Page 66 of Steeling Her
“I don’t . . . Well, I do, just not really like that? He’s nice but . . .” I wave my head around, trying to figure out how to say I’m not interested in anyone as nice as possible.
“You like someone else . . .” she tries to finish the sentence. I shake my head, but I know it’s no use. We’ve only known each other a short period of time, but she already knows when I’m not telling the truth. “Come on, what happened? Why did you say yes?” She pokes her finger in my ribs making me laugh a little.
“Nothing—”
“Don’t nothing me, Carter! Come on, I’m not going to tell anyone. Pinky swear.” She pulls out her pinky finger and I hook mine around it. She can’t take it back now. It’s set.
“Okay . . . So last night, Nick and I kissed—”
“What?” she exclaims. “Are you fucking serious! And you’re only telling me NOW?” She hisses lowly at me.
“I know, I know. I couldn’t exactly tell you last night or this morning could I?! You were . . .busy.” I see a red tint decorate her cheeks. “Plus, Haley was around, and I don’t need her to know yet. By the way, I’m not friends with her to get to him!” I defend myself before shit can hit the fan. Danielle nods, knowing that I’m telling the truth. “So, we made out like three times last night..”
“Oh, you lucky bitch! Was he good?” She swoons and squeezes my arm tightly.
I nod before I begin again, “He’s really sweet. I didn’t want to stop. He walked me home and we kissed twice. We kissed on the roof of the sorority house before Maya and Haley kicked off—”
“That’s where you two were! I was wondering why you two walked in together!” I blush at the memory. I felt like I was on cloud nine then.
“But he’s been ignoring me all day. So I assumed he’s done with me and wants a different girl. That’s why I said yes to Ryan. It kind of just slipped out, you know? Once it was out, I couldn’t take it back. And the next thing I knew, I was replying to him. I don’t know what I was thinking. He’s a nice guy, but I don’t want him to want to date me because of who I am, you know?” She nods down at me. She sighs as she thinks about the mess I’m in. It might not be much trouble to other people, but it is to me.
“I have noticed he’s been avoiding you today . . . I’ve been trying to figure out why.” She wonders
“See! It’s not just me!” I whine covering my face. “I think he’s regretting it so he’s choosing to act like it didn’t happen and he’s moving on to another girl. I’m so stupid!” I mutter into my hands. Danielle rests her head on my shoulder, comforting me and wrapping an arm around my waist so we’re cuddled up to each other.
“You’re not stupid, Carter. He’s a guy. This is what they do, unfortunately. I’m sorry this keeps happening to you. You deserve better.” She sighs loudly. I can feel it on my hands still covering my face. “Maybe you should give Ryan a shot? It might not be as bad as you think.” I think about what she said for a moment longer than I should.
“I’ve said yes, so I kind of have to now . . .” I tell her, sounding defeated.What have I gotten myself into?
“It’s good to get out there and try different things. I think you should, I mean, it clearly pissed Nick off earlier. I don’t know why if he’s been ignoring you all day, but maybe he needs his ego checked?” She giggles, trying to lighten the situation. But I don’t want to do that to either guys. I don’t want to hurt either of them to get under someone’s skin. It’s not right. But I’ve made my bed, now it’s time to lie in it. I’ve said yes to this “date” and now I will go.
I nod, ending the conversation as two people make their way back up the stairs to us. We see both of them acting all cutesy as they’re blushing at each other. TJ has yet to take her out, but he’s finding it hard because of football and Nick. He’s trying to put a plan together to distract Nick so he doesn’t find out. Haley is getting impatient as time ticks on, but he assures her it will happen and he hasn’t forgotten.
“ ’Night girls.” He waves in at us and kisses Haley on the forehead. We say good night back as she closes the door. Her grin is taking up her entire face. It’s creepy in this lighting right now.
“Ugh . . . he’d make the best boyfriend.” She swoons with her back pressed against the door.
She’s a hopeless romantic. She clearly adores him; she does nothing but talk about him when we talk about boys. Well, when the two of them talk about boys; I have nothing to say. Especially right now, seeing as I really don’t want to talk about it but Haley is convinced that Kevin likes me. I deny it all the time, telling her we’re just friends because I don’t see him like that. He’s very nice, don’t get me wrong, and quite handsome but I’m just not attracted to him like that. However, I can see most girls are when I’m with him. He’s charming and sweet, that’s why the girls like him so much, he’s easy to talk to.
I have the hot water bottle tucked in beside me to help me warm up and fall asleep easily once we’re all settled in.
Chapter Fifteen
Petty
Carter
We’re driving along the street to get to where Ryan made his plans for the date. We’re making small talk while we make our way to wherever our destination is. He seems like a really nice guy. Polite and sweet. I have no idea where he’s taking me for this date.
I hope he’s not a weird serial killer that’s going to chop me up in a remote place. I would like a degree before any of that happens.
Carter, chill,I mentally scold myself for that thought.You’re being over dramatic now.
Once we stop, I see we’re at a bowling alley. I smile at the sight of the building. I haven’t been to one since I was fifteen. He opens my door for me and holds out his hand, allowing me to slip out of his truck. He chuckles before he speaks. I’m just looking up in awe, remembering all the times I went to a bowling alley with my brothers.
“This alright?” he asks me.
“Yeah, this is cool. I haven’t gone bowling in years.” I grin as I watch the double doors swing back and forth with couples and families walking in and out. A big blue and pink sign above highlights “Benny’s Bowling” above me. I see young people run past the window every so often as we approach the entrance. It looks to be a group of them playing around with each other after a kid’s party.
