Page 31 of Mine

“Well, I’m heading home babes, I’m beat. Last night took it out of me,” Rosie yawned again, sliding out of the booth. “Do you want to come back to mine for a bit?”

“No, I’m not the best company.”

Rosie made a face as she reached for my hand. “Want a ride home?” she asked gently, smiling at me.

I shook my head as I gathered my things, forcing a smile. “No, thanks. I need to clear my head anyway; the walk will do me good.”

She kissed the top of my head, pulling me in for a hug. “Love you, Gretch. Chin up, okay? You spent the night with the hottest guy in school, possibly the world!”

I smiled to myself as she walked away, swinging her keys around her fingers as she did. At least Rosie seemed happy.

I left the Lounge and walked the long way home, taking the opportunity to think. I crossed the road and walked down a street lined with pretty houses, picket fences, kids playing outside and sprinklers on the lawn. They looked so happy.

I saw a little girl playing with her sister, chasing her around with what looked like a snail. The girl shrieked for her mother whilst the other laughed so hard she held her stomach. I smiled again, then I realized I was staring, so I made a move. At that point, my phone rang.

Luke.

I gulped before I answered the call.

“Hey,” I whispered. “Thanks for calling—”

“Where are you?” he interrupted, his voice sounding distant. I had to get used to this coldness, because I wasn’t his girlfriend anymore. The thought made me sad, because more than anything I knew we wouldn’t be able to be friends anymore, it would change the dynamics of our friendship group too.

What a pickle.

“Near The Lounge. I’m just walking home,” I said, checking the road as I crossed it.

“That’s a long way to walk. Stay there, I’ll come and meet you,” he ordered, ending the call.

I sighed, stuffing my hands in my pockets. I glanced around and sat on a low wall near a house.

This was going to be even harder than this morning; I could feel it. He’d had time to mull it over, and I knew what this would do to him. He was possessive at the best of times—this was going to be a shit show.

Luke’s car pulled onto the road some fifteen minutes later, tyres squealing as he drew up beside me. My stomach lurched with guilt when he dragged his eyes over me.

“You getting in?” he snapped, watching me as I crossed in front of his car.

With a deep breath, I climbed into the passenger seat beside him. The familiar scent of his aftershave greeted me, and I almost wept.

I didn’t want to hurt him. I didn’t mean to do this to us.

“Look Gretchen,” Luke said, his eyes meeting mine. “You made a mistake, right? I get it. He’s a handsome guy. You got tipsy... We all make mistakes.”

Wait… what?

He reached over, grabbing my hand. “We all fuck up,” he gave a bitter laugh. “Was this the first time?” He gripped the steering wheel as he shifted towards me.

“Yes,” I replied in a small voice.

Other than the time I nearly begged him to bend me over the sink in your bathroom...

I closed my eyes at the memory.

I’m such a bitch.

“Luke, I am sorry. I do like Cal—“

He leaned over, his hand sneaking behind my neck as he pressed his lips against mine, his tongue pushing into my mouth urgently. My back pressed against the car door as he kissed me, and I responded to him on auto pilot, kissing him back, his familiar taste in my mouth.