"Have you killed her yet?"
"Nope."
"You want to though, don't you?"
"So badly."
"Stay calm, I'm on my way. I'm bringing food."
"You're the best."
"I know. See you soon."
Harvey hung up and I shove my phone back into my pocket and let out a sigh. We are doing last minute preparation for the carnival. Apparently, I missed the last two meetings of organising as Mia "forgot" to invite me.
I don't know if I should be angry or relieved, honestly. I got out of doing the job, but I am annoyed that she went out of her way to leave me out.
Tonight, the carnival is going live and everyone is running around, as if the world is coming to an end. I decided that physically helping set up the tents with the guys, is better than putting up with Mia's whiny, nasally voice barking orders.
"Hey Grace, could you help with this?" Zach, one of our sub swimmers, called out.
I jog over and squat, before lifting up the tent pole. As a group, we angled it upwards so that the poles could be dug into the ground. They were heavier than I thought they were going to be.
After we managed to get each tent pole successfully into the ground, I stepped back and wiped my brow with the back of my hand. I was in need of some water and a decent feed. Harvey couldn't come fast enough.
"You're coming tonight, right?" Ryan asked me as he strolled over to where I am standing.
It is much more relaxed, when Mia the Monster isn't around. I felt like I was a part of the guys. Maybe, even a part of the Elite group. Clearly, they weren't the problem.
"Of course," I replied.
Obviously I am going... I wouldn't spend all this time helping and not come see my work once the carnival is live, not that Mia had let me do much of the organising.
Ryan is one of the Elite members, however, not a swimmer. He is tall, cute and clearly a flirt. Any time he passed me at school he sent a wink or a smirk in my direction.
"I should rephrase that," he amended, a smirk dancing around his lips. "You're coming to the carnival, with me, right?"
"With you?"
"With me," he repeated.
"I'm going with Harvey," I explained, biting my lip to stop myself smiling.
He was trying to be smooth but instead of being caught under his spell, I found it funny.
"Ditch him," he shrugged.
"Thanks for the offer, but I have to pass," I said to him, folding my arms across my chest.
"Okay," he said, taking a step toward me. "At least save me a ride on the Ferris Wheel? I have a present for you, at the top."
"Oh, I wonder what that could be," I replied sarcastically, tapping my chin with my index finger.
"It will be worth the $3, trust me," he smirked, before winking at me.
He strolled from me, before bumping shoulders with Mike. I stare after him, shaking my head. That boy is such a player. If I didn't have so much boy drama going on, I would definitely be interested.
"Give it a rest," Leisel laughed at Ryan, before sending me a wave.
She and Claire had been by Mia's side all day, so I hardly got to see Leisel at all. Mia said something to her, before stomping off. Leisel rolled her eyes and shrugged, before following her. I noticed the lingered stare she gave Ryan. I let out a sigh, choosing to not get myself involved.
"What a sleaze," Hayden muttered as he walked past me, causing me to jump slightly. I hadn't even heard him.
"I agree."
"Good," he said, glancing over his shoulder at me.
I smirked at him, planting my hand on my hip. "Jealous much?"
"In your dreams," he miffed, turning his back to me.
"Yeah sure," I said back, loud enough for him to hear.
I didn't miss the glare he sent me, before he strode away.
"I arrive bearing snacks," Harvey informed me, appearing at my side.
My stomach growled with anger as I smelled the waft of McDonald's fries, before even seeing the bag. My mouth began to water.
"Oh my God," I groaned, thrusting my hand into the bag and grabbing a handful of fries. "It has been so long since I've had McDonalds."
"I know, you're such a weirdo with being fit and eating healthy. You're missing out on the good stuff."
"Let's go sit down, I don't want Ash-" I paused, before clearing my throat. "The Coach to see me eating this. He'll make me do thirty pushups."
Harvey made a face. "Thirty? I couldn't even do one."
"Oh! We forgot to go running together. Let's start," I grinned, before plopping down onto the closest table.
