Denying the Wrong (3 page)

Katherine

Dillon was coming home in just a couple of days. I started counting the hours like a crazy, love-sick girl. We’d video chatted a couple of times but it wasn’t the same as being in his presence. The excitement kept me bouncing around. I had to find ways to distract myself. My apartment had never been so clean.

Alissa knocked on the door, scaring the crap out me. I’d locked the door and checked it twice since the incident with Matt. I should’ve done that all along, but it was so much easier when Alissa could just let herself in.

“Hey!” Alissa walked past me into the kitchen, dumping the food she brought onto the counter. She wore yoga pants and a sweatshirt, very unlike her normal cultivated appearance.

“Have I rubbed off on you?” I giggled, joining her in the kitchen.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean you're wearing something I would wear instead of what was featured in last week’s magazine.”

“Well, I figured since no one will see me, I should just wear something comfortable. Besides, I look hot no matter what.” She wiggled her butt.

“Of course you do,” I said slapping it.

“All right, so let's get down to business,” she said, handing me a plate of Chinese food.

I twirled some noodles around on my fork. “I talked to my mom the other night about the future and you and me living together, and we agreed on a plan. I just don’t think you’re going to be very happy.” When I’d I decided to not rush straight into a university, Alissa had not been overjoyed. We had planned out our post-high school college experience long ago, even a back-up plan that had included getting an apartment together if we stayed in Rochester.

“Let me guess. She thinks it would be best to live at home and save money, while working part-time, even though my parents offered to pay for rent. Your job would cover expenses, but you wouldn’t have enough to save.” I opened my mouth to agree, but she held up a finger and continued talking. “You really need to save as much as possible because your financial aid will only cover tuition and books, not rent, and I refuse to live in those gross dorms.”

I waited to speak until I was sure she was done. “Were you listening in?” She didn't show any emotion, making it hard for me to tell if she was angry or if she’d already known the inevitable truth.

“No, but I know your mom.” She stuffed her mouth with noodles. The Alissa I grew up with would have argued her side. Vehemently. I was left a little confused by her demeanor.

“And you're okay with this?”

“It's not my favorite idea. But I'm not going without you, and if you need to save money before moving out, then I’ll stay at home, too.” She kept eating like nothing had happened.

“I'm confused. I thought you’d be crushed.”

She smiled at me while chewing. “Kat, one more year isn't going to kill us and I'm sure Dillon won't argue with the plan, considering he's probably going to have to live at home for a while until he gets his shit together. I'll be eighteen soon, and I have plans to seduce a certain gym owner and that may end up taking a year. So, we all win!”

I jumped up from my chair, sat in Alissa's lap and hugged her until she couldn't breathe. “You have no idea how much I love you!”

“You better love me, since you're dating my brother and I could at any time start talking crap about you.” She stuck out her tongue and pushed me off her lap.

I stood up to grab drinks from the fridge for each of us. It took a second for her words to hit me. My mouth dropped open, letting a loud gasp escape. “Did I just hear you say you want to seduce a gym owner? Since I'm assuming you mean Scott, you’d better spill right now!”

“Calm down, Sherlock. Nothing has happened, but it's no secret I think the man is hotter than jalapeños. I'm single now, and I don't think he's dating anyone, so the timing couldn't be more perfect. Then when it ends in heartbreak—his, not mine—you and I will be off to college.” She smiled at me and I laughed. “You have something stuck in your teeth.”

I’d assumed she had feelings for Scott, though I hadn't realized the extent of them until this moment. I wanted more details but the last thing I needed was for Alissa to get defensive and clam up, which never failed to happen when I tried to talk to her about Scott.

“So, we're good?” I knew we were but needed her verbal confirmation.

“Of course. You better get off your ass and get a job this summer.”

~*~

I missed the last bus after taking too much time grocery shopping Saturday night. I hated having to walk, but aside from the little business strip, it would mostly be in a residential neighborhood.

I came around the side of the strip just as some guy with a red Mohawk was leaving the liquor store. I immediately recognized Matt sitting in the passenger side of the car. The Mohawk guy was getting into the driver’s side of a car when another pulled up. Scott jumped out of his car, rushed over to Matt, yanking him out of the car and throwing him against the hood. I stayed behind the side of the building, so no one would see me.

“What the fuck are you doing with this guy again, Matt?” Scott said, grabbing Matt by his collar and throwing him against the side of the car.

“Screw you, Scott. Leave me alone and I’ll let you see another day,” the Mohawk guy yelled. Scott didn’t acknowledge the threat.

Matt stood still against the car as Scott stared him down. The other guy jumped in and started the car.

“I’m sick of cleaning up your messes. Go get in my car and I’ll take you home,” Scott said, grabbing Matt’s arm.

Matt didn’t say anything as he tried to get out of Scott’s grip.

“Final warning,” Scott told him. Matt laughed in response. Scott punched him in the stomach and let him fall to the ground.

I stood back, frozen, hoping the darkness would conceal me as Scott walked back over to his car, alone. Once I heard his car engine start up, I peeked around the corner. He backed up and sped away. Matt got up and got back into his original car, Mohawk guy laughing in the driver’s seat as he peeled out of the parking lot.

What was that about?

I pulled out my phone to call Alissa. I had grocery bags in each hand, making it impossible to talk and walk at the same time, so I opted for standing by the street light.

Alissa picked up on the second ring. “Hey, what are you doing?”

“You’re never going to believe what I just witnessed.” I recounted everything to her.

“That’s weird. I’ve never seen a guy with a Mohawk in Rochester before.” She didn’t show any concern for the fact that Scott had punched Matt.

