Page 2 of The Dollmaker
“A few times,” I giggle, looking up at him in his white tux, his grey eyes, twinkling. “You clean up nicely, might I add,” I tell him, laying my head against his chest as we sway to the music. Tonight has been utterly perfect. We won the game, and the team is in the running for nationals. The dance exceeded my expectations for being held in our school’s gymnasium, and then winning homecoming king and queen. Can the night get any better? I open my eyes as Jeremy leans down, pressing his lips against mine.
“I can’t wait to marry you, Savannah. I want you pregnant after graduation. I’ll give you the life you deserve. Just you and me and our babies. What do you say?” He grins, his eyes lighting up with so much hope, and I know if I reject him—tonight will take a turn for the worse.
Taking a deep breath, I see out of the corner of my eye, Tripp in the distance dancing with Sarah, one of the girls on my squad. Jealousy flows through my veins as I watch him with her. His eyes collide with mine for a second, but then he looks away, excusing himself.What the hell was that about?
Jeremy cups my face, forcing my eyes back up to his, but when I look into them I see hate and malice.How quickly he flips his switch is exactly why his little dream of marriage and kids will never happen with us. I really need to cut him loose, especially with the secret I’m keeping. It won’t be long before others start to notice.
The song ends and Jeremy takes my hand roughly, leading me off the dance floor to the table where the rest of the team is sitting.
“Why don’t you go off with the girls for a bit? Then we’re going to head out and meet up by the tracks for the after party,” he tells me with a bit of an attitude, but then places a kiss on my cheek. I nod and walk away to find Tatum, who is standing by the punch bowl talking with the other girls from the squad.
“Hey, having fun yet?” I ask, and she smiles, but the smile isn’t genuine. It doesn’t reach her eyes like it usually does.Hmm, I wonder what is up.
“Meh, it’s okay. The homecoming committee did a great job decorating the place.” She shrugs.
“They did. It looks really pretty in here,” I say as we look around the room. My eyes fall on Jeremy and the others who seem to be in a whispered argument, but I’m not going to pay any mind to boy things. It’s none of my business. At leastnot tonight. I turn to talk to Marcella, Taylor, and Camille but someone grabs my arm, pulling me away.What the fuck.
Snapping my head at the person pulling me, I see it’s Tripp. Planting my feet down to stop him, he looks at me with fear in his eyes.
“What?” I whisper shout, ripping my arm from his grip.
“Don’t go to the tracks tonight. After you leave here, go home and I’ll meet you there,” he commands.
“What? Why?” I ask, and he huffs.
“For once, just listen to me. Go straight home. Promise me, Savannah,” he growls, his tone harsh but his facial expression is pleading.
“Why are you trying to ruin my night, Tripp? We are having a good time!” I spit but he’s not budging.
“Something is going to happen and I don’t want you there,” he whispers as Jeremy approaches.
“Yo, Deveroux. You good, man?” he asks, patting Tripp on the back. I look up at Jeremy, then back at Tripp, just waiting for something to happen. They both look heated, and that has my anxiety rising.
“Yeah, everything is good. I was just congratulating her on being queen.” He smiles but it's the fakest one I’ve ever seen.
“Thanks man. See you at the tracks,” he dismisses, pulling me away. I look back at Tripp, still standing in the same spot, watching with tight fists as we walk away towards the exit. Jeremy places a kiss on top of my head as we leave the gym and head for the parking lot.
“I don’t like the way he looks at you,” he snarls, digging his fingers into my hip.
“Ouch, Jer. You’re hurting me,” I whine, pulling away, but he grabs me and slams my back into one of the parked cars, making me wince.
“Am I, little princess? You’re mine and I don’t want him talking to you!” he growls in my face. My heart pounds in my chest, knowing the night isn’t going to get any better now that he is pissed off from god only knows what.
“I-I’m sorry,” is all I can muster right now.
“Get in the car. We are going to the tracks,” he commands, pulling me to his car, opening the door and damn near shoving me in, only to slam the door behind me.Jesus Christ. Can I get one fucking night of happiness?
He climbs in, not saying a word, as he digs into his jacket pocket for his keys, taking them out along with a metal capsule. He puts the key in the ignition, bringing his Mustang to life, then unscrews the top to the capsule, pouring what I assume is coke into the dip of his hand between his thumb and pointer finger. He brings it up to his nostril and inhales deeply. He places the capsule back into his pocket, putting the car into gear and takes off.
My heart is in my chest, and I have a bad feeling tonight is about to get a whole lot worse. I should’ve listened to Tripp. I'm not sure why he was so adamant about me not going to the tracks but I guess I’m about to find out.
“I’ve got a little surprise for you, tonight!” He smirks, and chills race up my spine. That smirk isn’t just any smirk. It’s one the devil wears, and now I’m terrified for what’s to come.
Savannah
The Tracks…
On page Assault-Graphic and intense