"Um, I couldn't think of anything worse than getting up and going for a run," Harvey confessed. "I would rather go have a game of golf with Hayden, then go for a run."
"Oh wow," I commented with a laugh. "Should I let Hayden know?"
"Don't," he grimaced, pulling his cheese burger out.
"He's not that bad," I found myself saying. "Not as bad as he seems, anyway."
"Yes he is. He, like, rules the Elite. He's the worst."
"Mike is far worse than him and you know it." I pointed out, suddenly feeling a little annoyed that Harvey felt that way about Hayden.
I pause. Why am I defending Hayden? Why did I even care what Harvey thought of him?
"I don't care if you think he's some sexy swim God or whatever, I still don't like him."
"Sexy swim God?" I questioned with a laugh. "You think he's sexy?"
Harvey's cheeks burned bright red. "Well... He's the kind of guy girls like, isn't he?"
"Is there anything you need to tell me Harvey?" I asked, before opening the cardboard box containing the chicken nuggets. "We're best friends, you can tell me anything."
"No Grace, I'm not gay."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes!" he snapped, his cheeks glowing. "I'm not and I will never be. Forget I said anything."
"I'm only kidding," I teased, sending a light punch to his shoulder.
He let out a huff and muttered something incoherent under his breath.
The Elite group clustered together and began to walk in a pack. I wanted to roll my eyes. Ryan veered to the left, walking past where Harvey and I were sitting. He trailed his fingers on the table surface, his eyes latching onto mine.
"Think about my offer," he said, confidence and arrogance rolling off him in waves. "There's also a kissing booth set up, if that's more your thing."
"I'm trying to eat, don't make me vomit," I replied sweetly, shooting him a fake smile.
He smirked. "I love it when you talk dirty."
"Ryan!" Mia snapped. "Hurry up."
"Better go, your guard dog is barking." I said to him.
He gave me a boyish grin, before loping to catch up with the others. I couldn't help notice that Hayden dropped back in the group. I would bet the six pack of chicken nuggets in front of me, he is eavesdropping.
"Ew," Harvey said, scrunching up his face. "Why is he drooling over you?"
"Because he's a player and I'm obviously the next target on his list," I said breezily. "Don't worry, I won't fall for his charm."
"Everyone is in love with you, I swear," he muttered, looking down at the table.
My stomach clenched as I understood what he meant. He had included himself in that statement. I squeezed my eyes shut as I thought back to that horrible conversation we had, after he had stayed the night at my house.
"How could they not be?" I asked lightly, trying not to let his comment make things awkward. "I'm a total catch."
"You are," he agreed, finally dragging his eyes from the table and meeting mine.
I swallowed uneasily and took a drink of my water. Okay, it is definitely awkward, now.
I stand abruptly and begin to wipe my hands on my pants.
"Come on," I said to him as I begin to pack up the empty food packaging in front of me. "We have a carnival to get organised for."
***
"Are you serious?"
"What?"
"Is this really the options you brought?"
"What's wrong with them?"
I let out a groan as I stare at the mismatched clothing items laid before me. I shook my head, staring sadly at Harvey.
"You really need to go shopping."
"I need help, don't I?" he sighed, hanging his head.
"You do. Let's go tomorrow." I decided, planting my hands on my hips.
"I have plans to play the Xbox all day tomorrow, how about Sunday?" he asked.
"I'm going to pretend you didn't say that. Besides, shops close early on Sunday's so it has to be tomorrow."
"Really?"
"Gosh, who educated you?" I exclaimed, slightly exasperated.
He shrugged in response.
"Clearly no one," I muttered.
I stare at the clothes before me. I decide on a brown coloured shirt and black shorts. They are the only two options that matched. I throw them at him.
He let out a huff, before he stomped towards the bathroom. I went over to my floor-length mirror and stare at my reflection. I am wearing high-waist denim shorts and a three-quarter length black t-shirt. I matched the outfit with a pair of black sandals, my hair cascading down my shoulders in natural waves.
Harvey emerged, looking semi-decent.
"Ready?" I asked him as I grab my phone and wallet.
