56 Will
CORI SQUEEZED MY knee after I returned to my seat. I hated her at that moment, but I hadn’t lost all my wits and stayed put instead of bolting after Miranda.
I used to believe Cori was only doing her job, that I was the puppet trying to help her stop the bastard sitting across from me, the asshole who smiled as my girl’s heart shattered. Not anymore. My eyes were wide open now. I wanted every one of them to pay for the pain and suffering they caused Miranda.
The humiliation on Miranda’s face, the confusion in her eyes… I felt no better than Jason. Now, I had to pretend like it wasn’t a big deal and look like I wanted to have sex with Cori because Jason eyed me suspiciously from across the table.
“Hey, man, don’t let your drama queen ruin our night,” Jason said as I stared in the direction Miranda went.
“Yeah, Billy… don’t ruin our night.” Cori cupped the back of my head, and her thin lips covered mine. She kissed me in a soft and relaxed fashion, different than the other times.
What in the hell is happening?
I tensed, trying to pull back. This kiss wasn’t okay. It was fucking wrong!
Cori squeezed my knee hard, jolting me into submission. I grabbed ahold of her head and kissed her back angrily to keep up appearances. I couldn’t let these assholes figure out I was on to them or it might put Miranda and my family in danger.
Jason bellowed with laughter. “That’s right. You two need a room. Just like us, right, babe?” he said to Tabitha. “Actually, you can take Cori back to your place since Miranda won’t be home tonight… lucky you.”
“Oh, I’d love to see your place.” Cori clapped excitedly.
“It’s really nice with the ocean in his backyard,” Jason said. “And if you’re lucky, Miranda will never return, and you can move in with Will.”
“Why don’t you shut the fuck up!” I snapped vehemently. What the fuck was going on? I thought Jason had wanted Miranda and me together? “We’re leaving.” I stood abruptly. I couldn’t take this shit anymore.
“Good idea.” Jason nodded. “Let Cori calm your ass down, and Sunday morning, I’ll be at your place bright and early, so have your bags packed for Sin City.” Jason sat there with a smug grin on his fucking face as if he owned me.
Before I could say anything, Cori interjected.
“He’ll be ready, I promise.” She smiled, taking hold of my hand. “I’ll see you Sunday, Tabitha… bye, Jason.” She waved at them, a little too friendly for my taste.
Road rage had been something I’d only read about in the newspaper. Now I experienced it on the 10. I would have plowed through any car that got in my way. In fact, I would have welcomed getting arrested. They could lock my ass up in jail, and I’d be happier in a cell with a urinal on the wall than having to pretend with Cori and Jason.
“I saw her in the bathroom,” Cori blurted, a tinge of regret in her voice that was surely fake. She didn’t give a shit about Miranda.
“What? Miranda?” I feigned surprised.
She nodded, staring out her window.
“And?”
“And nothing much.”
“Nothing much? What does that mean?”
“Tabitha and I were gabbing about our boyfriends. And… I might have mentioned you were the best fuck I’d ever had and that you loved me on my knees.”
“You didn’t fucking say that!”
“I did. Sorry.” She shrugged, making big doe eyes. “How was I to know she’d be in the stall next to me?”
I slammed on the gas, hitting ninety on the freeway.
“Shit! Slow down.” She gripped the door handle. “Look, I knew who she was the second I saw her, so I didn’t make eye contact. Her hands were trembling, and I noticed her sizing me up. I’m sure she pieced together who I was.” Cori paused. “She turned green looking at me. I was sure she was going to faint.”
“Fuck! I’ve lost her!” I banged the steering wheel, accelerating. “I’ve fucking lost her!”
“Slow down, dammit! You’re going to get us both killed! I know this is hard for you, but for what it’s worth, she seems like a good person and too nice to walk away from you. Anyone in Charlie’s could see how much she loves you.”