The Truce

Chapter 16

As Sebastian and I walked to his car, it was quiet except for the faint music from the party that was now maybe a block away. It was a comfortable silence with him. Which was a nice change.

Once in the car, my ringtone shattered the quiet. Sebastian tensed and his eyes narrowed, assuming it was Scott. I had no intention of ever answering his calls or texts again, however, so he didn't need to worry. But when I checked the screen, I hit the green button and held the phone up to my ear. "Hey."

"Natalie," I mouthed to him as she started hollering on the other end. Sebastian relaxed and pulled the car onto the road.

"Oh my gosh, Kay! I just heard! Where are you? I'll come get you and we can leave. I can't believe that jerk! And Kennedy! What a skank! I can't believe they did this. Here of all places! And, hello? Lock the door! What trailer trash!"

I wasn't surprised by her outrage, but I loved her a little more for it. Hers was more than just the average bystander's shock and disgust. It was way more personal. She loved me so much, it was like Scott cheated on her too. I also couldn't help but smile at how long it took her to get the news. Something like that would have spread like wild fire. The only way it would have taken her so long to hear, was if she and Wes were totally unaware of anything but each other for quite a while now.

"Some people took pictures. I don't know if it's going to be blackmail or just humiliation. I'm kinda hoping for both. I'm sorry I didn't call sooner. Are you okay? You didn't leave, did you? I hate that you're alone right now. Just let me-"

"Natalie!" I cut her off. She could go on for a while without any input from me when she got worked up like this. "I'm okay. I promise. You don't have to leave. Sebastian's taking me home."

She was quiet for a few seconds, probably processing my tone and the fact that I wasn't a blubbering mess.

"You're with Sebastian?" She didn't seem to be asking for confirmation, so I waited to hear what else she'd say. "You sound....okay. A lot better than I expected.... Has Hell frozen over?"

I couldn't help snorting a laugh. "I think it may have."

She gave a little squeal. "Good. He's way better for you than that cretin."

"Hey, slow down! I didn't... I mean, we didn't..."

Sebastian grinned and I knew he'd heard everything.

"Not now," I told her, blushing. "I'll call you later. Make sure Wes walks you to your car."

"Okay, Mom," she joked before raising her voice. "Sebastian, take care of my girl! Have fun you two!"

Red-faced, I hung up and tucked my phone away.

"She likes me," he said, still smiling as he focused on the dark road.

"It's hard to get on Natalie's bad side."

He laughed.

"Sorry I hit you," I said, wanting a new topic.

"Don't worry about it. You didn't hurt me." He sounded amused.

"I wasn't trying to!" He thought it was funny?

"I don't think it would have made a difference if you were," he teased. "You're like two feet tall."

"I'm five-three!"

He laughed again. "You're right. That makes a huge difference."

I pursed my lips. It really didn't sound that impressive.

"When you're freakishly tall, I guess everyone else is a midget."

"Well." He glanced at me. "Not everyone." His expression was similar to the one Scott had when he would belittle me.