After trudging down the stairs in defeat, I sat on my bike, and even though a T-shirt was the only thing between my skin and the frigid winter air, I ignored it. Hoping to see Abby in history class, I went straight home to thaw my skin under a hot shower.
Shepley stood at the doorway of my bedroom while I got dressed.
“What do you want, Shep?”
“Did you talk to her?”
“No.”
“At all? Text? Anything?”
“I said no,” I snapped.
“Trav.” Shepley sighed. “She’s probably not going to be in class today. I don’t want me and America in the middle of this, but that’s what she said.”
“Maybe she will,” I said, buckling my belt. I put on Abby’s favorite cologne, and then slipped on my coat before grabbing my backpack.
“Hold up, I’ll drive you.”
“No, I’ll take the bike.”
“Why?”
“In case she agrees to come back to the apartment with me so we can talk.”
“Travis, I think it’s time you consider the fact that she might not—”
“Shut the fuck up, Shep,” I said, glancing over to him. “Just this one time, don’t be reasonable. Don’t try to save me. Just be my friend, okay?”
Shepley nodded once. “You got it.”
America came out of Shepley’s room, still in her pj’s. “Travis, it’s time to let her go. She was done the second you made it clear you were working for Benny.”
When I didn’t reply, she continued, “Travis . . .”
“Don’t. No offense, Mare, but I can’t even look at you right now.”
Without waiting for a response, I slammed the door behind me. Theatrics were worth it just to vent a little of the anxiety I felt about seeing Abby. Better than getting on my hands and knees in a panic to beg her back in the middle of class. Not that I wouldn’t go that far if that was what it would take to change her mind.
Walking slowly to class and even taking the stairs didn’t keep me from being a half hour early. I hoped Abby would show up, and we’d have time to talk before, but when the previous class let out, she still wasn’t there.
I sat down, next to her empty seat, and picked at my leather bracelet while the other students filtered into the classrooms and took their seats. It was just another day for them. Watching their world continue while mine was coming to an end was disturbing.
Except for a few stragglers sneaking in behind Mr. Chaney, everyone was accounted for—everyone but Abby. Mr. Chaney flipped open his book, greeted the classroom, and then started his lecture. His words blurred together as my heart knocked against my chest, swelling more with each breath. My teeth clenched and my eyes watered as thoughts of Abby being somewhere else, relieved to be away from me, amplified my anger.
I stood and stared at Abby’s empty desk.
“Er . . . Mr. Maddox? Are you feeling well?” Mr. Chaney asked.
I kicked over her desk and then mine, barely registering the gasps and shrieks of the students watching.
“GOD DAMMIT!” I screamed, kicking my desk again.
“Mr. Maddox,” Mr. Chaney said in a strangely calm voice. “I think it’s best you get some fresh air.”
I stood over the toppled desks, breathing hard.
“Leave my classroom, Travis. Now,” Chaney said, this time his voice more firm.
I jerked my backpack from the floor and shoved open the door, hearing the wood crash against the wall behind it.
“Travis!”
The only detail that registered about the voice was that it was female. I flipped around, for half a second hopeful that it was Abby.
Megan sauntered down the hall, stopping next to me. “I thought you had class?” She smiled. “Doing anyone exciting this weekend?”
“What do you need?”
She raised an eyebrow, her eyes bright with recognition. “I know you. You’re pissed. Things didn’t work out with the nun?”
I didn’t answer.
“I could have told you that.” She shrugged, and then took a step closer, whispering in my ear so close her full lips brushed against my ear. “We’re the same, Travis: not good for anybody.”
My eyes darted to hers, traveled down to her lips, and then back. She leaned in with her trademark small, sexy smile.
“Fuck off, Megan.”
Her smile vanished, and I walked away.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Not Good for Anybody