Page 48 of Faux Real
“Oh, umm...I’m staying at Max’s this weekend,” I murmur, catching a flash of disappointment in Oliver’s eyes. “Sorry.”
“Right,” he says, clearing his throat as he stands up. “I guess I’ll just see you in class next week or something.”
“Yeah,” I whisper, collecting my purse, shoes, and damp dress. I can’t believe I fell into a fucking pool. Max is going to make fun of me for days. “Thanks for uh—coming with me tonight.”
“A deal’s a deal, right?” Oliver says dryly, fishing his phone out of his pocket. “I’m going to order an Uber now.”
“Right now?” I ask with a frown. I don’t want him to leave. Not yet. “It’s only ten.”
“My two hours are up,” he states as he turns on his heel. “See you around, Kennedy.”
“Okay,” I hum. I did say that he only needed to stay for a couple of hours. Can’t really ask him to hang around longer. I adjust the items in my hand. Oh shoot. Before he exits the gate, I add, “Wait! Do you want your jacket back?”
Oliver crane’s his neck toward me, his face but a dark shadow. “No, it’s fine. Keep it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Just give it to me next week, yeah?” I nod. “Okay.”
As he walks away from me, I find myself confused by the minuscule hammering in my chest. I thought weed was supposed to help with anxiety, not cause it. How annoying.
Once I get inside, I forcefully drag a shitfaced Maxine back to her parents’ house. Bribing her with Mickey D’s usually works but this time she came willingly after she threw up in Lemar’s den. Max’s parents are still out at the casino so her housekeeper, Mrs. Vera lets us in and puts Max to bed while I take a much-needed shower, washing the chlorine out of my hair. Just as I hop into Max’s bed, my phone vibrates.
Sawyer: Hey, I’m sry about tonight. Corrine was way out of line
I frown at the screen.
Kenny: Thought you were supposed to block me
I get a reply instantly.
Sawyer: I have no reason to block you
Kenny: Won’t Corn get mad that you’re texting me? You sure you want to deal with that?
Sawyer: I can handle Corrine
I scoff.
Kenny: I’m sure you can
Sawyer: How do you feel?
I roll my eyes.
Kenny: I’m fine.
Sawyer: Good good. Ok well... Night KC
What the actual fuck?
Kenny: You too
Why does he suddenly give a shit? Is he jealous? Is my plan working? If that’s the case, why don’t I feel better? Why don’t I feel accomplished? Why don’t I feel anything? My phone vibrates again. Oh my God. I just want to sleep.
Ollie: The key worked. I made it inside unscathed and unnoticed in case you were curious
I grin, flipping onto my side.
