Page 44 of I Don't Need Your Love
Really, really stupid.
I laugh lightly when Carly’s Dad makes a comment about her and me getting along. Even though it’s kind of a joke at their house, it still bothers me. It never did before, but now that Carly and I are interacting, things feel different. I’m not the seven-year-old who didn’t want her around. I’m older and realize I treated her badly. I hope we can mend what’s broken between us. I’m willing to, but I understand that she’s hesitant. Still, I won’t give up.
Carly’s parents talk to me about school and I tell them I’m trying to stay on top of my classes. And we discuss other things as well. Then they hug Carly again, tell her they miss her and will talk to her soon. And they can’t wait for the dance competition and the next Parents’ Day. After bidding goodbye to her, me, and Carly’s friends, they walk off.
She laughs at something her friends say before her gaze makes its way to me. I give her a smile. She returns a tiny one, then rejoins her friends’ conversation.
I shove my hands into my pockets, my eyes flitting around the area. Most people are starting to leave, all chatting about the great game and the amazing performance. I can’t stop my lips from kicking up into a smile. Hopefully, we’ll be ready for the competition in two weeks.
“Dude.” Felix slaps me on the back. “Been looking all over for you. We’re headed to the diner. You in?”
“Of course.”
He, I, along with the rest of the football team, cheerleaders, and others make our way to the parking lot where we get into cars. Felix and I ride with a few other guys in Felix’s car. They talk about the game, of course. It stings a little that no one mentions the performance, but whatever. They’re just excited about the game.
We reach the diner and settle down at our usual spot in the back. We’re loud as we continue cheering about the game. I add in here and there, but I mostly focus on my food. As much as I’m enjoying myself, there’s still this nag at the back of my mind. Like something is missing. Not the fact that I don’t play football anymore, but something else. Maybe because despite how close Felix and I are becoming, it’s not the same as having someone by my side who I can talk to about anything. Blake used to be that person for me, but he’s miles away. And he’s off celebrating his (hopeful) win, so it’s not like I can just call him. I’ll text him later and ask how his game went.
I’m busy dunking a fry in ketchup when the door to the diner opens and a group of girls walks in. It takes me a second to realize it’s the dance team. Have they come to celebrate a job well done? Nice. We totally deserve it.
I wave to a few girls who notice me among the popular kids, but Carly doesn’t look my way. Not right away, at least. It’s not until they get their food and sit down that she finally glances at me.
I give her a small wave. She averts her gaze, focusing on something Naya is telling her. I didn’t tell her this, but I love how supportive she is of the younger students, especially Naya. I noticed Naya’s eyes light up every time Carly compliments her and encourages her. That’s a side to her that I never saw before. She was just Blake’s little sister. Someone who always wanted to be around us. And when we were older, she was someone whoneverwanted me around and kept calling me a cretin. I never knew she was sweet and kind. But maybe she reserves those insults only to me. And Blake, too, even though I know she’d take a bullet for her brother.
As if she can feel me watching her, her eyes shoot in my direction. They narrow, as though she’s asking, “What?” I don’t remove my gaze from her. I want her to know I’m watching her. Not in a stalker kind of way, but in awe. Because she’s a hero to some of those younger dancers. Does she know the impact she has on them?
“Dude, why are you looking there when the Parker twins just walked in?” Felix asks, poking me in the ribs with his elbow.
The twins are headed this way. I catch many guys looking at them like they wish they were lucky enough to warrant their attention. I find my eyes shifting over to the fiery redhead who I can’t seem, for whatever reason, to get out of my head.
“Scoot over and make room for them, man!” Felix hisses as the twins approach.
“You know something? I’m going to sit over there.” I tilt my head toward the table that hosts my dance mates.
Felix’s jaw practically drops to the ground. “What the heck are you talking about?”
I don’t have a chance to respond before a twin grabs hold of each of my arms. Avery presses her body to me while April reaches up to plant a kiss on my cheek.
“You weresogood,” she gushes. “Like, the sexiest dancer on the team.”
“No one could stop watching you,” Avery adds with a chuckle.
I give them each a smile. “Thanks. My team’s there and I’m going to sit with them.”
Their faces drop. I feel bad, but I don’t want to be here. I want to be with my teammates. And specifically, our captain.
“Oh, okay,” April says in a despondent tone.
Avery tightens her hold on me. “Don’t leave us. All the fun is here.”
Normally, I would never leave two hot twins who are all over me. But I don’t want to be here right now.
“Sorry, girls,” I say as I pull away from them. “I’ll see you later. Have fun.”
April seems to accept my leaving, but Avery grabs my arm. “Don’t leave, Ryder. It’ll be boring there and you’ll just come back here. So why waste your time?”
“I don’t think hanging out with my teammates would be a waste of time.”
She traces the muscles on my chest. “Why be there when you can be here with us?” Both of them shoot me sexy grins that do nothing for me.
