Alexander was another pile of problems. He wanted to dance and drink and go to the back rooms. Avoiding him was a full time job. I obliged a few dances and drinks to make nice but he was always asking for more and more. There was only so long I could go before something major happened.

And Brent wasn’t there at any of them. My only protection was James or someone else assigned to me. Could they even prevent some things that may happen to me?

I distracted myself with schoolwork, studying my own company, and staring into the abyss while trying not to throw up daily from the anxiety. The unknown text I got remained unanswered.

“He’s not my boyfriend. Are you feeling better after the news?” The news of Shane. She never really addressed it when the news came out, but that was yet another secret we kept from each other.

She plopped down with a cup of coffee and kicked her feet up. “It doesn’t feel real yet, you know? I tried to come to terms with it this week, but I couldn’t get myself to do it. We spent a lot of time together and I liked him, but he had secrets of his own.”

The secret iceberg struck again.

“It’ll be weird dating someone again I bet.”

She shifted in her seat. “Yeah, it will.” She wasn’t able to keep her full composure this time.

The lights were bright against the faded sky. Everyone was excited to see the Sharks take home another victory, sealing us with a win streak to party about until summertime. Crowds formed around the players as they made their way out for their warmups.

And there was Brent Vaughn, dark star of the baseball team, eating up all the attention. It felt like a repeat of the last time I saw him garner the attention from the girls, but everyone wanted a handshake or a high five from him to bring home the win they knew he could secure with the team.

He searched across the sea of people before him looking for something—or someone. I wanted to say that he was looking for Sloane, but I didn’t think it that likely. He was looking for me because I haven’t reached out since I kicked him out of my house after sex. When I asked for space, I didn’t think he would be the type to give it.

I caught sight of Sloane sauntering out there to see him. She wanted me to see her parading him around like he was a prize. Just an object for her to use in whatever manner she desired. Leaning into him, she planted a kiss on his cheek and whispered something in his ear. A gross feeling settled into the bottom of my stomach watching the two.