Chapter 36

chapter thirty-six

Quinn

Two weeks go by in a blur of studying and Gavin. I spent four straight days in Gavin's room basically to the point of dorm room abandonment, which is why I promised Ava we could hang out tonight. No boys.

"Okay, so we're going to a party," she says. "And you're wearing this and I'm wearing that."

She points to a roll of duct tape on the bed and then to a roll of bubble wrap. I look at her like she's lost her mind, "What the fuck do you mean?"

"It's an ABC party," she laughs but I still stare at her with confusion. "Omg, Quinn. Anything but clothes."

I widen my eyes and look down at the options. "Yeah, no."

She crosses her arms and pouts, "You promised, Quinny. Remember, you abandoned me for the entire week? I was afraid of that noise that happens through the night and you weren't here."

"It's just the showers from upstairs, but I don't wanna wear that."

She rolls her eyes, "Well you can't wear clothes. You got a better idea?"

I look around the dorm, "Not really."

She picks the duct tape up off her bed, "Just trust me."

An hour later, I'm wrapped up in a duct tape mini dress waiting on Ava to come out of the bathroom. When she does I can't help but laugh. She looks a bit like a sexy bubble boy.

"Why are you laughing?"

I shake my head, "It's just funny, considering how clumsy you are."

She scoffs, "Says the girl who has a scar on her elbow from falling on the deck of a cruise ship."

Touché.

My phone pings and I'm excited to see a message from Gavin.

Phoenix

I'm having withdrawals.

Me too. I miss you.

Phoenix

Daisy has paced the floor all evening looking for you.

Sweet girl, misses her mommy.

Phoenix

Her mommy should just move in.

My heart flutters against my ribcage, I can't move in with him. I know that he knows that, but Gavin doesn't say things he doesn't mean. It's just not his style.

I can't move in. Your dad would have a stroke. My sister would have a stroke.

Phoenix

I know, but that doesn't mean I don't want you to.

I snap a picture of my outfit and send it to him.

This is the consequence of living with you for four days.

Phoenix

WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU WEARING?

It's duct tape.

Phoenix

You send me that picture and I'm supposed to stay home?

Ugh, I promised Ava I'd go out with her tonight. I didn't realize what I was getting myself into.

Phoenix

Better hope I don't find out where this party is. If I do, I'm crashing girls night.

Why are you so obsessed with me?

Phoenix

You love it.

?? I really do.

The fact that he seems jealous isn't something I am used to, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it. It is nice having someone that is concerned about me, and only me. Gavin makes sure I know that I am the only girl on his mind. I love it.

"You better not be talking to Gavin Richardson," Ava sasses. "And he better not be there tonight. That's why we're going to a non-football party."

I laugh, "Let's go get this ABC party over with."

She rolls her eyes, "Grab your purse, and some scissors. I don't know how we're getting you out of that dress."

The frat house she drags me to is packed with people in ridiculous outfits. Guys wearing beer boxes around their waist and girls with random items literally only covering their private areas. It's kind of stupid if you ask me.

Ava and I get drinks, mine mostly for show, and make our way outside to the back yard. A giant bonfire fills the pit and there are several people out here, but none I recognize. Not until a group of guys walk through the back door, very familiar looking guys.

Football players.

They are all dressed in sheets, tied as togas. Ava looks in that direction and sees Grayson. "Eww, I don't even wanna know what's been on those sheets."

I cackle, "That's disgusting."

It's only the second time I've seen Grayson since his fight with Gavin. His throwing arm is still in a cast, a full cast all the way up to his arm pit and rests in a sling.

It seems like no one has even talked about what happened between him and Gavin. I don't know what Gavin said to him that night, but he hasn't messaged me since. It was confirmed that Grayson put something in Levi's drink that night. So I think Grayson didn't go to the Coach out of fear that his teammates might tell him why Gavin broke his arm. Then they'd both probably be suspended or kicked off the team indefinitely. I'm not sure how much longer he's out of football, but he's missed the last two games.

It didn't matter much. The Eagles won without him.

It's a chilly October night and I step up to the fire to get warmer, but I don't miss Grayson's stare. His gaze never leaves me, and honestly, it's making me uncomfortable.

"We might need to leave soon," I tell Ava who is currently giggling at some goofy looking guy in a golf polo.

She turns, instantly seeing Grayson watching me. "Don't worry about him. Gavin will break his other arm if he so much as lays a finger on you."

I pull my phone out, and smile when I see Gavin's name.

Phoenix

Let me know if you ladies need a ride.

Such a gentlemen. I'm not drinking, only holding a cup.

Phoenix

The guys dragged me back to karaoke night.

Omg, I don't want to admit it but… I loved karaoke night.

Phoenix

I loved everything about karaoke night. ??

Grayson is here. ??

Phoenix

Minding his own business I hope.

Yeah, just staring at me all creepy and drinking straight from a bottle of bourbon.

Phoenix

Why the fuck are they even there? We have a road game this weekend. We leave at 7am.

Crap, I forgot about that!

Phoenix

Yeah, I know, you'll miss me.

Yes and no. I told you I'd stay at your apartment with Daisy! But I can't, I have to drive home this weekend for a dress fitting for my sister's wedding.

Phoenix

Pretty girl, it's fine. I can pay someone to stay with the dog.

Ugh, I feel bad.

Phoenix

No. I promise it's okay. I wish you were coming to the game, though.

Me too, but you'll play great. I'll wear your jersey.

Phoenix

…. Now I am picturing you in my jersey.

I can't help but grin at my phone, but when I look up, Grayson is still watching me. He drops the empty glass bottle, his eyes never leaving mine, and I jump when it shatters against the pavement.

I backpedal when his feet start moving in my direction, and just as I'm about to ask him what he wants, he grabs my arm.

"We need to talk," he slurs. His grip tightens to a bruising hold. I jerk away hard and the back of my foot crunches down on a beer bottle. The glass slices through my ankle as I lose my balance and my head smacks against the ground.

Everything goes black.