Page 30 of From the Wreckage
Before I can question him, he strides to the door and pulls it open.
To my shock and horror, Joey steps inside.
The hardwood floor might as well split open and swallow me whole. My stomach lurches as my voice bursts out, sharp and panicked. “What are you doing here?”
At the same time, Dad says, “Surprise,” looking delighted.
I don’t have the heart to tell him he shouldn’t have invited Joey.
Joey grins like this is the best idea anyone’s ever had. He strides across the room, golden boy confidence oozing off him, but all I can see is Everett’s reaction. His jaw clenches, and his hands curl into fists at his sides. His eyes are murderous as he watches Joey like a hawk.
Joey leans in and presses a kiss to my cheek. “I came to see you.”
“Why?” I blurt, my brows lifting.
His grin falters. For a split second, the polished quarterback facade slips. “Why? Bri, we’ve been dating since last fall.”
I glance at Everett. His stunned expression twists into something darker. Angrier. My chest seizes.
My own anger sparks. “I’m surprised you could tear yourself away from the girl in the pictures.”
Joey’s eyes narrow, his jaw working. “Seriously? You’re bringing that up now?”
Dad clears his throat, clearly uncomfortable. He claps his hands together too loudly. “Well. Let’s head to the dining room. Dinner’s almost ready.”
Joey rolls his eyes and mutters something to Meghan. Tom and Anita trail after Dad. I move closer to Everett, my pulse pounding.
“I’m sorry about this,” I whisper. “I?—”
“You have a boyfriend?” His voice cuts like a blade.
“No! He’snotmy boyfriend.” I blow out a frustrated breath, my chest tightening. “We were dating. Things have been strained and?—”
“So you used me as a rebound because your relationship with your boyfriend?—”
“Stop saying he’s my boyfriend.” My tone is sharp and low. “He and I arenotin a relationship.” I drop into my usual seat at the dining table, Everett glowering as he takes the one across from me.
“He seems to think you are,” Everett hisses, his gaze flicking to Joey.
“He’s wrong,” I whisper back, my throat tight, just as Dad returns with a large bowl of salad.
“I’ll be back with the steaks.” He sets the bowl in the center of the table.
Anita sweeps in with mashed potatoes and green beans, her timing impeccable.
Joey drops into the chair beside me. Meghan sits on his other side. His hand slides onto my thigh under the table.
My entire body stiffens.
Everett growls low, the sound vibrating in my ears. I shove Joey’s hand away.
He leans close, his voice dripping with irritation. “Are you still pissed about Diana?”
My stomach flips. “So that’s her name, huh?”
“Stop acting jealous. We’re not exclusive, Bri.”
I bark out a laugh, bitter and sharp. “Interesting that you never mentioned we weren’t until now.”
