Epic Sins (Epic Fail #1)(32)

My face is barely out of the water. Only my nose and mouth are exposed to the warm night air. The party noises are barely audible as I float through the pool.

Suddenly, I’m underwater, strong hands wrapped around my ankles, pulling me deeper and deeper. I start kicking, but I’m not strong enough. My lungs burn, and I wave my arms in the water, trying to gain momentum so I can reach the surface. A hand loosens from my ankle, but one still holds tight. I bend my body so I can see what’s happening.

Todd Mitchell’s face is all I see underwater. His eyes glow like lanterns, and his face contorts into a grisly smile. I let out the air that’s crushing my chest and force all of the strength I have into kicking both of my legs, mermaid style. He lets go of me for a second, and that’s all I need. I kick as fast and hard as I can toward the surface, and as soon as the warm air hits my face, I scream louder than I ever have before. “Help! Over here!” I pant and gasp for air, and I hear him surface behind me, his body pressed against me from behind.

“I was just playing with you, baby.” His rough hand fondles my ass and I raise my heel, kicking him in the balls. “Ugh!” he grunts, and Brad swims up behind us with Cassie in tow.

“Is everything okay here?” Brad asks, his eyes worried.

“Sam?” Cassie asks hesitantly.

I reach the side of the pool and pull myself out in one motion, looking back at Todd as he tries to regain his monstrous composure. I know I kicked him hard, and I hope I busted at least one of his nuts, if not both. His glare causes chills to run down my spine.

“I’m fine,” I say and look at the pool house. I see the large dial on the clock that hangs outside above the bar. “It’s almost midnight, Cass. Your mom will be here any minute.”

I look at Todd again to make sure he doesn’t get out of the pool with us. I swipe my cover up and shoes and grab Cassie’s things as well.

“I’m coming!” she calls after me as I head up to the house. “Brad, call me tomorrow?”

“Sure,” he says, and then I hear him say, not so quietly, “Todd, what the f*ck?”

Todd chuckles and another chill runs up my spine.

Cassie’s mom is waiting for us, as I predicted. We wrap towels around us and ride home in silence. She’s super excited about something but looks worried at the same time.

“Did you girls have a fun time tonight?”

“It was great, Mom.” She giggles.

“Hey, what happened with Todd?” she whispers in my ear. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m okay.” I think.

“What did he do to you?” she asks.

Her mother chimes in from the front seat, “What happened? Is everything alright?”

“Todd Mitchell was being a royal ass tonight. He was messing with Sam in the pool, and I think she kicked him in the nuts,” Cassie announces proudly.

“Are you okay, dear?” she asks.

“Yes,” I say and hope that I never see his face again.

“I can’t imagine why Todd Mitchell would be at a high school party. And why isn’t he at college where he’s supposed to be?”

“Isn’t he like twenty-five? He’s in his like tenth year of college!” Cassie smirks and I cringe.

I have no idea how old Todd Mitchell is. My skin is still crawling from that menacing look in his eyes.

“I think you girls should stay away from that boy, okay? I don’t think Todd is a very nice young man,” Cassie’s mom says, matter-of-fact.

Nope. Neither do I.





Garrett

Past

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Age 19



THE CROWD ROARS as Alex’s voice fills the room.

“Jaded…” he screams. “Weary…”

I stop strumming, and the room becomes silent as all eyes focus on Alex. His breaths are the only sound heard through the speakers.

The drums beat one last time, and he whispers into the mic, “Alone.”

The room erupts with screams and applause and we’re finished with our set.

That’s always the perfect song to end with because it draws raw emotion from the fans. I look through the rows and rows of people rushing the stage, trying to find the record label executive who is supposed to be here tonight. I finally find her, seated at a small round table, feverishly writing notes in her spiral-bound book. She has a smile on her face.

Good.

Based on Dax’s research, this label is the one to go with. He handles most of the business side of things, and he’s confident this will be the best deal for us as a band. I trust him—I guess I have to.

Alex disappears into the crowd and I make my way to the back. Dax and Tristan are already there. I throw myself onto the couch, my fingers still vibrating from my guitar.

“That was amazing!” Tristan shouts, and I nod in agreement.

“Dax, that chick from the label was out there, and man she looked happy. I have a good feeling about this,” I say, and Dax frowns.

“Don’t get your hopes up, G. Who knows what they’re going to offer us. I do know that part of their offer is likely to require a three-record deal. That type of deal makes me nervous. We’re committing to so much. I’m not sure Alex will agree.”

“What does it matter if he agrees or not?” I ask, annoyed that Dax always keeps Alex in the top of his mind.