How thoughtful of my friend Kaitlyn to capture this moment for me. Gritting my teeth, I try to remind myself that Evan can do whatever he wants; we’d discussed this at length. I have no right to be upset or jealous. The “spread your wings and fly” plan was mine. I just never thought he’d fly so far so fast. And I didn’t think I’d have to see it.
Shaking my head as though that’s going to erase the image, I snap loudly at everyone. “Let’s play some trivia!” Turns out Dane is a really good guitarist and has a broad range of musical knowledge. I don’t stump him via iPod and he doesn’t trip me up via his strings. Bennett and Tate are barely even playing, and are either shameless, or have forgotten Dane and I are in the room. Despite the brick in my gut and the many times I find my mind wandering back to the picture, I’m actually having a pretty good time. Dane is great company, keeping me laughing and guessing. His talent and obvious passion for music is infectious, and his competitive streak, matched only by mine, is hilarious.
“Okay, Maestro, let’s see if there’s a song you can’t play,” I tease him.
He waits calmly, no remark.
Think, Laney, a song where you feel the guitar... “How about ‘The Cave’ by Mumford and Sons?”
I think I’ve got him, but he jumps right into it. He plays flawlessly, even singing along. It’s amazing, beautiful, and I can’t deny how it captivates me. He winks when he’s done and holds my eyes, waiting for me to speak.
“That was amazing, Dane.” I clear my throat to continue in more than a raspy whisper. “You’re very good, and I, sir, am impressed. Let me guess, you’re in a band?”
“Nope, no band.” “And no college?” “No college.”
“So what do you do?”
He laughs softly. “Nothing important.”
“Bullshit, Dane, you—” Tate starts but Dane cuts him off fiercely.
“I answered her, bro.”
I don’t pry further and the night, which really was fun, soon comes to a close.
Chapter Sixteen
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NIGHTMARE
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EVAN
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When the team sets out to initiate the freshmen, they’re not playing around. Last night was so insane I barely remember most of it. Looking around slowly, I shield my eyes from the light creeping through the blinds. It takes a minute to realize I’d actually made it to my own room somehow.
Groggily sitting up, despite the cracked-out drummer in my head, I try to remember how I got home. After about the fourth or fifth tequila shot via the chest of a Bulldog Babe, everything gets a little fuzzy. I’ve never been a big drinker, but when the upperclassmen on your college football team summon you to an initiation party, you go. I just hope I didn’t make too big of a fool of myself.
I amble up to go use the bathroom and stop cold.
No, no, no.....please say I’m still drunk and this isn’t happening.
Kaitlyn Michaels, Laney’s best friend, is standing just across the room in panties and my t-shirt. I look down at myself quickly, only underwear. Oh fucking hell, this has to be a nightmare. Why is she here? What happened? This couldn’t be worse. Laney will never buy the drunk excuse or forgive me. I’m pretty sure screwing friends wasn’t part of our deal.
I swallow down the bile, slowly looking up, gagging again when I meet Kaitlyn’s too-bright smile. She looks way too fucking happy and my gut coils. I might really throw up if this shit doesn’t start making sense real quick. Did I sleep with Kaitlyn? Surely not, you couldn’t get me that drunk, right?
She must see the question in my face because she clears her throat, beckoning my eyes to meet hers once again. “Relax, Evan, nothing happened. I’m an old friend; I just made sure you got home safe.”
Trying to wake up, I shake my head. “Then why are we in our underwear? And why are you still here?”
“I wasn’t gonna sleep in tight party clothes and you took your own stuff off. And thank you, but I didn’t think you’d want me driving back alone that late, so I crashed. You’re welcome, by the way,” she huffs and crosses her arms across her chest.
Oh, now she’s acting pissed and offended. Is she insane??? Laney will kill us both! This would be the worst betrayal possible—me and Kaitlyn. God help us if she ever finds out. We’ll both lose her forever. Yes, Kaitlyn got me home safe and I appreciate that, but shit—call me a cab, don’t spend the night in my room! I’d rather die in a ditch than lose Laney.
“Don’t get mad, Kaitlyn. I’m not trying to be mean, this is just weird and a lot to take in. I really do appreciate you looking out for me. And I’m glad nothing happened.” I go to grab water, my throat dry and tight. I turn back to Kaitlyn, full desperation in my voice. “I don’t think we should mention this to Laney. We didn’t really do anything wrong, but it’d be hard for her to understand. Right?”
“Of course, Evan,” she snips as she gathers her things. “I won’t tell Laney. I don’t see why not, though, aren’t you guys just friends now? That’s what I was being, a good friend.”