The Guy on the Right (The Underdogs 1)

I can hear the panic in her voice. “I don’t know.”

“Jesus,” I say my heart hammering, sweat collecting at my forehead. “Okay, try Deidra make sure they’re safe.”

“I don’t know, Theo, I don’t know if there’s a siren!” She says in a panic.

“Devin, just call Deidra!”

“I’m on it!”

“Come on, baby, look at your phone. Look at your phone.” The prayer tumbles from my lips as my stomach knots. I dial her again keeping my eye on the menacing cloud.

“Everybody out in the hall! NOW!”

What if she doesn’t know? What if she’s taking a nap and has no clue? Ripping at my hair, I scramble to the hall with the rest of the students. The phone rings again as I close my eyes, praying she’s not stranded on the side of the road because of that fucking truck. “Pick up, please, pick up.”

I damn near hit my knees when I hear her voice.

“I’m in the tub with Max and a flashlight. And emergency Doritos.”

“Why didn’t you answer me!” I shriek like a tween at the top of my lungs.

“I got the alert right before you texted, and I was trying to get the mattress off my bed. I couldn’t do it and get Max and talk to you.”

Too choked up to speak, I wipe my face, unable to form words.

“So, spring break is starting off with a bang, huh?” I can hear the fear in her voice, and it ruins me.

“Seems that way,” I say hoarsely.

“I’m sorry I scared you.”

“No, I’m just,” I let out a harsh breath. “I’m just glad you’re okay. I called Devin, she’s at the store with Chase, where is your mom?”

“Mom went to pick up her paycheck, and now she’s scrambling to help get all the patients out of their rooms.”

“So, you’re alone?”

“Yes.” My heart bottoms out.

“Don’t you dare hang up.”

“I won’t. But I’m kind of digging this bossy side of you.”

“Wheels are back up,” someone says from behind me. I look to see the menacing cloud has dispersed for the moment.

“Stay put until I can get to you. Don’t hang up.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’m on my way.”

“No! Another could touch down any second! It’s stupid! Houseman, don’t you dare leave!”

I don’t bother to argue with her, I know how damn stupid it is.

“Don’t, Theo, please don’t get in the car.”

“It’ll be fine.”