“Says the girl who chases every cocky cock in a ten-mile radius.” I laughed.

“Hey, now! A girl has needs. I’m sure one day I’ll find a nice boy I can take home to meet my mom, but until then, I’ll enjoy getting roughed up by the bad ones.” She jokingly purred then growled.

“I’m convinced there’s something wrong with you. Anyway, I did what I came here to do. I would’ve died had he not taken me to the hospital. I thanked him and now I can forget him.”

“Yeah, that would probably be best. Listen, Pay, I’m really sorry about last night. I swear I thought you left. I blew your phone up and went searching for you the minute I realized we got separated.” She looked over at me and frowned as she made a right turn.

She’d rushed over to my house the minute I was released from the hospital and then she spent the next hour crying on my lap and apologizing. It’s not like she drugged me. It happened and it would never happen again. You live, you learn, and you move past it. I’d been through worse and I’d go through worse again.

“You didn’t do anything wrong, and up until my arms went numb I was having a good time.” I tried to make her feel better. “But I don’t know if that’s my kind of place.”

“I understand. I know it’s not really your scene. I’ll go alone.” She jerked her car into my driveway and slammed on the brakes.

I grabbed the dash to keep my head from being smashed into it at the sudden stop.

“Why in the world would you go back there?” I asked, appalled.

“Well, I didn’t say anything because of all the craziness going on, but Chet asked me to come watch him play next weekend. Oh my God, he’s so freaking hot. He texted me this morning and called me beautiful. I think I’m in love.” She sighed.

“You’re always in love.” I shook my head. “Promise me you won’t go alone. If it comes down to that, I’ll go back with you and stuff a bottle of water in my purse for safe drinking. I don’t think I want to party as hard as I did last time.” I joked.

“I’m totally not laughing at that. You could’ve died or, had I grabbed your cup instead of mine, I could’ve died. We have to be more careful from now on.”

“Agreed.” I smiled back at her.

I looked up at the big, white house that was my home. My eyes met my dad’s as he peered down at me from his office window. I’d have to face him at some point, but I’d do just about anything to get out of it.

“You and Chet, huh? What do you think will happen with that?” I asked.

“Well, I know what I hope will happen and it involves a lot of heavy breathing, high-pitched moans, and bad words.” She smirked. “He looks like a hair puller. God, I’d let him spank me with his drumsticks.” Big laughter spilled from her lips when my face heated up.

“Um, I’m pretty sure that would constitute abuse.” I snorted. “Anyway, that’s gross. I wouldn’t touch his drumsticks, much less any other kind of stick. At least wait a while before you sleep with him.” I rolled my eyes and pretended to gag.

“Oh, whatever, I don’t sleep with every guy that shows me some attention. Plus, I really like this one, but if it makes you feel better, I promise to make him wait.” She playfully nudged my arm with a painted finger.

“Good. Okay, chick, I’ll see you in the morning. Try and be here at a decent time. If I’m late one more time, Ms. Marshall’s going to give me detention, and if I get detention I’ll miss practice.”

“I’ll try, but I make no promises. This master piece takes time.” She motioned at her face and tilted her head back and forth like she was posing for a camera.

“Okay, oh gorgeous one. Just be here.” I pushed my door open.

“With bells on,” she said with a big cheesy smile.

I climbed out and then watched as her car jerked down the road. Grinding gears sounded until I could no longer see her taillights.

My dad was standing in the marble foyer when I pushed through the front door. His angry eyes devoured me as I took off my coat and hung it in the closet. I felt my stomach turn at the attention.

“Was that your friend Megan?” he asked, as he leaned a hip against the little table by the front door.

“Yes, we were just hanging out.” I put my head down, tucked my hair behind my ears, and started to creep around him.

I tensed when I felt him grab my arm in passing. He leaned in toward me; his lips grazed my cheek as he whispered in my ear.