Page 34 of Girl Violence

It was the safest she had ever felt.

Josette’s pulse races as she searches the bowling alley for Vince now. She finally spots him sitting at one of the lanes, wearing all black and looking ridiculously hot. Memories threaten to burst into her psyche. She can’t help but let them. Can’t help remembering how he made her feel. It was the best night of her life, though it clearly wasn’t his.

Josette recognizes the girl he’s with as soon as she sees her. It’s not like she hasn’t stalked her online enough. Elizabeth throws an orange bowling ball, knocking over five of her pins. She turns to smile at Vince, and Josette takes a step back. Her pictures don’t do her justice. She’s stunning—perfect—and it sucks. After watching how comfortable they seem with one another, everything makes sense.

Vince is reluctant to get involved with her because he’s already involved with someone. He’swithElizabeth.

“Let me guess? I’m making the loser jealous with my amazing presence?” Josette doesn’t bother turning around, knowing Jason has arrived.

“No,” she mutters as something unpleasant crawls inside her chest. The only one who’s jealous around here isher. “We’re going bowling.”

He chuckles. “Fair enough.”

Josette pulls a face when he grabs her hand and drags her over to the desk. He buys a lane for a couple of hours, pulling out cash from his wallet. “This is on me. But if you want food, pay for it yourself. Wouldn’t want anyone to think this was a real date.”

“Definitely not,” she agrees, doing a quick once over on him. He looks less tired than the other day, and she suspiciously thinks he’s high. Though, he’s showered and wearing clothes. It’s a start.

“That video was stupid, by the way,” Josette says as they head over to their lane, which is about two down from Vince’s. “There was nothing on there that I could use. Just your obsession with your stupid ex.”

“Like I said, you weren’tlistening…” His eyes shift to Vince and then to Elizabeth. “Who’s the bitch?”

“His girlfriend,” Josette says, unbuttoning her shirt. “And I’m sure she isn’t a bitch.”

“Aw, you’re cute.” Jason smiles, but his eyes drop as Josette removes her shirt. She’s wearing a black crop top that shows parts of her flat stomach. Jason lets out a low whistle. “What the fuck did he do to piss you off?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Going over to the computer, Josette logs in their names to begin the game. She’s up first and picks up a shiny pink ball that isn’t as heavy as some black and purple ones. She feels shaky as she walks toward the lane, unable to help glancing over, seeing Vince about to do the same.

Sucking in a deep breath, Josette throws her ball, luckily knocking over all her pins considering she hadn’t even tried hard. Throwing her arms up in victory of her strike, she turns to face Jason and takes a dramatic bow.

“Good one,Josette.” He claps loudly, putting an emphasis on her name, making her internally wince. Vince turns in her direction just as he lets go of his ball. It lands with a thud and slips into the groove at the side. Not that he cares as his ball misses the pins. As he straightens his back, he looks at Josette, what she’s wearing, and then at Jason.

“That got his attention.” Jason brushes past her, making Josette realise she’s still gawking. Clearing her throat, she ducks her head and goes to walk away when Jason taps her on the ass. Vince’s eyes darken.

Shit.

“Keep your hands to yourself, Jason!” she growls at him when he returns from throwing his ball. He has three pins still standing and grinning like a fool.

“Just having fun,” he teases, and Josette’s face twists with disgust as he grabs another ball. “I knew you’d want more after our kiss.”

Oh lord, Josette just wants the ground to swallow her whole. Jason said that loud enough she knew Vince heard every word.

“In your dreams.” Josette shoves him away and takes a seat. Vince does the same as Elizabeth takes her shot. Though his eyes remain on her. She can feel his stare, and her heart is about to fall out of her damn chest.

After Jason takes his turn—missing his three pins—he sits as Josette goes to grab the pink ball again.

“What’s the deal with you two, anyway?” he asks, this time lower.

“None of your business,” she replies, seeing Elizabeth touch Vince’s arm as he goes to take his next shot. Her insides clench. This is a lot harder than she thought it would be. Seeing another girl touch him is making her stomach churn.

“Kind of is if you’re using me to make him jealous. Did something happen?”

“No. Yes…But I don’t want to talk about it, so stop asking.”

“Okay.” He smirks. “I will if you buy me a Slush Puppy—a blue one.”

“Fine, just shut up,” she begs, realising what she’s doing is stupid.Thisis stupid.

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