“Alright, Bri, time to spill. What happened tonight that had you in tears?” He paused and asked hesitantly. “It wasn’t you catching me and Serena making out, was it?”
Bri gave him an insulted look and scoffed.
“No, Cole. Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed enough tongue swapping between the two of you to have built up quite the tolerance to it. You kissing Serena did not upset me,” she rolled her eyes.
“Okay, okay,” he held up his hand in surrender. “What was it then? I’m not letting you out of this truck until you tell me,” he pressed, taking a smug bite of his yogurt.
Bri shook her head at him before answering. “Fine, you want to know what happened? Your buddy, Trey, happened.” She felt her anger rising as she thought about it. “He pinned me with his freakishly strong arms and assaulted me with his mouth!”
“He what!” Cole was shocked and outraged. “Is that all that happened? He didn’t try anything else, did he?” His voice shook with anger.
“No. I’m not dumb enough to put myself into that kind of situation. We were out back on the patio, and he tried to kiss me a second time. But I punched him, and he finally got the message.”
“You punched him?” Cole took her hands, checking her fingers and knuckles. “Are you okay?” he asked, worried.
“Yes, I’m okay, just angry. My hand’s a little sore, but I’m good.”
Still examining her knuckles, Cole asked quietly, “He didn’t... he didn’t try to hurt you, did he?” He looked up into her eyes.
Understanding what he was asking, Bri replied, “No, he didn’t hit me back or anything. He was pretty pissed, but he didn’t try to retaliate.”
“Thank goodness,” he let out a breath. “Are you sure he didn’t hurt you? Because I’ll go back there right now, and kick his ass if he did.” He was completely serious.
“No, he didn’t hurt me. I wouldn’t let him.”
“Good,” Cole raised her hand to his lips and softly kissed her knuckles. “But I may just kick his ass anyway. I can’t believe he treated you like that. I know he’s a cocky prick sometimes, but I didn’t think he’d do something like this. I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.” She was surprised how much the whole incident bothered Cole. She wasn’t sure why he was so upset. She looked down at her hand that still tingled from his kiss. Feeling the desire to cry again, Bri decided it was time to get home. “Um, Cole, do you think you could take me back to Layla’s now?”
“Will you be okay by yourself? I could hang out for a while? We could watch a movie until Layla gets home?”
“No, that’s okay. I just really want to climb into a hot shower, scour my mouth with Listerine, and forget this whole night ever happened. But thanks, though. It’s nice of you to be worried.”
“That’s what friends do,” Cole shrugged. “They take care of each other.”
“Isn’t anyone home?” He asked as he pulled up in front of Layla’s dark house. “Maybe I should stay.” He looked at the house apprehensively.
“Layla’s parents will be home a little later. I’ll be fine, I promise,” she smiled, touched by his concern. “Thanks for taking me home tonight, Cole. I really appreciate it. And thanks for the yogurt, I owe you one!”
“Just glad I could help,” Cole smiled warmly at her. Bri stepped out the door, but Cole’s voice stopped her.
“Oh, Bri?”
She turned back to look at him.
“I just want you to know that I’m here, if you need anything. Tonight, or anytime. I promise I’ll always be here for you.” He gave her a sad smile.
She nodded, and headed into Layla’s house. As Cole drove off, she suddenly regretted sending him away. He’d been so sweet and protective, and she yearned for his comfort. So much so, she almost pulled out her phone to call him. Instead, she forced herself into a steaming hot shower, where she finally let all the tears fall as her emotions came rushing out. The anger and fear over Trey. Her mixed and complicated feelings about Cole. The jealousy and pain she felt when she thought about him and Serena together. And all the hurt and frustration she’d felt since the beginning of school. She washed them all down the drain with her tears.
She then climbed into her bed in Layla’s guest room, emotionally and physically exhausted, and fell asleep.
Cole sent her a couple texts that weekend, making sure she was okay. Bri was touched that he cared so much. She hated to admit it, but he was wearing down her resistance. The protective barrier she’d put up between them was becoming harder to maintain.