Beware of Bad Boy(68)

Chocolate chip pancakes? “Uh, no thanks, Julie. You seem pretty busy there, with that pie.”

“Are you sure? It’d really be no problem.” Her smile reminded me of the freaky housewife in that Soundgarden “Black Hole Sun” video.

“I’m fine with cereal,” I assured her. Was this woman on happy pills or something? She was like a Stepford wife.

“Have you talked to Gianna? I’ve been calling her all morning but her phone isn’t on.” Julie asked while rolling out dough.

“No,” I answered, feeling like I was doing something wrong. Could she just stop talking to me?

“Those cheerleaders she went camping with are good girls, so I know she’s safe with them. I wonder if that nice Josh boy went with them. I still don’t understand why they broke up. He’s the type of guy who’ll really make something of himself.”

“Yeah, he’s wonderful,” I agreed bitingly. It went right over her head. How would she react when she found out the truth about me and Gianna?

“I hope she comes home with the good news that she’s back on the squad.” Julie was delusional. Gianna used to love cheerleading but Julie was the one who ruined it for her. Gianna’s old life and old boyfriend were the last things she needed.

“I’m going to go play video games with Chance,” I muttered, escaping her company.

That evening, it was getting late and still no word from Gianna. I’d called her several more times and her phone was still off. I hadn’t left any more voicemails, but did text her twice. It wouldn’t do to come off as obsessive or possessive. The lack of communication had better not have anything to do with Jared. Maybe she was avoiding me on purpose. Maybe she’d changed her mind and planned on breaking up with me.

For the next few hours I continued to play video games then watch a movie with Chance while pathetically waiting around the house for my girlfriend to show up. I never thought I’d be in this situation. Finally, at eight o’clock, Chance had to get ready for bed. I was starting to get really worried about Gianna and a little pissed. Either something happened to her or she’d dumped me for Jared.

I went upstairs and grabbed a six pack of beer I’d hidden in my closet. Sneaking past everyone, I exited the house through the front door. I drank my warm beer while sitting on the side of the garage.

Gianna had better have a good explanation for not being home yet. Lots of horrible images ran through my head. Gianna dead on the side of the road somewhere. Gianna kidnapped by bikers. Gianna doing another dance for Jared, this time without clothes.

Many dark thoughts, three beers and an hour later, I spotted headlights coming from down the street. Gianna pulled her Jeep into the garage and I slipped inside before the garage door closed. As she climbed out of her Jeep I grabbed her from behind, making her yelp.

“Where the hell have you been?” The three beers had only fueled my anger.

With her back to me, she said, “I told you I needed time alone to think.”

“You haven’t been with Jared this whole time, have you? Why haven’t you answered your phone?”

“Because my phone died last night and I didn’t have my car charger because it’s in your car. And, no, I haven’t been with Jared this whole time. I dropped him and Cece off at home hours ago.”

“Then where the hell have you been?” I was no longer angry, just annoyed.

“Here and there, nowhere special,” she answered vaguely.

Her evasion pissed me off all over again. “Did Jared try anything last night after I left?”

She turned around slowly, giving me a guilty look. “Caleb, I have to tell you something.” Taking a big breath, she continued, “I’m not a virgin anymore.”

I grasped her shoulders and yelled, “What? I’ll fucking murder him.”

She started laughing. “Oh my god, you should have seen your face. Of course nothing happened with Jared. He may be all for making moves if you and I aren’t together, but he’s a good friend. He waited until I broke up with Josh to kiss me for the first time and he’ll respect our relationship as long as we’re together.”

“Do we still have a relationship?” I asked warily. “While you were getting your thinking done, here and there, what conclusion did you come to?”

She looked thoughtful, tilting her head in an adorable manner. “I don’t know. I need an answer about something from you first.”

Crap, what could she want to know? “What’s the question?”

Her gorgeous eyes studied my face. “When Hailey threw herself at you last night, what did you do?”