Hope(less) (Judgement of the Six #1)

Clay nudged my leg to get my attention, his nose surprisingly warm and dry. He stared at me and then shifted his gaze to Scott, who remained distracted moving his drink for the waitress. Clay returned his glance to me and pulled his lips back in a silent snarl. Without the growl, it looked more like a scary crazy wolf smile, but I got his meaning. Scott was getting on Clay’s nerves, and Clay wouldn’t put up with too much more of Scott’s poor attempts at flirting.

Food delivered, I thought I would be spared from more conversation, but Peter spoke up. “I think you’ll both be in some of the anatomy classes next semester, Gabby. If you want a study group, you should let Rachel and I know. I’ve already been through them,” here he gazed admiringly at Rachel, “and since you’re graduating in spring, I know you have to.”

“Thank you, Peter, but I really do study best on my…” I tried declining, but Scott interrupted.

“That’s a great idea. We should start now so the class won’t be so hard later. What do you think about Tuesday nights?”

“It’s a good idea to get a head start,” I said ignoring Clay’s insistent bump against my leg, “but I’m so swamped with classes and homework now that I don’t even have time to take poor Clay for walks.” I reached over to pat Clay reassuringly, but stopped when I noticed Scott’s gaze drop to my chest. The cowl neck dipped away from me when I reached to pet Clay revealing a little glimpse of the shadows within. Scott’s eyes went from glassy fixation to glazed obsession. This was getting ridiculous.

Turning back to my dinner, I ate a few bites quickly, preventing me from conversing. Unfortunately, Scott took the opportunity to try to slide his chair a little closer. Thankfully, Clay didn’t give an inch.

“What’s your dog’s name?” Scott asked looking down at Clay.

Rachel answered seeing my mouth full. “Clay.”

Clay, I noticed, didn’t look up at the sound of his name, but instead tensed, laying his ears back. Time to go.

“Nice name,” Scott commented absently. “Let’s bring him home after this and go out to a new club I heard was opening downtown.”

“Rachel?” I looked at her pleadingly, hoping she’d know that I wasn’t begging to go out dancing.

Her perceptive gaze locked on Scott. “I see it,” she said with a serious expression.

“See what?” Peter asked puzzled.

“Exhaustion,” she answered smoothly, “She’s been studying like crazy.” She waived over the waitress asking for boxes and the check for the two of us. “And she needs rest, not a night out.” She looked at Peter with a smile. “Although, I’m really glad we came.” My weak smile didn’t cover my gratitude at her diplomacy.

I reached for my purse, which I’d hung on the back of the chair and Scott moved to grab my hand, desperation clear on his face. Clay stood abruptly knocking Scott’s hand out of the way.

Hurrying now, I pulled out a twenty and laid it on the table while Rachel continued talking to Peter. “I better drive her home. You have my number. Give me a call if you want to do something next weekend.”

The waitress came back with the bill and the wrapped up leftovers. Since Rachel still dug in her purse, I just handed the waitress the twenty after a quick glance at the bill, willingly paying for Rachel to help us leave faster. I also told her to keep the change, not wanting to wait. Two burgers and one drink left her a decent tip. I stood and Rachel shadowed me, ready to go.

Clay bumped into me knocking me off balance so I had to grab Rachel for support. I turned, seeing that Scott stood now too, handing the waitress his portion of the bill. Poor Peter looked at us all, bewildered. His night out with Rachel was falling apart fast and I truly felt bad about it.

“Rachel, you can stay with Peter. I don’t mind taking Gabby home,” Scott offered enthusiastically.

I minded! I didn’t even need to look at Rachel for her to decline. “No, Scott, I think we’re done for tonight.” She waved to Peter and grabbed my hand.

I went with Rachel willingly, relieved to escape before Scott’s desperation grew. Hearing an “oof” behind me, I panicked realizing I’d forgotten Clay and spun around in time to see Scott hit the ground. He’d tripped over Clay in his hurry to catch me. I suspected Clay had been purposely trying to slow Scott down.

Clay wasted no time. He ran to me, bumping his head against my back to get me moving before Scott picked himself up again.

I heard Peter say, “What the hell is wrong with you man? You come on too…” Their conversation faded as we quickly walked away letting Peter deal with Scott.

“I’m sorry,” Rachel apologized. “You told me, but I didn’t really get it until tonight. Even the men sitting around us were eyeing you.”

Too busy keeping an eye on Scott and Clay, I hadn’t noticed them.

We continued to speed walk to the car, taking no chances. “No big deal. You should see me in some of my classes. ‘No’ is the most common word in my vocabulary.” I handed Rachel the keys when we reached the car. “You really can drive.”

She nodded and we got in. Clay climbed into the back, stretching out so his head lay on the console between the two front seats.