Hooked by Love (Bellevue Bullies 3)

“So gross,” I say and then I pause. “Ha, you’ll be married to your sister if they get married.”

“Fuck you,” he says and I laugh harder.

“Don’t hate ’cause you’re banging your soon-to-be sister.”

“You’re a dick and I hate you.”

“I understand your anger right now. I’d be upset too if I was banging my sister. It’s okay, we can get you help.”

“You aren’t banging anything, that’s why you’re butthurt and jealous.”

“Bitch, please. I get laid on the regular.”

“Sure you do,” he teases and I roll my eyes. “But anyway, I think Mom will be happy. Coach is a good dude.”

“I think so too,” I agree and he laughs.

“Okay, just wanted to tell you you’re a dick for messing that up for Baylor. And I also wanted to make sure you puked a little, even though somehow you turned this on me.”

Smirking, I roll over, cuddling into my bed. “Duh, I’m amazing.”

“Mom really shouldn’t have told you that as much as she did. You believe it, and I can promise you, it isn’t true.”

Scoffing, I say, “You’re just jealous she loves me more.”

“Yeah, okay,” he deadpans and I smile against the pillow. “Did you get a job yet?”

I close my eyes, my smile gone. “No,” I groan.

“Get one, dweeb. Stop fucking around.”

“Yeah, I’ll get on that.”

“You better.”

“I will.”

“Fine.”

“Fine!”

Jayden pauses and I let out a long breath, frustrated. He drives me insane. “Love you, talk to you later.”

“Love you too,” I say back and I hang up. He’s such a weirdo. As I close my eyes, though, his words play over and over in my mind. About how my dad could fuck me over and then I’d be without again. I don’t want that to happen, and maybe I should get a little part-time job. Something to get Jayden and Jude off my back, but also to have to fall back on if things go south.

Yeah. Maybe I will.

After my nap, though.

When I jerk awake from the loud goal noise I have set as my alarm tone, I sit up and reach for my phone. It’s only seven, and I could probably sleep a little bit more, but I want to get there early. Maybe have a chance to hang with Avery before she gets onstage. Rubbing my eyes, I click on her name and type out a message.

Me: I’m awake.

Avery: Oh good, I assumed you were going to channel your inner Sleeping Beauty.

Me: Beauty part is right.

Avery: Debatable…haha… so I guess this means you’re still coming tonight? Not blowing me off for all your many girlfriends that you really don’t have but claim to have because you’re a wannabe player?