Page 44 of Overachiever

“Come on!” I urge, escorting him across the room toward the door. I don’t want that disgusting water on my shoes.

When we emerge, Zara and Serena both stare at us. “What was all that noise?”

Marty collapses on the bench outside the door. “She…toilet…balls out.” His body shakes as he bends over and holds his stomach.

“It wasn’t funny! Do you want pissy truck stop toilet water on you?”

The man who flashed me a record setting pair of testicles exits and walks to his car without giving us a glance.

“I need to wash my hands,” I announce, and escape into the ladies room. It’s much cleaner in here, and I’m the only one inside while I scrub my hands. I’m never going in a truck stop men’s room again.

Marty has calmed down when I return and is in the middle of telling the others what happened. “She just stood there, ball struck.”

When their smiles point toward me, I throw my hands up. “Well, why the hell were his balls showing in the first place? They looked like a chicken skin purse! Guys don’t get their balls out to pee, do they?”

“No,” Marty laughs. “Definitely not.”

The chuckling continues while we return to the SUV and get Marty settled back in again. This time Serena drives, and I’m quick to claim the passenger seat.

“She’s just embarrassed because she had to hold it while I pissed,” Marty remarks when Zara joins him in the back instead of me.

“I did not!”

He grins at Zara. “She shook it more than necessary too.”

Chapter Fifteen

Owen

What the hell just happened? The sun beats down on my back, and I’m glad to be alone on the roof. I hate to be around people when I’m angry, and right now, I’m seething. Remee wanted some space, fine. She wanted to go back to being friends, I went along even though I damn well know we’re more than that, and so would she if she’d quit worrying and stop being so goddamn stubborn.

I can’t believe she left. Just packed up her shit, said sorry and ran the fuck away. Every instinct I have wants to follow her back, but I can’t. I need this grant and I have to stick out the next few weeks.

It doesn’t take long for the rest of the crew to realize I’m in a mood and steer clear of me. Grunting answers and shaking my head isn’t my normal. All except for Colin, who after giving me a few hours, finds me sitting behind one of the houses at lunchtime.

“Want to grab some burgers or something?”

“No thanks.”

He sits beside me and opens the small cooler he brings his lunch in. “Want a sandwich?”

“I’m not hungry.” A smell hits me as he opens a container. “What are you eating?”

“Deviled eggs. My husband makes them. Try one.”

He holds one out and laughs when I visibly recoil. They smell like week old foot cheese. “Hard pass.”

We’re quiet for a few minutes while he eats, and I screw around on my phone, resisting the urge to call or text Remee. How far would they have gotten by now? Is she sorry she left or having second thoughts now that it’s too late?

I notice a text from Marty that’s half gibberish.

Marty: Thes pills r fuuuuckin good. Rest stop balls out, u know that?

Someone’s having fun. Too bad I didn’t have him leave me a couple. Alcohol tonight will have to do.

“Did you and your girl break up?”

A bitter laugh leaps out of my mouth. “As far as she’s concerned we were never together.”