Emerge (Evolve Series #1)(28)

my tone enthusiastic before finally telling him I love him and will see him soon.

Completely out of things to do now, I decide to go get in some swings in the indoor practice arena. I’m not really motivated about

ball, but I literally have nothing else to do and at least it’s something I “know.”

I was always content at home, but now it feels like I’m disconnected from myself. Nothing seems really right or really wrong, but

I know I’m just going through the motions. I miss home. I miss Evan and all that was constant, safe, and familiar.

But then there’s this other little voice in the background that hates that everyone around me seems comfortable, making the most

of college, friends, parties, whatever...I’m stuck in the middle, of out of my zone but afraid to explore the other side.

I swing until I’m drenched in sweat and my arms are rubbery and then head back to the dorm. Two hours and another shower later,

Bennett still isn’t home. I still have no homework and my call to Evan goes to voicemail again. Okay, now it’s bugging me. Evan’

s never missed two of my calls in a row, but I simply cannot bring myself to send a text, too. Don’t be that girl, Laney. I should

be happy that he obviously has more to keep him busy than I do; above all, I do want him happy.

Not sure how or why, but I find myself knocking on the door of room 114.

Tate answers and smiles warmly. “Hey, Laney, what’s up? Come on in.” He moves aside for me to enter, but I remain in the hall.

Baby steps and all.

“No, I’m good, um, just seeing what was going on?” I can’t force my gaze up off the floor and am already regretting my bold

decision to come down here.

“Nobody’s here but me, but the boys should be back any minute. You wanna wait?”

“No, that’s okay. Just tell them all I came by to say hi, okay?”

“You sure you don’t wanna wait?”

I turn to start back towards my room, and low and behold, Dane’s striding towards me carrying a guitar. Of course he’s carrying a

guitar, that’s quintessential for the evil boy tempter, right?

“Well hello there, Disney, looking for anyone in particular?” One eyebrow cocks, accompanied by that all-consuming grin. His hair

is messy and his jeans hang low; he’s a tempter alright.

Why are you here, Laney? You’re mad Evan hasn’t answered? Is this his payback? Go do all the things you prophesized he would do

when you were apart? Nice, Laney.

“I just came by to see what was up. I’m bored out of my mind. Bennett’s out and you guys are the only people I know.” Not sure

why I’m rambling. Not sure why I’m standing here.

“As flattering as that is, I’ll take it.” He’s smiling, so he’s not insulted. It sounded better in my head. “Come on in.”

Without Bennett back-up, I’m not going in their room...so why had I come? “I’m good, I just...well, anything fun going on

tonight? Bennett will be home soon, I’m sure she’d love to do something.”

“No set plans here, you got anything?” He looks to Tate, who is texting away.

“Bennett’s home in about an hour, says she’s down for whatever.” Guess we know who he was texting.

“Perfect.” Dane glances at me. “So Disney, you’re brave enough to saunter down here; you brave enough to set the agenda?”

Am I? Yes, I am. Too bad I have no clue what would be fun. Not only have I not spotted a pond nearby, but these boys don’t strike

me as fishermen. Something tells me a movie marathon won’t fly either, and I could use a change. “Social coordinator isn’t my

forte, so feel free to override me.” I glance at his guitar. “How about Chinese takeout and music trivia?”

“For shots?” Tate asks hopefully.

“Of course,” I spout definitively. There’s no way I’m losing at music trivia.

“Okay, hostess with the mostest, your room, hour and a half?” Dane’s face lights up.

“Sounds good, bring your guitar.” We’re gonna see what he’s got.

Feeling guilty, at a loss as to why exactly, I text Evan when I’m back in my room.

Laney: Tried calling you x2, got voicemail. Evrythng ok? Bout to hang in room w/ frnds, miss you.

Bennett bursts in shortly after, practically foaming at the mouth. In spurts, while getting ready like a banshee, she declares her

undying love for me setting this up tonight. I can’t help but smile to myself. I’m actually looking forward to it, too.

The 114 lads arrive right on time, minus Sawyer, and I let them in...while holding a crab rangoon. I couldn’t wait. They both

offer to pay me back for the food, which I dismiss, and we all settle in comfortably.

“Thanks for the invite, Laney,” Tate says and throws a casual arm across my shoulder. “I was kinda surprised, you seem kinda

shy.”

“You’re welcome; it’s nice to have something to do.” I don’t address the shy comment; I don’t know what to say. “Sawyer

knows he was invited, too, right?”

Dane coughs and shoots Tate a look, which I sure hope he doesn’t think was subtle. Tate awkwardly answers. “He had to work