When To Let Go (16 page)

“Yes,” Xavier hissed triumphantly under his breath.

Wesley followed his gaze.

His sisters were entering the gym, talking quietly to each other as though they were the only two people around, something they had done their whole lives without realizing it.

“They always come for warmups before the game,” Wes pointed out. It was tradition that went as far back as his very first game. They were his good-luck charms.

“Yeah, but Mags wasn't going to come this year. I let her know how important it was to me,” Xavier smugly explained.

Wes was surprised that she hadn’t planned on coming and never let him know.

He was hit with a longing for Ava, one that was a constant vibration, but now it was humming so loud he couldn't ignore it. Wesley wanted her here.

When she was in middle school she didn't have a way to get here in time, but now she did. He cursed himself for not telling her to come. She would have if he had asked, arriving before him and greeting him from the middle bleachers with her shy smile that had her eyes shining when they landed on him. He would have flashed her the smile he knew always made her blush and duck her head down, tucking back a strand of fallen hair, trying to conceal a wider smile. It was something she had done from the first moment she noticed he stared at her longer than others, longer than most kids knew to even stare, but he knew. He knew the very moment he saw her that she was his.

He cursed under his breath, pissed at himself, wishing she had a cell phone so he could tell her to come early. She also didn't have a car and would still have to wait for when the parents came.

Wes finished up his stretches as X yelled for the group to start pregame drills.

“Damn, Baxter is one lucky bastard,” a player said low, only intending for the guy next to him to hear.

Wes knew exactly what they were talking about, feeling her presence.

Turning around, he watched Ava, with her chin tucked in, heading to the bleachers.

She had come without him asking her to.

His lips stretched out in a smile that hurt his cheeks.

As though sensing it, her head lifted. She smiled back at him with one just as large.

It made his stomach dip and his heart thump from her beauty.

They both remained rooted in place, staring, smiles never leaving their faces until Maggie shouted for her to join them.

He watched Ava take the stairs, praying her dress would go up a little more and give him a better view.

She dropped something as she was sitting down and had to bend over, her cleavage almost dumping out.

Well, not almost (it was Ava), but it was the closest he had ever seen it.

His groin tightened from hardly touching her since homecoming, too afraid he would let things progress faster than she was ready for. He could hardly manage kissing her these days without getting aroused to the max.

A ball purposely hit the back of his head, Xavier yelling at him to focus and quit eye-fucking his girlfriend.

Ava turned a bright red. Maggie and Violet laughed.

Wes tried not to laugh, not wanting to embarrass her further.

When he turned back around to his team members, most of them were also watching Ava. His happiness evaporated. No doubt he wasn't the only one who had been admiring his girl. He stared every one of them down until they adverted their eyes and mumbled an apology.

Luckily it didn't take long for him to get absorbed in practice, ready for the game. Years of practice having Ava in the crowd had made him learn how to tune everybody out and stay focused, or else knowing she was there would make him too distracted.

Coach called them into the locker room for his pregame pep talk.

He loved the adrenaline that hit him, one of his main reasons for playing.

The crowd sat back down after the Pledge of Allegiance and Amazing Grace had been sung.

Anticipation for the game to start had Ava squirming in her seat. She was so proud of Xavier and Wesley. The crowd had cheered when they appeared on court earlier, everyone going wild, clapping and whooping. Even Mr. Baxter let one out.

He usually remained still, hands fisted on his lap, only clapping on occasion. Mrs. Baxter had said he was a nervous wreck for these games. It was hard to tell by looking at him; he always looked pissed to be there.

Mrs. Baxter took Ava's hand in hers like she always did during games, both of them getting nervous while watching, finding comfort in each other.

Xavier’s mom sat next to Mrs. Baxter, her youngest child, Brice, next to her with a friend. Her oldest son was already away at college. Their husbands sat behind them. Maggie and Violet were in front, preferring it that way, making it easier to chat.

