Page 17 of Overachiever
“You’re crazy as hell, kid.”
“Man, you have no idea,” Owen says, grabbing the beer he hasn’t touched yet. He hands it to the guy and holds up his finger to the bartender for another. Once they have their beers, Owen leads him away toward a table, still talking. “Let me tell you about me. I was born at a young age and I was so shocked that I didn’t speak for a year.”
A bouncer is heading their way, but the guy no longer seems angry. Owen’s stunt worked to deescalate the situation. Sometimes, I’m not sure if he’s a genius or certifiable. They talk and laugh for a minute while I drain a bottle of water. Whew, I really did drink too much tonight. For a few moments I forgot I was waiting on Evan. And that I need to tear Owen a new one.
Evan waves from the front door, holding up his hand to say the Rideshare is ten minutes away, and I nod.
“Owen,” I call, pulling him aside.
“You ready to go?” he asks, flashing a toothy smile.
“Did you tell Evan I’m your girlfriend?”
The instant flash of guilt on his face answers for him. “I may have led him to believe…”
“That Ibelongto you?” I seethe. “What the fuck?”
His lips press together. “Look, Rem, I had a good reason.”
“Can’t wait to hear it.”
He falters, and I turn to walk away. Screw this. I have plans. I’ll figure out his problem tomorrow. “Remee…”
“I’m leaving with Evan.”
His brow dips, and his lips pull into a frown of disapproval. “What? You can’t leave with that asshole.”
His response infuriates me. “I don’t know what’s going on with you, and you obviously aren’t going to tell me, but you don’t control me.”
His hand clamps around my wrist when I start away again. “No, Remee. You don’t want to go with him.”
I’m confused at why he’s acting like this, but his insistence gives me pause. “What is it, Owen? I’m not a mind reader.”
“The guy is a total douche. And he’s older. He’s taking advantage.”
I jerk my wrist away. “Who I get with is none of your business.”
“I’m looking out for you. Come on, let’s just go. We can sober up on the beach while we wait on a ride.”
Just like that, he thinks I’m going to obey him? “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He grabs my wrist again as I start to walk away. His other hand runs through his hair. “Fuck, okay, look, I didn’t want to tell you, but I can’t let this happen.”
“Tell me what?”
“The guys at work, I hear them talk, and they were challenging each other.”
My chest tightens at his words, and I cross my arms. “What kind of challenge?”
“Which one of them can fuck you first. It pissed me off so I lied about us being together.”
My first instinct is denial, but the expression on Owen’s face won’t let me hide behind that.
“I’m sorry, Rem. I kept wanting to talk to you about it, but…”
“You didn’t want to break some ridiculous bro code?” I snap.
“No! Fuck those guys! I didn’t want you to get your feelings hurt or make things uncomfortable for you at work. Honestly, I didn’t think you’d go for it, but I should’ve warned you.”
