Page 83 of The Love Penalty
There’s no more drunken fuzz or darkness. No more blurry entity.
I’m reliving that party like it happened only yesterday.
And it’s him.
He’s the guy.
It’s his face, his hand that he’s holding out and expecting me to shake right now.
“Uh… hi.” He smiles at me like he doesn’t know who I am. Like we didn’t dance at a party and make out in the hallway while we giggled and stumbled our way to an empty bedroom. He’s looking at me like he didn’t ignore my plea for him to stop. “It’s nice to meet you.”
That voice.
No. I can’t hear that voice again.
“I’m not done with you yet.”
The words scream through my brain, flashbacks hitting me on all sides as my world is destroyed all over again.
CHAPTER 37
ASHER
Lani is staring at Harvey like she’s afraid to touch him. Her skin is pale, her brown eyes still and unmoving while Harvey stands there, holding out his hand for a shake.
He glances at me, silently asking what’s wrong with my girl.
I dip my head, whispering against her ear, “You okay, boo? What’s the matter?”
She flinches like she’s coming out of a trance and starts blinking. “I’m… You know, I…” Covering her mouth with the back of her hand, she glances at me and her vision seems to clear completely. “I would shake hands, but I’m actually not feeling very well. I don’t want to spread my germs.”
She winces.
Harvey’s still frowning at her like she’s weird, and I’m standing there trying to figure out why she’s lying.
Rising on her tiptoes, she leans into my ear and whispers, “Truth is, I think I just got my period, and this is the worst timing ever, but I’ve got a tidal wave situation going on and I have to bail, like right now.”
I bulge my eyes at her, sympathy rushing through me. Being a woman seriously sucks sometimes. Resting my hand on her lower back, I step around her so Harvey can’t see her face. She’s no doubt fighting humiliation, and I don’t want to make it worse for her.
“Do you need my jacket or something?” I glide my hand down her arm. “You could tie it around your waist.”
“S-Sure.” She nods. “Thanks.”
I slip it off, securing it for her and giving her a gentle smile. “Do you want me to walk you back?”
“No.” She shakes her head. “You hang out with… your cousin.” Her voice squeaks, and now she looks like she’s fighting tears.
“Hey, it’s okay. I’ll help you do the laundry when I come over later.” I wink at her, and she bites her lips together, forcing a weak smile. Kissing her forehead, I gently nudge her away. “You go take care of yourself. I’ll call you later, okay?”
She bobs her head, her lips trembling as she glances past my shoulder at Harvey, then dips her head and practically sprints out of the cafeteria.
“What the fuck was that about?” Harvey watches her go.
I let out an awkward laugh. “She’s having a bad day.”
“So, it wasn’t something I did?” Harvey points at himself, looking mildly worried.
“No, man. Of course not.” I slap his shoulder. “It’s just… she needed to go change.” I wince, wondering how much I should or shouldn’t say.