Dakota entered the gym, scanning it. Ava waved and her friend made her way to her, taking the seat she had saved next to her.

Dakota's eyes were on Mr. Baxter, whispering so low in Ava's ear she almost didn't hear her, “Who is
that
?”

She knew without looking who she was referring to; her look of horror was all she needed to see.

“Mr. Baxter, Wes's dad,” she whispered back.

“No shit,” she said with disbelief. “He's giving me the heebie-jeebies.”

It was obvious from the fact that no one sat next to Mr. Baxter or behind him that others felt the same. It never seemed to bother him. Ava had a feeling he was happy everyone kept their distance.

Ryder should start standing next to him in crowds, that way he wouldn't have to worry about people getting too close. She made a mental note – it wasn’t the worst idea she’d ever had.

Before she could answer, Mrs. Baxter leaned forward, introducing herself, “You must be the friend Ava was talking about. I'm Lily, the triplet’s mom.”

Dakota brought out her dazzling smile, extending a hand, “I'm so excited to meet you. I'm Dakota.”

The players took position.

“Will you switch with me?” Dakota asked, “I want to talk to Lily more.”

Ava slid over when Dakota got up to take her place next to Wesley's mom. She tried not being disappointed.

During the game she couldn't hear the things Dakota said to Mrs. Baxter from the roar of the crowd. Whatever it was sure had them laughing a lot.

Whenever Xavier made a shot he pointed at Maggie, letting her know that one was for her.

“That is too freaking cute,” Dakota gushed. “How come Wes doesn't do that for you when he makes one?”

“He never looks at us during a game,” she explained, never bothered by it as he had explained why years ago.

Not only was it a blast to watch the way Xavier and Wes dominated the court, they were also crowd pleasers, having moves they performed every time they helped each other score. They always had the crowd laughing or whistling cat calls. Whenever one of them slam-dunked, the crowd cheered so wildly and loud it left ears ringing long after the game ended.

The two of them knew that although they were excellent players, they earned most of their popularity through their routines and playing off one another. It was what got them noticed above their actual talent on the court. They used it as a way to hopefully get college scouts to notice them, and so far it was working. It sounded like Xavier was going to have his pick of University to attend as long as the season went well.

“Wow!” Dakota remarked, taking it all in. “I never would have thought watching a sport could be so much fun!”

Ava's heart swelled with pride.

Their team easily won and everyone rushed the court when the game was over to congratulate the team.

Xavier forced the crowd apart to make room for Maggie, lifting her up and swinging her around, declaring her the team’s good luck charm of the season, claiming that meant she wasn't allowed to miss any pregame warmups or games.

Maggie, just as caught up in all the excitement, agreed, wrapping her arms around his neck for a tight hug while he continued twirling her around.

Mr. Baxter, Violet, and Ava stood back from it all. Getting caught in large crowds wasn't something they enjoyed.

Wes stood above the crowd in height, his eyes roaming until they found Ava’s. He winked like he always did to her after a game, having told her in the past it was his way of letting her know he had noticed she was at the game even if he hadn’t acknowledged her. It was his way of thanking her, swearing he’d sucked at basketball before she came into his life. Ava didn't believe that was true, but she liked that he thought it was.

Cheerleaders were fawning all over the team, especially the two key players. Xavier ate it up, thriving on attention. Wes was always polite with them.

“Doesn’t that drive you crazy?” Dakota pointed to the way a girl was clinging to Wesley's arm, trying to get his attention.

Ava always focused on his face so she didn't have to see anything else.

“Of course,” she answered honestly.

Even though she always tried her hardest not to notice, she still did.

“I have an idea!” Dakota happily clapped her hands in excitement, “Come back to my house and I'll give you a makeover before the party! We'll make sure he never notices another girl again!”

Ava watched the way a cheerleader had gone on tiptoes, cupping her hand over her mouth and whispering in Wesley's ear. Whatever she said had him chuckling, making the girl pleased with herself as though she had won a victory.

