Free Ten Year Crush by Toshia Slade Page A

bile rising up my throat and climb back in my truck. Closing myself in, laying my head on my steering wheel. What the fuck is wrong with me?
    I need a shower and my bed. Digging my phone out, I call Josh, hoping he’ll come pick me up. I’ve been drinking since seven, no driving tonight.
    “Yeah?” Josh’s clipped voice comes through the phone.
    “Can you come pick me up? I need a ride home.” I run my hands through my hair.
    “What the fuck, Cam? We just talked about this! You can’t keep getting shitty fucking drunk and fucking everything that spreads their damn legs! I’m sick of this shit!”
    “What the fuck does it matter?” I yell into the phone. I’m sick of the daddy-fucking act Josh has been pulling and with the night I just had, I’m not dealing with this bullshit tonight.
    “Because I know you’re trying to drink and fuck my sister out of your head. You did this, Cam. YOU! Grow the fuck up.” The phone beeps off, asshole hung up on me.
    Well, I guess he won’t be coming to get me. Sighing, I pull up the number for a taxi service to take my drunk ass home.

Chapter Eight
    *Gabby*
     
    Rushing into the bathroom and into a stall, I flop down on the toilet and bury my head in my hands, letting out a sob. Why do I continue to let him get to me? Oh no, Brandon. I just cheated on my boyfriend! Guilt consumes my whole body. What am I going to tell him? I just won’t tell him. If it doesn’t happen again I’ll be fine.
    I wipe my face and run my fingers over my lips. I’ve never felt that way from just a kiss; the electricity that was buzzing through my body was so foreign, but felt so right at the same time. No, not right, wrong. Very, very wrong. You’re with Brandon, remember? Your BOYFRIEND!
    Shaking all thoughts of Cam out, I use the restroom and head out to get myself pulled back together. Once all evidence of my tears are cleaned away, I leave the bathroom, on my search to find Brandon, and get out of here.
    Coming out, I see Brandon heading towards our table. I hurry and catch up to him. “Hey, there you are.” I slip my arm through his. “I’m tired and not really feeling the best, so I’m going to head home. Are you ready to go or do you want to hang out longer?”
    Brandon pulls me into his arms and pecks me on the lips. “No, I’ll take you home. Are you okay?” He tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear.
    “I’m fine. I think it’s just from being tired. I’m sure after a night’s rest I’ll be fine.” He must have been drinking a lot more than I thought. His pupils are pin drops and his eyes are glassy.
    “Alright, let’s get you home.” He wraps his arm around my waist and leads me out the door, into the cool, early October night air.
    “Are you sure you’re okay to drive?” I’ll find another way home if he’s drunk or even buzzed.
    “Yeah, I only had two beers.”
    “Why are your eyes funny-looking then?”
    “I’m just worn out, babe. I promise, I’m fine to drive us.” He opens my door and helps me in.
    Once in the car, I turn in my seat to face Brandon. I still want to know what was going on with him tonight and why he kept disappearing on me. “Where did you keep going tonight? I felt like you were gone more than you were with me.”
    “The beer was running through me and I’d have to piss, then I’d run into someone I knew and get held up. I’m sorry.” He grabs my hand and squeezes it reassuringly.
    We fall into an uncomfortable silence. I feel like he’s hiding something from me, but the guilt of the kiss with Cam keeps my mouth closed. What if he’s cheating on me? Does he have another girlfriend or are there girls ? I hate that he’s keeping something from me, but I’m doing the same. Maybe if I just forget about tonight completely everything will go back to the way it was.
    Not long after leaving the bar, we’re pulling up in front of my house. I climb out, not waiting for Brandon, and make my way to the front door. After unlocking the