Page 9 of Last Boy
Seeing him today felt like seeing a stranger. Because the last words we’d spoken made me realize that maybe I didn’t know him as well as I’d thought.
No one is ever really who they say, I suppose.
“You’re awfully quiet over there, Princess Poppy,” Cade drawls from the driver’s side of his truck. “I hope none of my jokes offended you. I was just playin’ around.”
I give him a small smile. “No, they didn’t. I’m just tired, I guess.”
Pulling in front of my house, he shifts the truck in park. “Is something going on between you and James?” He pauses. “He was staring at you like he might pass out. And then he looked at me like he wanted to put me through a window. Pretty sure that fucker’s eyes were black. And normally, he’s got some pretty fucking blue eyes.” When he sees the look of surprise on my face, he shrugs. “What? Dudes can notice these things too, you know.”
Wringing my hands together, I shift nervously in my seat. “No, definitely not.” I shake my head. “I have no idea what you saw, but you’re clearly delusional.”
He gives me a suspicious look, but reaches over and pats my hand. “If you say so, lady. But just FYI, that dude is a fucking scrapper. There’s been talk that even though he’s been living with his rich uncle for the past few years, he was basically raised in an abandoned junkyard and is a stone-cold killer. I don’t really want to be on his bad side.” Pulling his hand back, he spins his hat backward. “And that’s saying something because everyone knows I’m a complete fucking psychopath who loves fighting on the ice. And even I don’t want none of the snacks he’s packin’ in his lunch box.”
I snort at his weird analogy. I really can never predict what will come out of Cade Huff’s mouth. But I’m not surprised by any of what he’s saying. Walker is one of those guys who moves like he’s ready to attack. My brothers weren’t fighters, but Van always seemed to run his mouth to the wrong people and get into bad situations. Lucky for him, he had Walker James always willing and ready to back him up.
“Nothing is going on between me and Walker,” I assure him before pushing the door open. “See ya next time. Stay out of trouble.”
“I make no promises!” He cackles like a little kid who just got away with something. “Have a nice night, Princess Poppy.”
Shutting the door, I wave good-bye as he pulls out of the driveway before heading toward the front door. When I walk inside, Sutton and Ryann are painting their nails at the counter, giggling like they are sixteen-year-olds at a slumber party. I mean, I’ve never been to a slumber party, but I imagine that’s how it goes down.
“Hey, Pop,” Ryann says, blowing on her nails. “Come. Sit. Let me make those stubby little nails of yours prettier.”
Glancing down at my nails, I scowl. “What’s wrong with my nails?”
She scrunches her nose up. “Well, I mean…you chew them so much that I’m surprised you even have any fingers left.” Holding up a few bottles of polish, she widens her eyes and gives me a big smile. “If I put some paint on those bad boys, you will have no choice but to not bite them. Right?”
My eyes shift to Sutton as she twists the top onto the nail polish she chose. And when she glances up at me, she chews her bottom lip before standing. “I have some homework to do, Ry. Thanks for letting me use your nail stuff.”
“Anytime,” Ryann mutters, her eyes staying fixed on me. And once Sutton leaves the room, she gives me a pointed look. “Girl, do you always have to scare everyone out of the room every time you enter it? I mean, good gawd.”
Happily taking the seat next to her, I hold my hand out now that Sutton is gone. “Just an effect I have.” I shrug. “You’re welcome. Now, you don’t have to listen to her talk.”
“I like listening to her talk.” She shakes her head before twisting the cap off the polish and bringing it to my nail. “Good grief, girl. Why do you insist on being such a bitch?”
Ignoring the name-calling because this is just how Ryann and I talk to each other, I look down at the nail once she’s swept the brush over it. “Black?” I scoff. “Am I emo now?”
Glancing up at me, she narrows her eyes. “Black…just like your heart.”
I scowl at her, but don’t protest for another color because to be honest, I like the black. It’s edgy and dark, and it goes with everything. Not like I have a huge selection of clothing to choose from, but still.
“You act like you aren’t the same way,” I say, pressing my lips together. “I mean, just look at you with your poor dance partner, Watson Gentry—aka Brooks University’s very own golden retriever. I have seen you guys during practice. He’s so sweet to you, and you are straight-up rotten to that dude for no good reason.” I tsk her, rolling my eyes. “But now, here you are, all pissy with me for not being shoved up Sutton Savage’s asshole—which, I’m sure, smells like flowers. However, I hate to break it to you, with you already shoulders deep there, it’s too crowded!”
She doesn’t stop painting my nails. And she doesn’t look up at me either. She simply sighs. “You know that men are a trigger for me, Poppy. He might be known as the golden retriever, but to me, he’s just the dude trying to get in my pants.” She bobs her head from side to side like she’s having an internal argument with herself. “Well, guess what. I’m not falling for it.”
“You’re protecting yourself,” I say, thinking out loud. “From getting hurt by him.”
“Someone has to,” she utters. “Men are always sweet when they want something. But once they get it? Pfft…see you later, nice guy. Hello, dickwad.”
Ryann is the kindest, most down-to-earth girl I’ve ever met. She’s always up for a fun time. But when it comes to men and dating, she becomes a monster. She’s mean and downright terrifying to those who try to pursue her.
She’s how I am with girls like Sutton Savage.
“Well, maybe I’m protecting myself too,” I toss back. “Ever think about that?”
Her eyes move to mine, and she snorts. “From five-foot…maybe three, Sutton Savage? Who might possibly weigh one hundred ten pounds soaking wet?” She laughs. “You’re insane. I love you. But you’re a nut.”
“I mean, she did take my number one spot on the dance team. But…yeah, no biggie, right?” I roll my eyes. “Don’t worry about me. Make way for the princess of Tennessee.”