Ava immediately agreed without really thinking about what Dakota might do. She was hoping it might get Wesley to start touching her again. Ever since the dance it was like he was avoiding it, and for someone as insecure as her, it made it worse.

The coach called the players back to the locker room for a postgame talk. That was around the time the crowd left, the students all jumping into their cars and heading to whoever’s house was having the postgame party.

Ava had never gone before, her moms always feeling she was too young for high school parties even though last year she should have been in high school. This year, however, she could go. She still wasn't sure if she wanted to, but Wes did. He couldn't wait for her to be able to finally come to them. The team always went to them together, so Ava had arranged to go with Dakota. She and Wes were going to meet up the second they arrived.

After saying goodbye to everyone, Dakota and Ava headed to her house to get ready.

Ava looked herself over in the full length mirror on Dakota’s door, not believing she was the girl staring back at her.

Dakota had gone all out, fluffing her hair and curling the ends. Because of all the product she'd used, Ava’s normally shiny hair had dulled, forcing Dakota to add a gloss.

Ava felt it made it look unnatural...which it was.

Her face was thick with concealer, foundation, smoky eyes, shimmery pink blush, bronzer, highlighter, and a nude lipstick that made her appear to have no lips, but Dakota had explained that it made her eyes more intense, which her abnormally blue eyes needed.

She wore a blue sequined form fitting top and a tight black skirt that barely covered her behind. She kept having to tug at the end, hoping to lengthen it. She would have to avoid sitting or bending over at all costs. Stairs too; that would be bad news.

Ava sighed, wondering if it had been a bad idea to let Dakota convince her to do this. It wasn't her, therefore she felt even more insecure.

She would have preferred going to the party with Maggie except she wasn’t going, claiming she had to practice her driving. She was getting out of control with the amount of time she spent on the track.

Violet claimed to be going, but Ava knew better. She’d be secretly hanging out with Parker.

Dakota came up next to her, posing beside her wearing a red lace skater dress, “We look hot!”

She took her two index fingers and brought them to the edges of Ava's mouth, “Smile. Boys like a girl who smiles, and since you don't know how to look sexy it's all you've got.”

Ava put on a halfhearted one before pouting and tugging on the end of her skirt again, “I’m not so sure about this. My ass is practically hanging out. Couldn't I just wear one of
my
dresses?”

Dakota grabbed her lip gloss, reapplying, “I thought the purpose of this was to keep your boyfriend. He's going to have the whole school wanting him tonight. Thanks to my makeover you’re a solid six, normally you're a three. Handfuls of girls will be tens. Do you know who they’ll be chasing?”

Wesley
, Ava thought at the same time Dakota answered, “Wesley, the star of the basketball team, and the hottest boy at school. I would be going after him myself, but I'm a loyal friend.”

Ava's stomach knotted, knowing she was right, “If I'm a six, how am I supposed to keep him from wanting the tens?”

Dakota shrugged as she opened her bedroom door to leave, “I'm not sure.” She wrapped her arm around Ava's shoulder, giving it a squeeze, “But that's why you're so lucky to have me. I'll help keep the other girls away. Don’t get angry if you see me flirting with him, okay? I'll only be doing it to help.”

Ava buckled into the seat of Dakota’s Prius, “How is flirting with him helping me?”

She shook her head, rolling her eyes as she started the car, “Oh Ava, you can be so clueless. I'm far prettier than most girls. My only real competition would be his sister. You know, the hot one? Violet?” She rambled, as though forgetting Ava had known the Baxters for over a decade. “Lucky for me, she has no interest in boys – most of us girls think she's a lesbian. Do you see the way she dresses? If I was that naturally beautiful...anyway, she's also his sister,” she pointed out, which really should have been her first and only reason for mentioning why she wasn’t a threat.

Ava hated how sometimes Dakota talked as though she was out to get Wesley for herself.