"Yup."
I follow him out to his car and slide into the passenger seat. I am getting used to being in the car with him. It didn't feel so terrifying, now.
I watch as the lights of the carnival become bigger and brighter, the closer we get. After paying the entry fee, we make our way straight to the candy floss machine. I order a pink one, whereas Harvey ordered blue.
I bit into the floss and grinned as the flavour catapulted my mind back to a time when my father and I ate so much of it, we made ourselves sick.
"What are you smiling about?" Harvey questioned as we made our way towards the other stands.
"Oh nothing," I said distractedly, not wanting to bring up a sad topic and ruin the mood.
We continue walking by the stands and I let my eyes roam. As much as I hate to pay any compliments to Mia, the carnival does look pretty good and has drawn quite a large crowd. Hopefully, the carnival raises a significant amount of funds, for the Cancer Fundraiser.
We walk by a stand where there is a wall covered in balloons. I grab Harvey's arm and reef him back.
"I'll verse you," I smirked.
Harvey glanced at the balloons, before meeting my eyes. "I'm no good at sports."
"The fact that you consider this sport, hurts me." I admitted.
"I'll verse you," a new voice interrupted. I glance back and saw Hayden stroll towards me. My eyes dipped over him instantly. He is dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a pale, V neck, blue t-shirt. The colour looked really good on him. "If you're game."
"If I'm game?" I smirked. "Please."
Harvey took my candy floss from me and stepped back. I slapped three dollars into the Carnie's hand, before pegging it at the balloon. It popped, the sound ringing in my ears. I repeated to throw the dart, another two times, successfully hitting two more balloons.
"Score: 25," the Carnie announced, looking bored out of his brain. He leaned back against the pole beside him, chewing his gum.
"25," Hayden said, brushing past me. "Too easy."
"Uh huh," I replied, rolling my eyes.
He squared his shoulders and aimed. He hit three balloons effortlessly.
The Carnie pushed himself from the pole and slowly walked over to the tickets, where the balloons were sitting. He checked them one by one, before walking back over.
"No need to be dramatic," I said to him. "Just tell us who won."
"You tied," he shrugged. "Ya'll can pick from either this section," he twanged, vaguely gesturing to a pile of stuffed animals to his left. "Or this one." He pointed to where a variety of bubble blowers sat and a rainbow wig.
Hayden and I exchanged a glance. Of course we tied.
"I don't want anything," he said to me with a one-shoulder shrug. He turned to the Carnie. "Can she combine our points and get something better?"
"I guess," he replied, pointing to a section above his head.
Hayden pushed around the Carnie and grabbed a dolphin. It isn't massive, but it is much larger than the other stuffed toys that I got to choose from before. I grinned as he passed it to me.
"Aw, thanks," I beamed.
"Don't say I never gave you anything," he said with a smirk.
"Does that exclude headaches?"
"Funny."
He gave me the lope-sided smile, before joining up with some of his other mates. That was really sweet and unexpected of him.
Were we becoming friends now?
"What the hell was that?" Harvey demanded, his face mirroring annoyance.
I turn and saw that not only had he finished his candy floss, but he'd finished mine too.
"Hey!" I exclaimed. "You ate my floss!"
"Hayden stole my go," he justified with a huff. "And you let him!"
"You said you don't do sports," I snorted.
"I still would have done it!"
"Why didn't you jump in and stop him, then?"
"He was flirting with you!" he grumbled.
"He was not! Are you jealous, or something?"
He cheeks burned bright red. "N-no! I just... I'm going to put these sticks in the bin."
He hurried away from me and I stared after him, shocked.
"High school drama," the Carnie drawled, his lips twisting into a wry smile. "So entertaining."
I sent him a glare, before stomping after Harvey.
"Harvey-"
"I'm going to the bathroom," he said, before rushing away from me.
I let out an annoyed groan.
"What's up, Buttercup?" a voice asked, before an arm was slung around my shoulder.
