Losing Charley

Chapter 12 Part 5

Cash looks at me with his half-crooked grin and yanks me from the truck. We walk back into Turtle's and everyone's eyes are on us. I know what they are thinking, and let them think. I grab Cash's hand, lace my fingers through his, and pull him close. Cash looks at me with a wink, and it's time to play some pool.

"About damn time, you two!" Piper hollers from across the table. I just shrug my shoulders. She knows better than anyone that nothing went on in that truck. She also knows that now Cash is here, she has lost her partner tonight at the pool table. She turns, saunters up to Justin, and puts on the charm by talking sweet and putting her hand on his chest. I can only imagine what she is saying to him, but it works. She has a new partner now.

We all throw our money onto the table, then draw for who we're up against during round one. We draw Jordan and Jackie. This is going to be easy. Jackie just stands there and looks pretty. We shut them down quickly. Justin and Piper get beat by Logan and Tina; Dustin and Kara beat Matt and Jenny. We all know each other, but aren't necessarily friends. It's just for fun.

It's time for round two. We are up against Justin and Piper, which is fun, but the final round is beyond intense. We have to play Dustin and the tension in Cash's shoulders lets me know this isn't going to be good. He's ready to beat the hell out of him, even though he's innocent.

While we wait for them to finish playing Jordan and Jackie, Cash is perched on a stool with his pool stick. I take the stick and prop it against the wall along with mine. I turn around to face him and pull him close. Using my hands, I rub up and down his back and just love on him.

"Relax, Cash. It's a game, not life or death. He doesn't know anything. Just have fun."

"Char, I still think he knows something. How can he not?"

"Look at me, Cash. He doesn't. He isn't Dylan. Now, focus on me, and let's kick their ass!" He smacks my ass, and as we turn around, entering the doorway is a ghost from the past, Trent. Cash stands from the stool, clinches his knuckles, and begins to take a step. I keep my feet planted where they are and do the only thing I know to do. I grab Cash and press my lips to his like my life depends on it, because it does. When Cash tries to stop me, I just keep pressing harder and finally he gives in. I don't give two shits who is watching because I can't let Cash talk to Trent. He was there that night; he knows exactly who put the drugs into my beer, and what Dylan had planned for me.

I pull away from him slowly. "Are you ready to kick some ass?"

"You bet your ass I am, Char!" The plan worked for now. Let's see how long we can keep Trent away from Cash. He will say something smart. That's a given.

Dustin racks the balls, and he makes the first shot. We have solids. Fine by us. Each time I see Cash begin to get agitated, I get close to him. It's like just moving near him brings him back to reality. We beat Dustin and Kara and put the money into our pockets. They should know better. Since the first game that Cash and I played as a team, we've won. The only time we lost was when I was with Dylan. I honestly think that should have been my sign. It's getting close to midnight, and I need to start heading home. Justin has agreed to drive Piper's car home, and his friends will pick him up there. Cash and I put up our sticks, and when we turn around, Trent is there. Oh shit.

"Well, if it isn't Charley. How are you?"

"I'm fine, just about to leave, though. If you'll excuse us."

He moves a step closer. "I see that you are still using Cash when it's convenient."

With that one sentence, my world begins to erupt. Cash is in front of me saying words I've never heard come out of his mouth. Trent just stands there and laughs. That only makes Cash madder. He pushes Trent backwards and tells him to leave me the hell alone. I do not want people to see what is about to go down. I try to pull Cash back, but he yanks his arm from me and is back in front of Trent.