Chapter Twenty-Four

He kicked her out. Though, Grey lingered behind the door to listen. Damn thick doors made it hard to hear.

“We don’t have anything to talk about.” West grounded out.

Connor chuckled, “Obviously I’m not here to get details of your latest fling.”

“Don’t talk about Grey.”

The protection in his voice made her heart start to race. That could have also been from the fear of someone catching her.

“I’m here to talk about Harley.” Connor said.

“I don’t want to talk about her either.”

“Don’t you give a damn about her being dead?”Silence. Grey could bet he shrugged. Grey leaned closer. Connor was one of the potential fathers of Harley’s baby.

“Did you know Harley was pregnant West?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Are you playing dumb or are you really clueless?” Connor spat.

“Why does it matter anyway?”“That child could have been mine!” He blasted.

“So, you’re here to tell me you were fucking my girlfriend behind my back?”

Connor growled, his fist slammed against the table. Grey flinched.

“Everyone knows how upset you were when you found out she was cheating. What did you do to her? Did you wait for her to give birth then kill her?”

“I have nothing to do with Harley and her child. Get the fuck out of my office. You’ve already ruined my morning.”

“She isn’t going to want you after she finds out what you did to Harley.”

“I never touched her!” West snapped.

Grey backed away. That was enough of that conversation. Grey forced herself away, looking back, hoping to hear more. What? A confession? Was her boyfriend a killer. Grey wrapped her hands around herself, staring at the ground. West’s attitude scared her the most. He didn’t show an ounce of emotion, not a drop of concern.

“Oh Grey.”

Grey hadn’t realized she’d run into Porsha. They hadn’t spoken since she moved out and completely trashed her room.

“Porsha… what are you—”

She was different. Short leather skirt, see through black top, showcasing a hot pink bra. Her usually ruler straighter hair had curled into huge coils. The heavy makeup was new for someone who only wore black lipstick. Porsha batted her faux lashes at Grey.

“Where have you been? You left without saying anything.”

“With Becca. I moved on to better things.” She plumped her hair.

Grey frowned. “Geez, I thought we were friends.”

Porsha rolled her eyes. “Well you can be. You’re not stuck up and fake like the others. You’re different.” The sinister smile Porsha gave out made Grey swallow the lump forming in her throat.

Different or a really good liar?

“There’s a party at Charlie’s house you should come.”

“Who’s that?”

“Someone not from here. Party’s next week.”

Porsha strutted off, leaving Grey wondering who the hell that was and what happened to Porsha.

***

Grey was done for the day. She wasn’t ready to speak to West just yet. She would need answers soon and getting them was going to be a mission. She was out in the parking lot trying to leave the school when Brandon grabbed Grey and slammed her against a black SUV.

“What the hell?” Grey yelled.

“You ran your mouth didn’t you Grey?” He barked.

“What? I didn’t tell anyone.” Expect Ela, she thought. She knew Ela didn’t tell anyone either.

Brandon had a bump under his eye that would be purple come tomorrow.

“I warned you.”

“Maybe someone else caught you and your risky escapades.” Grey spat.

Brandon growled, but big hands grabbed his shoulders and hurled him to another car.

“Stay out of this Sky.” Brandon barked.

“You want another shiner? Get lost.”

Brandon stood his ground. They locked eyes. Grey tiptoed over to Sky and gripped his arm.

“Please don’t.” She whispered.

“This isn’t over.” Sky said.

“You bet.”

Sky guided Grey away from Brandon and to his car.

“You okay?”

“Yeah… I’m just tired.” All the fear and anxiety landed on her and her temper boiled over.

She yanked free from Sky’s hold.

“What did he say to you?” Sky demanded.

“Forget it.” She stalked away.

“Come on Grey. He’s a dick.”

Grey marched off. She’d had with all the guys in this school for one damn day.

***

The lake was off limits no more. She had taken the road up there to clear her head. She wondered if West knew it was safe to come back. She came here not to think about him, but there he was invading her mind.

She called the only other person she could think about. Mom.

“I thought it would be weeks before I next heard from you.”

“Mom, can we not do this?” Grey slipped her shoes off.

A swim felt very enticing.

“What? Trouble with your man? You are in a relationship, aren’t you Greyson?”Grey cringed. “You say it as if it’s a bad thing.”

“I-I guess it’s not. I was worried the guys would be snobby to.”

“Too snobbish to date the poor girl. Thanks mom.”

“You’re not poor Grey. Sorry baby. I didn’t mean it like that. Grey honey did he give you the money you sent. Greyson I will not have you—”

“No, no. Mom I told you I found a job. I kept some, but the scholarship takes care of most of my needs. I thought I could take care of yours.”

“What job?” Mom asked almost in a whisper.

“A lecturer’s teaching assistant.”

“Oh that’s not so bad. So what’s got you so bummed? Men?” She snickered

Grey sighed. Men was right, though there was more to it. It was this place.

“I don’t know. I feel home sick I guess. Mom, I don’t belong here. Not with these people and all their money and power. It isn’t me.”

“Oh baby, you’re stronger than you think. Just two years. You have no idea how vital that degree is.”

“I know. Not planning on dropping out. Scholarships don’t just fall out of the sky.”

“That’s my girl. Now I’ve got to go. Love you.”

“Love you mom.” Grey hung up and stared at the shimmering lake.

She was about to strip her to jacket and top off when she heard shuffling behind her. Her heart slammed forward.

“Ela.” She gasped. “What are you doing here?”Ela stared at Grey with confused big eyes.

“I don’t get it. What Scholarship? What did you mean by these people?”