“So,” Dakota explained things further, “most won’t want to flirt with the same boy I appear to have my eyes on, and the ones who aren't intimidated by me will eventually leave him alone when he only seems to want to flirt back with me and not them. Then, of course, when the party’s coming to an end, I'll step aside and you can swoop in to be the loving girlfriend. Have you slept with him yet?”

Ava shook her head no, trying to work out how Dakota’s logic made any sort of sense.

“Well you better get on that. Guys like him won't wait forever. Too bad you weren't his first. Men are idiots about the first girl they fucked. I should know–”

Ava cut her off, “He's a virgin too.”

Dakota rolled her head back, letting out a laugh like people use when they’re dealing with a dimwitted person.

Ava looked out the window, suddenly wishing she was home.

“I can't believe you think he's a virgin,” she spat out. Ava didn't need to see her face to recognize when someone was patronizing her. “Sorry to break it to you, but there is no way a guy could be seventeen, hot, and deny that amount of women thrown at him. If you’re not giving it to him, he's seeking it elsewhere. Trust me, I know guys. The call for pussy is too strong. Jacking off only satisfies them for so long. Seventeen is too long for someone like him.”

Ava refused to believe it. She knew Wesley. She knew he would never lie to her. Right?

Ava's stomach hurt worse than ever.

Dakota patted Ava’s knee, letting sympathy convey on her face, “I'm not trying to hurt your feelings. I'm just being a good friend, and friends are honest with one another. I don't want to see you get hurt.”

They pulled in along the curb a few blocks from the party.

Ava tried to spot Wesley as they weaved their way through the party goers, continually tugging on her skirt to keep it from riding up.

Oddly, they hadn't spotted a single player. Maybe they hadn't arrived yet? That seemed strange, since Dakota and Ava had taken
forever
getting ready.

Dakota stopped to ask a group if they knew where the team was.

“The players are already in the basement,” a half-drunk guy informed them.

Ava knew from past stories that whoever was having the party always reserved a part of the house for the players and who they allowed in. It usually held the hard liquor.

They found their way to the basement. One of the JV players was standing guard, holding up a hand for them to stop.

He looked at Ava when he spoke, “Freshmen aren't allowed.”

Dakota gave her an apologetic smile, “I'll go down there and let him know you're here. 'Kay?”

Ava nodded even though she really didn't want to be left alone.

Giggles and laughter carried up the stairs when the JV player opened the door for Dakota to pass, claiming that she should be lucky to go down, he could only allow the “hot ones.”

“I'll be quick,” Dakota promised before disappearing.

A half-hour passed while she lamely leaned against the wall a short distance from the door.

Ava spotted a couch hidden behind a group of dancers and decided to rest.

She found it to be the perfect spot to still see the door.

After awhile she wondered what she was even doing there. Alone. Waiting for a guy.

Sitting at home watching a movie seemed less depressing for a teenage girl to do on a Friday night.

Unfortunately, her ride was downstairs where she wasn’t allowed. Just her luck.

Erick plopped down next to her, “I almost didn't recognize you with that getup.”

Ava looked down at herself and sighed, “Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking.”

“Don't take this the wrong way, but that makeup looks terrible on you. It's like the person who did it wanted you to look ugly. Not that you do,” he quickly added.

Ava didn't take offense, “That's what I thought. I feel like an extra in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Erick chuckled, “It's not
that
bad.”

She watched her fingers fiddle with the hem of her skirt, letting out a laugh for how ridiculous she looked, “I think it might be worse than bad.”

He nudged her, “Hey, if it makes you feel any better, there's no way you could be anything shy of gorgeous.”

She blushed, despite knowing he was just trying to make her feel better.

They spent what felt like close to an hour chatting, always having a lot in common to talk about.

A shadow passed over them and they both looked up to find Wesley glaring down at them.

“Hi,” Ava nervously let out.

“Hey, can we talk?” His eyes darted to Erick, “In private?”

