The You I've Never Known(62)
making too much noise. Not
surprisingly, Garrett and Keith show up, and they are two
of the worst offenders,
especially since they’re mostly soused when they get here.
At first, Syrah not only goes along with their obnoxious
crap, but actually flirts a little with Keith. When he goes to
take a piss, I pull her aside.
“What are you doing? Keith?
He’s disgusting. Whatever you
do, don’t let him kiss you. Who knows what goes in that mouth?”
He could probably say the same thing about you. She’s borderline wasted. But that’s okay. I like you anyway. And don’t worry, I’d rather kiss him. She points to Gabe, who’s just come through the door.
Shit. Gabe and Monica together again, and at Syrah’s party,
no less. I’d ask him how he found out about it, but it’s obvious something’s happening here.
Oh, and my Focus is in the driveway.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell Monica, before making my way over to Gabe.
When he sees me headed in his
direction, he smiles and meets me halfway. Hey there. Noticed your car among the fleet outside. Thought I’d stop in and say hello and also . . .
Don’t Kiss Me, Don’t Kiss Me
Not in front of this crowd.
Not in front of Syrah.
Not in front of Monica.
But he knows better,
and besides that, he
has important news.
I was just at the AM/PM.
Overheard some cops talking about this party.
Someone called about the noise. They’ll either show up knocking or wait around the corner for people to leave.
“Thanks for letting us know.
I’ll spread the word.
Maybe it’ll help clear
the place out. This isn’t
the kind of party we had
in mind, at least not in
my mind. It’s Monica’s
birthday. I was just thinking cake, ice cream, and a drink or two. Big game tomorrow.”
He smiles. I know. I’ll be there, at least if you want me to be. And I’ll help clear the place out.
It’s a Grudging Exodus
But most everyone leaves
peacefully. Monica and Syrah
disappear into the kitchen
and now Gabe comes over.
He kisses me, but not on the lips.
Instead, the warmth of his mouth caresses my forehead. I’ve got something to tell you, but not here.
Not tonight. Not at your friend’s birthday party. Can we talk after your game tomorrow? Even in the low light, an air of sadness is evident in his beautiful eyes.
“Sure. But is everything okay?”
His nod is not at all convincing.
Nothing to worry about.
In fact, I hope you’ll be happy for me, but that’s all I’m saying now. He steps back. Better go.
Good luck tomorrow. I’ll be cheering for you. He turns and walks out the door.
That Sounded Vaguely Ominous
What can he possibly want
to tell me that he thinks
it needs to wait for a more private moment? Concern
manifests itself in a sudden need to pee. I wander down the hall to the bathroom,
relieve my body, if not my mind, and when I exit, find myself face to face with Garrett.
Feeling better? His grin is an actual leer, and he
bumps into me. Hard.
“What are you doing here?
Didn’t you hear the cops
are on their way?”
I try to step around him.
He pushes me backward
against the wall, pins me
with his substantial bulk.
Ain’t no cops gonna bother us now everyone else is gone.
How ’bout we have a little fun?
The alcohol on his breath
almost buckles my knees.
I look him straight in the eye.
“The last thing I want is
a little fun with you, Garrett.
Now please get out of my way.”
His eyes flash a strange
combination of anger and
amusement. Aw, come on.
You been flirting something awful. You a cock tease?
“Flirting? With you?”
My brain scrambles to think what I might’ve done to give him that impression. “Garrett, you know that’s not true.
I’ve got a girlfriend.”
Maybe, but I saw you with that dude, too. And I watch the way you check out guys at school. You a switch-hitter?
He actually licks his lips.
“What I am or am not
is none of your business.
Now leave me the hell alone.”
I hold my ground, fight hard not to look scared, but the way I’m trembling is obvious.
Ooh. Tough girl, huh? Tough goddamn dyke. Let’s see if you’re into guys or girls.
Bet I could eat you better.
He pushes me sideways
and back, into a nearby
bedroom, and is on me
so suddenly I can’t react.
Next thing I know, I’m on
the bed beneath him, held
fast by the weight of his body.
“No, Garrett, no! Stop!”
But the words are trapped