Destiny Binds(10)

Quite frankly, I think heʼs arrogant and rude.”

Charlie chewed this over for a minute. “But he has the hots for you?”

“No, he doesnʼt,” Jase interjected. “Itʼs Scout, for Peteʼs sake. Heʼs obviously playing her to get to me.”

I recoiled as if I had been slapped. Itʼs not like I actually thought Alex liked me. Guys that looked like him only asked girls like me out to win some sort of stupid bet, and that only happened in cheesy teeny-bopper movies. I knew all those dazzling smiles werenʼt really meant for me. And I didnʼt care. I didnʼt want Alex Cole to like me, but to hear my brother dismiss me like that hurt. A lot. I felt tears welling up.

“Scout, he didnʼt mean it like that.” Charlie reached towards me, but the last thing I wanted was pity.

“Get out of my room.” I closed my eyes to keep the tears trapped.

“Iʼm sorry—”

“Please just leave me alone for a minute,” I managed to get out without my voice breaking.

Charlie, as always, came to my rescue. “Letʼs go, man. Cʼmon.” As soon as I managed to get the waterworks under control I stomped into the bathroom that connected Jaseʼs room to mine and began digging through the medicine cabinet. I was being overly emotional and moody. A double dose of Midol was definitely in order.

I must have been making a lot of noise, because there was a tap at the door, and then Charlieʼs voice asked, “Can I come in?”

Instead of answering, I reached over and turned the knob. Charlie was leaning against the door frame, looking more tempting than anyone standing two feet from a toilet had a right to.

“Your brother feels like shit.”

“Yeah, well I wouldnʼt be surprised if his nose was actually broken.”

“Thatʼs not what I meant, Smarty Pants.”



I closed the medicine cabinet and caught my reflection on the mirrored door. There were big red blotches creating a striking contrast to my fair skin. My eyes were puffy and gave off an eerie glow. There was even a little bit of snot along the edge of my nose.

Nice.

How could I blame Jase for pointing out the truth?

“Iʼm not mad at him,” I said, getting a tissue for my nose. “Itʼs okay. No big.” I hadnʼt seen Charlie move from the doorway, so I was startled when I felt his arms pulling me into an embrace. I instantly regretted not being one of those tiny little girls who can snuggle into a guyʼs chest when they need to be comforted. Instead, I had to make do with leaning my forehead against his.

Actually, that was pretty awesome too.

“If you want my personal opinion, Jase is wrong.” Charlieʼs breath smelled like cinnamon.

“Iʼll bet you batted those long lashes, gave a rare Scout giggle, and the boy turned to mush.” Yet another ridiculous tear made the short trek from the corner of my eye to my chin.

Charlie pulled back and wiped it from my cheek. It was a very tender and sweet thing to do, which was why I was completely unprepared for what he said next.

“That means itʼs even more important for you to stay away from him. He canʼt be trusted.

Itʼs not a question of if but when he hurts you. We just want to keep you safe. So, please, donʼt encourage him. Okay?”

I stepped back, moving to the other end of the tiny room. “Iʼm not some mindless ditz that tries to hook up with every cute guy that notices she exists —”

“Scout…”

“And I donʼt take orders from you or Jase —”

“Weʼre not —”

“And I donʼt like being the only one in the dark here. Tell me whatʼs going on, Charlie.

He scratched the back of his neck. “I donʼt know what youʼre talking about.”

“Yes, you do. Whatʼs up between you guys and the Coles? I feel like weʼve suddenly stepped into the middle of The Outsiders.”

“Itʼs complicated.”

I crossed my arms and cocked my head to assume what Jase and Charlie had always called my teacher stance. “Well, Charles, I believe history has proven that of the three of us, Iʼm the smart one. So, why donʼt you go ahead and tell me what is going on. Maybe I can uncomplicate it for you.”

I mentally prepared myself for a fight. After the day I had, I was hungry for it. I wanted to scream and yell and let out all of my pent up frustrations, so I was more than a little disappointed when Charlie didnʼt take the bait.



“Sorry, kiddo.” He really did look sorry. Of course, calling me “kiddo” didnʼt exactly endear me to his cause. “This isnʼt the sort of problem that can be figured out with those complex equations or thick books you like so much.”

“Donʼt be so sure. The answers to all of lifeʼs problems are out there. Itʼs just a question of finding the right book.” My desire to have a throw down was slowly subsiding, but that didnʼt mean I was ready to give up. “Lucky for you, Iʼve read lots of books. So, if youʼll just explain the ʻsitch...”