Chapter 11 Fearful
Gracie
As soon as I got home, I made sure to do everything that needed to be done, including cooking my dad’s dinner. I wanted to make sure I didn’t forget anything. I don’t want to set him off. He hasn’t bothered me since I got home, thankfully. It has given me time to do everything before I need to get ready to go out. I don’t want to go tonight, not really, but it was hard to say no to both. It will get me out of this house, away from my dad for a bit.
I don’t plan on dressing up. I slip into a pair of shorts, an oversized hoodie, and my Converse. I pull my hair into a high ponytail and add a little mascara and lip gloss. I grab my bag and head out.
“Where the fuck do you think you are going?” Dad hisses, coming into view.
“I am going to meet Lola.”
“What, dressed like a little slut? You better not be going to meet some boy,” he hisses.
“No, of course not.”
It is a lie. I am meeting Ryland first. I text him to meet me further down the street. Anger takes over my dad’s face because u answered him back. I never meant it to sound cheeky. He storms towards me, his face red and his fists clenched at his sides. I freeze, not knowing what to expect. He grabs the scruff of my hoodie and glares at me. I stay silent. If I say anything, even one word, it will only make him worse.
“You better not be because I swear, Gracie, if you end up pregnant, you are out of here. I wouldn’t care a single fuck about you or it being out in the street because it would be your own fault for acting like a slut.”
“I won’t. I promise.” My words are shaky.
“Get the fuck out of my sight. I am sick of seeing you,” he hisses, letting me go and storms off.
The second he is out of earshot, I let out a whimper and rush out of the house. I wipe my tears away because I don’t want Ryland to pick up that I have been crying. He already senses something is wrong with me. I won’t let him know that, though. It isn’t worth the trouble that will follow if my father finds out that I have told someone. I hop into my car and drive a little down the street to wait for Ryland. He should be here soon. I take the time to pull myself together. I slap on my best smile, and just right on time, because my car door opens and Ryland climbs in. He looks good in his dark jeans and hoodie. It is casual but suits him. He always looks good.
“Hey.” I greet brightly.
“Hello, Miss Gracie. Are you ashamed to be seen with me? Is that why you told me to meet you down the street?” he laughs.
“Of course not. My dad is a little overprotective. If he saw I was meeting you, he wouldn’t like that.” I lie.
My dad is overprotective, never. He is the opposite—something else Ryland doesn’t need to know.
“Excuses, excuses,” he teases.
I laugh and stick my tongue out at him. I refuse to let my day ruin my night. I want to go out and try to enjoy myself. I change the subject from me to him, asking what he has been up to for the last few hours. If we are talking about him, then the attention won’t be on me. He happily chats away. He talks so much, but right now I am grateful for it.
We arrive outside of Lola’s place. She stays ten minutes from mine. I toot the horn, letting her know we are here—my way of telling her to move her ass. The girl is always running late. I am surprised when I see her come out after the first horn. She is a little more dressed up than I am. She has shorts on too, but they are shorter than mine, they barely cover her ass. She has a crop top on. No hoodie, no jumper, no jacket. She will be freezing. I love her confidence and how she happily embraces her body. I wish I were more like her. She is gorgeous, and when I say gorgeous, I mean so gorgeous that she could be a model if she wants—one who walks New York fashion week.
Ryland’s eyes fall on her. “Damn!”
Lola is always the centre of attention, especially with guys.
“I know, right? She is so beautiful.”
Ryland’s attention falls on me, smiling. “Yes, she is. You are too.”
I stop from laughing. I look like a homeless person next to Lola. I roll my eyes. “Yes, sure I am.” Sarcasm drips from every word.
Ryland doesn’t get a chance to say anything because Lola climbs into the car.
“Hello, bitches.” She giggles.
“Right back at you.” I chuckle.
Ryland raises his brow at her, laughing. “Did you just call me a bitch?”
Lola nods and flashes her best smile at him. All is forgiven. That smile has helped her get out of many situations and get what she wants. She knows how to use it.