The parking lot is practically empty, and the warm glow of the setting sun reflects off the shiny black paint of the Challenger. As I unlock the car, I seeFUCK YOUwritten across my back windshield in dark red lipstick. I’m fuming at the way she’s marked my car, but all bets are off when I notice every tire is flat. Alyssa wasn’t stupid enough to slash them, only angry enough to let the air out. Either way, it’s a big fucking inconvenience.
VIOLA
As soon as I blink my eyes open, I feel my muscle ache, reminding me exactly what happened last night. I reach back with my hand and rub over the bruise on my shoulder. It’s tender to the touch, but nothing major. I know it’ll be visible if I wear my swimsuit this weekend up at the cabin, so I make a mental note to come up with an excuse beforehand. Tripping and banging into things aren’t really farfetched from my norm, so as long as Drew doesn’t suspect anything, all should be fine.
The more I think about Travis and what we did last night, the more I begin to mentally freak out. I still don’t believe what happened. The electricity of he and I together stream through my body. It’s a low hum, and as much as I try to ignore it, I can’t. Even after I force myself to study into the afternoon, I can’t get the feeling out of my body. I’ve read the same sentence over and over. Each time I close my eyes, I see him hovering over me—fucking me like he owns me, like I’m one of his whores—and while I love it, I also hate it. It’s so frustrating.
Needing a distraction, I decide to text Courtney and ask how she’s doing, but she doesn’t respond, which can only mean she’s too busy with all her hot cowboy friends.
I walk around the house, feeling his hands and lips with every step I take. Finally, I force myself to sit down because I can’t take it any longer. My body is aching, desperate to feel it all again. The sex was everything I’ve imagined it would be with him. Girls at my school hadn’t exactly kept it a secret of how good he was and how they craved more, but he wasn’t as willing for a round two. He didn’t get his reputation as a sex god for nothing. And the bastard knows it.
However, it can’t happen again. No matter how much Ireallywant it to, I know it wouldn’t end well. I can’t separate my emotions to justify a fuck-buddies kind of relationship. The fact that he’s Drew’s best friend makes it complicated enough. But I’m only halfway regretting I let it happen. I know him well enough to know his history. It’d be better for my emotional well-being to get out while I can, before I get hurt by him again. Having zero expectations is the only way I’d come out of this alive. I’m just another notch on his bedpost. Before he can crush me, I have to consider him as nothing more than a check on my to-do list.
Hello player, meet the game.
I grab a bottle of water and sit on the couch right as my phone dings with a text.
It’s Drew. Oh shit. If he finds out, he’ll flip his shit.
Drew
What the hell?
I stare at his message for a minute.
My heart drops. Does he know? Did Travis tell him? I would deny it until the day I died.
Viola
What’s your problem?
Drew
What the hell happened to you last night? Did you fall and get a concussion that would cause you to bring a random dude back to the house?! I’m just glad Travis was there to protect you.
I roll my eyes, knowing he doesn’t even know the half of it.
Viola
I’m grown, Drew. You can’t protect me from the penis forever.
If he only knew what was really happening while he was away. It just confirms that he must never find out. I’d feel horrible if their friendship of over ten years was jeopardized because of me.
Drew
We’ll see about that. Excited to see you guys Friday! No more company in the house, you hear?
Viola
Does that go for your slutty roommate, too?
I have to remember to act the same as I normally do, or he’ll suspect something.
Drew
I don’t have control over that one, sorry.
Viola