Page 77 of Quarterback Sneak

I can’t help a small smile at her fierce words. “I’m okay,” I say softly, looking out the window. I really don’t want to have this conversation in front of Zane and Slate, but she hasn’t really left me a choice. “It’s kind of a long story.”

“I have time.”

“You just said you were studying for a difficult test,” I remind her.

“Who cares about a test? You are far more important. Now what happened?” Tears prick my eyes at her words, and I find myself unable to speak for a moment. “Evie?”

“I’m here,” I manage to get out. I swallow back the lump in my throat. I realize I have no idea what to tell her. I don’t want to tell her what really happened in the woods, because I’m not even sureIreally believe what went on out there. I stare out the window, trying to form the words. “He ended up being a jerk,” I finally say. “He and Sam were just...using me.”

“What do you mean?” Tessa sounds as confused as I am.

I’m very conscious of the two guys in the truck. “I don’t know, Tessa. They said some pretty awful things to me when I told Jace I wanted to break up with him.” I push forward. “When I told Jace I wanted to break up with him, Sam got really mad. She told me she can’t stand me and was only being nice for Jace’s sake.”

Tessa gasps. “She did not! I’m going to tear her hair out.”

Her words make me smile, which is surprising in this moment. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Oh, it’s totally a good idea. Where is she now?”

I shake my head, even though she can’t see it. “I don’t know. She hasn’t been back to our room since we had the run-in. Maybe she’s staying with Jace,” I throw out. Honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me. I hear a sound that I can’t place. “What are you doing?” I ask.

“I was just closing your shower door,” she says.

“Why?”

“Because I was grabbing Sam’s shampoo and conditioner and soap.”

My eyebrows rise. “Why?”

“Have you ever gotten in the shower and realized you don’t have something you need? It’s the absolute worst.”

“Uh, is that your payback?” I ask.

“Yes. I realize it may not be the plan an evil mastermind would come up with, but that’s all I could think of in the spur of the moment. I’ll keep thinking on it and come up with something that’s more devious.”

I can’t help but smile. “Yeah, Tessa, I don’t think you have a devious bone in your whole body; but thank you. Seriously. Stealing somebody’s shampoo and conditioner to get vengeance for somebody else is the sign of a true friend.”

“Don’t forget the body soap,” she adds.

My smile widens. “And the body soap,” I add.

“Is that why you left?” she asks, softer now.

“Yeah. I just...wanted to get away for a little bit.”

“I get it, Evie. Just be careful, okay.”

I turn even more towards the window, trying to give myself privacy. “Zane’s a nice guy; he won’t hurt me.”

“Oh, I’m not worried about that. Zane’s a great guy. Totally jump his bones if you get a chance.”

I choke on the saliva in my throat. I can feel my face heat up and pray Zane can’t hear this conversation. “Okay, well thank you.”

“He’s sitting right there, isn’t he?”

“Uh, huh,” is all I can manage.

She laughs into the phone. “Hey, Zane,” she shouts loudly, and I quickly cover the mouthpiece with my hand.