A Whole New Crowd (A Whole New Crowd 1)

A heaviness settled over me. It had been hovering over my head as I searched the room, but it now rested on my shoulders. Studying the bottle, I notice that Dr. Parsons prescribed each bottle to her. Whether he was aware of it or not, her own father was her drug dealer. I had no idea how to handle this. If it had been Brian, I would’ve packed up his bag and taken him straight there. The idea of waiting and talking

it out with Shelly and Kevin wasn’t an option. It wouldn’t get done. Whatever was going on with this family, I couldn’t keep lying to myself. I wanted a family. I wanted something better, and they had given it to me, but this was wrong. They were never home.

I packed a bag for Mandy. I put enough clothes and toiletries in it to last a week, then I tucked it in my room. Mandy was going to rehab tomorrow, whether she wanted to go or not. Brian had denied his problem. He had accused me of having the problem. He yelled. He pounded the walls. He broke chairs. Then he broke and started to plead. There were tears every time, but I made him go in every single time. He had to. So did Mandy. Whether this family wanted me or not, I loved her. I would do what I needed to take care of my sister, even if it meant protecting her against herself.

As I got into the car, I didn’t say anything.

He was studying me. Then he asked, “Are you okay?”

I shook my head. “I will be.” And I would.

*

Rickets’ House was busy like it always was. Cars filled the parking lot and were lined up on one side of the driveway. Groups of people were walking to the party as we passed. One guy signaled at Tray and said, “The lot’s full, but you can try, man.”

Tray nodded and lifted a hand in thanks, but he still turned into the driveway and through the parking lot. A car was pulling out, so he pulled in, but instead of getting out right away, he looked over at me. I knew what he was going to ask, so I said first, “Mandy has a drug problem.” Then I waited. A moment of silence lingered between us. I sighed. “Did you know?”

“I heard rumors. I didn’t know for sure.” He paused, then murmured softly, “I’m sorry.”

I jerked my head in a nod. Whatever. My sister had a problem. “Yeah, well, she’s going to get help. I’m going to make her get help.”

“I have no doubt.” He reached over and squeezed my hand. “I’ll help you in any way I can.”

“Good.” Relief flared through me. “I might need to stay at your place.”

“Sure, but why?”

“I’m taking her to rehab tomorrow.”

“When are Shelly and Kevin getting home?”

“Does it matter?”

He frowned. “No, I guess not, but what about Austin?”

“I’ll bring him with me.” I lifted a shoulder and let it fall in a helpless motion. “I don’t know what else to do. They took me in, but there’s something off with this whole situation. I’m taking Mandy to rehab tomorrow. I’m making that decision without their consent. I don’t feel quite right staying in their house.”

“You don’t think they would approve?”

“I have no idea.” That was the truth and the admission hurt. “I have no idea what they would do. But this is what I have to do.”

“Okay.” He squeezed my hand again. “Austin will flip when he sees the gaming system and you can stay as long as you want.”

“Thank you.”

“What you’re doing is the right thing to do. You’re a good person.”

Shit. That sent a host of emotions through me and I grinned at him. “Now I just want to jump you.”

He gave me a half-grin. “I’ve still not gotten those pants off. I’d be game.”

I laughed, but I had no witty comeback. I didn’t think he expected one. With another soft squeeze of my hand, we got out of the car and headed up the hill to the house. As we drew closer, people looked over. I stiffened, remembering the last time we were there, but then realized people were watching Tray. Then I had to laugh at myself. I forgot who I was walking in with. It was Tray Fucking Evans, and he was holding my hand.

When we went inside the house, Tray went for the keg and I spotted Mandy. She was sitting on Devon’s lap. Her arms were curled around his neck, and she was pressed against him. Even as I started for them, his hand slid up her thigh, lifting her skirt. A smug smirk was on his face as he nuzzled Mandy’s neck. The sight of them made my stomach churn, but I wasn’t surprised.

Stopping next to them, I waited until Devon became aware of my presence. He lifted his head from her neck and grinned at me. “Hey, Taryn.”

“Taryn!” Mandy squealed, throwing herself off his lap. Her arms were in the air, and she grabbed me. She was jumping in place as she hugged me. “I’m so glad you got here.” With her face pressed against my neck, her voice came out muffled. Leaning back, I saw her eyes were dilated and she had a dream-like smile on her face. “I’m so happy for you and Tray. That’s so awesome.”