I glance up to Ryan, who is grinning down at me. I shrug his arm off of me and step back, as Hayden and David joined him. I haven't spoken to David much since we danced and shared a sloppy, drunk kiss, at the costume party, which was actually the first party I had attended after joining the Elite school. I tighten my hold on the dolphin and press it to my chest.
Why were there so many boys surrounding me, right now? I need Leisel.
"Nothing," I replied. "What are you guys doing?"
"Waiting for you to come take your turn at the kissing booth," Ryan smirked, his eyes intently staring into mine. "My shift is about to start."
I glance at Hayden, who's face darkened. I stare at him in surprise. First Harvey was jealous of Hayden, and now Hayden appears to be jealous of Ryan? God help me, these boys were doing my head in.
"I'm flattered," I said sarcastically. "But no thanks."
David laughed and turned into a cough, once Ryan shot him a glare.
"You sure? I don't think you mean it."
"Oh, but I do," I said with a nod. "I have to pee."
"Good to know," Hayden replied bluntly.
I rolled my eyes. "I'll see you guys later."
I walked from them and went over to the cubicles, feeling like I can breathe again. I can't see Harvey anywhere. I sigh in annoyance as the lineup for the ladies is so long, that people were lining up outside the door.
I turn, noticing the gym light is on. Considering the carnival is held on the Byron Elite's oval, the gym isn't very far away. Deciding that since I am alone anyway, I might be able to sneak into the locker room and use the facilities there.
I reach the gym and stick my head in. I can't see anyone else. I slip through the door and jog into the locker room. As I emerge from the cubicle, I wash my hands and make my way back out.
Sitting heavily on the bench, with my dolphin beside me, I begin to tighten the strap of my sandal. I heard footsteps ascend toward me. Dragging my eyes from my shoe, I stare up at Ashton.
"Coach Brennon," I greeted, before rising to my feet.
"Miss Connaway," he said back, his tone much huskier and deeper than mine.
I brush past him and begin to walk out, when his fingers wrap around my wrist. Effortlessly, he tugged me back to him. He rested his hands on my waist and stared down at me.
"Hi."
"Nope," I said, stepping back. "I'm not doing this."
"What's stopping you?" he asked.
"Don't," I warned, stepping back again. "I'm over you."
"No. You're not."
"I am." I turned my back to him and I felt him move closer. The hairs on the back of my neck bristled.
His hot breath fanned the back of my neck.
"Ashton," I whispered, my voice sounding slightly hoarse.
He pressed his lips to the base of my neck and my eyes fluttered closed.
He began to kiss up my neck. His tongue snaked out and began to rub against the sensitive part of skin, behind my ear. I lean back into him, involuntarily. His arms snake around my waist.
"See?" he whispered, causing a shiver to roll down my spine. "You want this, too."
"We can't do this," I said, my voice sounding thick.
He turned me and gently pressed his lips to mine. Shock coursed through my body. I wasn't use to this soft, gentle side to him. I was used to being slammed against the wall, his lips hungrily possessing mine.
He stepped back, before wrapping his arms around me. I felt myself relax against him as I hugged him back.
Maybe there was a side to Ashton, I haven't got the chance to meet yet.
"Grace," he said quietly. "I want you."
"I know."
"Let me have you," he whispered, his grip tightening. "I can't stand it anymore."
"You don't get it," I said softly back, detangling myself, the hope inside me beginning to dim. "You're not saying the things I want to hear."
"What do you want to hear?" he questioned, his eyes dark and lustful.
"I want you to say you want to date me." I stepped back as he tried to hold my hand. "You don't want that. You just want my body."
"Can't we compromise?"
I shook my head. "We want different things."
"We both want each other," he pointed out. "That's all that matters."
"No," I said softly, before turning from him. "That's not all that matters."
I walk away from him and the entire time in my head, I am telling myself that was it.
That was our last kiss.
Once I was outside, I inhale a lungful of the fresh, night air, hugging my dolphin to me tightly. My body is trembling. I walk from the doorway and lean against the brick wall, rubbing my face wearily.
That can't happen again.