I straighten out my skirt with trembling fingers and look over at Gage who’s still trying to hold himself up against the wall and now staring back at me with his mouth hanging wide open. Probably realizing what a jackass he is. “Nope he just can’t keep his hands to himself. I can handle myself though, thanks.” I brush past Chase, whose scowling down at Gage.
“Leah wait up,” he grabs my shoulder, twisting my body around to his. “Are you okay, did that fucker hurt you?” He questions me between gritted teeth. “You’re shaking.” I reach up and push his hands off my shoulders. “I’m fine. I’m just ready to leave now. I need to find Ally.”
“I can take you Leah. I need to make sure you get home safely. Let me just grab my keys from Mark.”
“No Chase that’s okay,” I look over his shoulder at the blonde who was wrapped around his waist. She certainly does not look happy about Chase not paying her any attention. He can obviously move on pretty quickly when he had seemed to pretty interested in me. That’s why you can’t trust guys. “Go. Have fun. I’ll see you later.” I find Ally who’s sitting on Skylars lap and has changed over to some kind of card game.
“Hey L! Didn’t you get something to drink?” She motions to my empty hands.
“No I’m not thirsty anymore. Do you mind if I borrow Skys keys? I’m ready to go home.”
She raises her eyebrows at me and moves to stand up. “Already? What happened Leah?” She asks, knowing me so well, going into instant protect Leah mode.
“Nothing Ally we’ll talk about it tomorrow but I’m just ready to get out of here.”
She whispers something into Skylars ear and reaches into his pocket, grabbing his keys out. “Here you go,” she says as she drops them into my hand. “We’ll catch a ride with Cassie or someone.”
“’Kay call me if you can’t find one. I can come back to get you no matter what time it is,” I lean over and kiss her on the cheek.
“See ya Leah. Be careful.”
I drive back to the apartment brushing the stray tears aside as they flow down my cheeks. I really wasn’t expecting something like that from Gage, he always seemed to be the perfect gentleman whenever we were together. I know from way too much experience how alcohol can change and effect people though. But it’s never an excuse.
After paying Clarissa who was a little surprised to see me home so early, I toss on a pair of pajama pants and an old sweatshirt, throwing Allys ‘sexy’ costume into the hamper and pulling my hair into a ponytail. A lot of good that did me. Caleb took a late nap this afternoon so of course he is wired and bouncing off the wall, which is a good thing in case Ally does need a ride. I flop down onto the couch and flip the TV on scrolling through the channels and find a Disney movie for us to watch.
I stroke Calebs hair as he curls up onto my lap covering us with his favorite blanket he drags everywhere. I think back to the party and Chase. He was so ready to come to my rescue, he looked ready to rip Gage apart. But who was that girl with him? The way she was wrapped around his waist caused a burst of jealousy to come through wishing I was in her spot. I shake my head at my thoughts. No I told Chase I didn’t want to date, he has the right to see whoever he wants.
I wake up to the sound of my cell phone going off. I must have drifted off to sleep as I glance over at the clock and see that it’s just after eleven. Caleb is still wide awake watching the next movie that had come on. Of course he’s awake that child has the weirdest sleeping habits. “Mommy, mommy,” he pushes on my head. “Phone.”
“’ello?” I mumble into the phone, reclosing my eyes. “Oh Leah did I wake you up?” I hear Ally ask and I pop my eyes open. “No Al, just resting a bit. Did you guys need a ride?”
“Yeah sorry L. By the time we started asking around everyone was too far gone to be driving. I figured I’d try and catch you early. Is Caleb still up, if he’s sleeping we can find someone else or walk.”
“Of course not. Calebs still up. I did kind of kidnap Skylars car. I’ll be there in about 15 minutes.”
“Kay Leah. Thanks sweetie.” I hear her giggling with Skylar in the background as I hang up and slip on a pair of flats and search for Skylars keys. “Come on buddy, we need to go pick up Auntie Al real quick. Ready for a short road trip?” He nods his head at me and trails his blanket along with us in his little footie pajamas. I think I’ll make him wear those until he’s at least 15, there just too adorable. I’m totally going to be one of those parents with embarrassing pictures showing them off to all of his girlfriends.
I can hear people shuffling around the hallway and whispering to each other as I open the door to walk out to the car. I turn around and almost run into Chases back as I look up.
“Oh sorry,” I mumble. I realize that Chase has his back turned to me and has the blonde from the party pushed up against his apartment door. “’xcuse me. I didn’t mean…” I trail off. Chase rubs his hand threw his hair and shuts his eyes for a moment, shaking his head slightly. “Sorry Leah. What are you doing out again, you need help with something?”