She nodded and started to make her way up. Wesley extended a hand out to help her.

Ava had to hurry to pull down her skirt, not wanting to flash Erick from behind.

She waved a goodbye over her shoulder and told Erick she'd see him Monday.

Entwining his fingers with hers, Wes led the way outside to the far side of the house.

He dropped her hand and leaned against the wall, propping a leg up behind him and crossing his arms over his chest, that dark, brooding look reappearing. Not once had he given her the smile he usually had when he saw her.

“What's going on?”

He definitely sounded angry and Ava couldn't figure out why, “What do you mean?”

He let out a sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose, “I've been waiting for you to get here all night, wanting to celebrate with you.” He dropped his hand to gesture up and down at her, “Then I come out to use the bathroom to find you’re here, dressed like a hooker, and flirting with some dude.”

She opened her mouth to respond. Nothing came out.

She never imagined Wesley would call her a hooker. What was happening to them?

Ava had to fight back the tears.

“I wasn't flirting with him. He's my tutor. We were making fun of my look.”

His arm shot out in the direction of the house, “
That's
your tutor?

“Yes.” She didn't understand what the big deal was. She had told him it was a guy.

“Jesus. That's not happening.”

She cocked her head to the side, not understanding, “What's not happening?”

“That tutor guy. You need to find someone else.”

“What?”

He nodded a chin at her, “Was this for him?”

Ava was having a hard time following. It was anger and something else laced in that she'd never seen from him before.

“What's gotten into you?”

He threw his hands up, letting them slap down on his thighs, dropping his bent leg, “What's gotten into
me
? Seriously? Let's start with why you’re dressed like that.”

Wesley's name was being hollered from somewhere in the house.

He didn't make a move to answer, staring her down, “Help me to understand what the hell is going on. This isn't you.”

A basketball player came stumbling around the corner, “There you are man. We've been looking all over for you. I thought you only had to take a piss.”

He squinted, leaning forward a bit, losing his footing and stumbling to keep his balance, “Holy shit. Is that Ava? What the fuck happened to your face?”

Ava wanted to die and was thankful the nighttime concealed her flush of embarrassment.

“Fuck off. I need a minute,” Wes barked.

“No can do man. The girls want to play truth or dare but won't do it unless you’re there to play.”

That did nothing to make Ava feel any better. She wrapped her arms around her waist, looking down at the ground.

“I'm not playing truth or fucking dare.”

“Dude, you have to. Remember last time when Lindsey and Sarah made out?”

“Shit, can you give me a fucking minute?” Wes practically growled, stepping forward.

The other guy took a step back, “Yeah, sure. I'll tell ‘em you’ll be down soon.”

“Great, you go do that.” Wes bit back.

Once he rounded the corner and was out of view, Wes turned back to Ava.

“You should go join your friends,” Ava softly spoke, staring down at her shoes.

“We’re not done here.”

Oh, how Ava wished she was the type of person who could just say whatever she was feeling instead of being scared.

Wes let out an exhausted puff of air, “I can't keep living like this.”

Did he want to end things? Now Ava really wanted to cry.

“Living like what?” She whispered, only able to look at his shoulder, ready for the worst.

His hands waved around while he talked, “Like I'm losing my mind, getting pissed off about everything, not understanding why I keep reacting this way towards you. The only fights we used to have were over what movie to watch or who had to hang up the phone first.”

She let out a shaky breath, finding the courage to say the words she thought he wanted to hear, still not being able to look at him directly, “We're changing, growing up. I know you had a crush on me as kids, but things are different now. Nobody is a couple since they were kids.”

He grabbed her by the shoulders, jostling her enough to get her attention, “There’s always the exception.
We're
the exception. We're
that
couple, Ava. ”

“If that's true then why don't you touch me anymore,” she pleaded into his eyes, her vision blurring.

He seemed taken back, “What?”

“You don't touch me anymore, except a few kisses here and there and the occasional hand hold.”