“Don’t you think it’s weird that Scott is still associating with Matt after what happened?” I asked, trying to get more of a reaction from her. I felt like I was freaking out over the whole thing more than she was.

“He’s not in high school. I didn’t expect him to take sides. If he punched him, there’s obviously something more going on,” she said very matter-of-factly.

“Okay. If you’re not worried about what just happened, then I won’t be either,” I lied.

“Good. Now, stay on the phone with me until you get home safe. I can’t believe you’re out walking in the dark.”

“I would have been home already if I hadn’t been sidetracked. I have too many bags to carry and can’t hold my phone while walking.”

“At least call me when you get home, okay?”

“Okay. Talk to you soon,” I said.

“Be safe.”

I tucked my phone into my back pocket and picked up the bags. My frozen food was probably melting, but that didn’t seem important at the moment. I had a bad feeling about seeing Scott trying to help Matt. I’d never actually seen Scott outside of the meetings before. There was something off about him, and I needed to know what it was.

~*~

The day went by as if someone had pushed the slow motion button. Dillon's plane had already landed and I was stuck in the registration office. I had to drop off more paperwork to the community college, and then I was going over to Alissa's house to see him. Alissa was going to go straight to the gym after she finished her homework, giving me some time alone with Dillon.

While sitting on the bus, my excitement to see Dillon became so overwhelming I thought I would burst. My leg wouldn’t stop bouncing up and down. Having a car would’ve been super helpful but I decided not to even consider a car; that way, I could save all my money to put toward college. I needed to start studying for the driving exam because I didn't want to have to explain to any future employer why I didn't have a license yet. Alissa had been letting me drive her car around parking lots to practice, since my mom was working as much overtime as possible.

Mom was putting away her overtime money to help with my future living expenses, even though I told her not to. She felt guilty for not being able to give me more, and since my dad never contributed, our savings money was nil. I promised myself I’d pay her back someday.

Walking up the steps to Dillon's front porch while trying to steady my nervous and erratic breathing seemed impossible. I wanted to take a minute to calm myself down, but Dillon threw the door open, picked me up, and kissed me without saying a word. He kissed me so hard and fast, I lost what little breath I had. That moment was the most romantic experience of my life. My backpack dropped to the ground and I threw my arms around his neck, pulling him as close as I could.

“Oh, I missed you.” He pulled back and looked right into my eyes.

“I missed you, too.” I knew my smile had to look goofy but it felt so good to be close to him again, even if we’d only had a short time apart.

“My parents aren't home yet. Let's go make out on the couch.” He didn't wait for me to agree, but threw me over his shoulder, grabbed my backpack and carried me inside. He dropped my bag by the door and threw me on the couch. His body covered mine while he kissed my neck. I let my hands roam up and down his back. Oh, his muscles felt amazing. I stopped my hands from roaming down further when I felt his soft, nylon basketball shorts. His right hand was running up and down my arm, grazing the side of my breast. A soft moan escaped and he smiled at me before bringing his lips back down onto mine. I felt him get hard against my stomach.

I’d never “made out” before and had no clue what I was doing. Alissa told me it would come naturally, but it didn't. When the front door opened and his mom yelled, “I'm home,” I was somewhat relieved. Dillon jumped and pulled me up with him before his mom came around the corner, catching us. I turned and casually said I needed to use the bathroom. Dillon gave me a little smile as I rushed away.

Turning the corner toward the downstairs bathroom, I ran right into his mom.

“Hey, Kat!” She smiled at me and giggled.
My face must be dark red.

“Hi, second Mom!” I hurried into the bathroom, shutting the door.
Yep, red as an apple.
It took a few minutes before my breathing evened out and I went back to my normal pale coloring. I flushed the toilet, making it sound like I really did have to use the bathroom. Dillon was waiting on the other side of the door, smiling at me.

“Sorry, I didn't think she would be home so soon.”

“Shhh. She may hear you.” I winked at him. He took my hand and led me into the back yard. We sat down on the porch swing that faced the swimming pool.

“I know it seems like I'm moving too fast, but since we've known each other for like forever, I feel like I can be bold.” He grabbed my hand and I didn't respond, wondering where this was going. “I want to spend as much time with you as I can, not as Alissa's brother, but as your boyfriend.”

“My boyfriend?” I giggled a little. I deserved to be giddy!

“I know that sounds immature and stupid but… is that okay with you?”

“Oh, yeah. Now come here,” I said, pulling his face closer.

He groaned a little at the contact and pulled me into his side, throwing his arm around me. I got chills. “So catch me up on what's been going on.”

“Aside from Matt inviting himself into my house while drunk, or a group of high school kids dying from drugs, there really isn't too much to tell,” I said sarcastically. He looked at me confused, so I filled him in.

His cheeks flushed and he stared straight ahead. I could tell he wasn’t happy. “Do you think Matt will leave Alissa alone for good now?”

“I'm sure he will. I actually liked Matt but don't tell Alissa I said that. He was really good to her and she really liked him until Scott entered the picture.”

Dillon’s body relaxed against mine and he started playing with my fingers as I talked about the L.S.A.B. meetings.

“What's the deal with this Scott guy?”

“I don't know very much about him and, honestly, neither does Alissa, though she’ll never admit it. She thinks he’s harmless but the jury’s out for me.” I shrugged. I wanted to tell him about what I saw but I knew he would say something to her.

“He owns the gym?”

“Yeah. He seems really young to own a gym.”

“Well, maybe I’ll check into it a little,” he said, kissing my head.

We sat in silence for a few minutes. I didn’t know what else to talk about. I felt him move around a little and when I looked up, he was laughing. “What’s so funny?” I asked, confused.