Playing the Game

Chapter 21: Nobody Needs To Know

Chapter 21

I thought we were past the silent treatment during first hour in the office.

But nope, Elizabeth completely gave me the cold shoulder as she walked in and instantly sat down to do her homework.

I ended up doing all of the work while she just sat there, spending most of her time texting rather than actually focusing on her work.

So I gave her the silent treatment right back.

I tried not to look at her or pay any attention to her.

By the time lunch rolled around, she was sitting at our table, talking and laughing with Jessa and Kylie but paying absolutely no attention to me.

Maybe I was getting too invested in this.

I mean, since when did I have such an investment in a girl.

Normally, I was the one just looking for a body.

But this girl, with the crazy hair and thick hips, she was all I could think about.

I worked my ass off at practice, successfully keeping her out of my thoughts for the three hours of sweat and pain.

And I spend the rest of the evening laying on the couch in the old barn, drinking beer, and listening to music as I stared at the ceiling.

I texted my parents to not expect me home for dinner and that I'd probably end up crashing out here for the night anyways.

I had my entire evening mapped out of just laying here, getting drunk, and not giving a shit.

But eleven o'clock rolled around as I was opening up the second beer and my peace and serenity were interrupted by a knock on the door.

I tossed the lid aside as I walked towards the door.

It wasn't until I was opening it while simultaneously taking a sip of the beer that I realized it very well may be a cop and I very well may be about to have to talk myself out of a seriously sticky situation.

But it was Tommy Von Batton, standing there with his hands in his pockets and his shoulders hunched.

"Tommy." I said quietly, setting the beer down on the small table next to the door. "What are you doing here?"

"Look, man, I know we don't know each other but can we talk?" Tommy asked quietly, looking hesitant.

I nodded, stepping aside so he could come into the barn.

"Gross, cowboys?" Tommy muttered as he looked around.

"Shove it, your sister did the same thing." I muttered. "I know, you're a Patriots family."

"Damn right." Tommy laughed. "Is it alright if I sit?"

"Am I gonna need a beer for this?" I sighed, picking up the one I'd already started.

Tommy shrugged, taking a seat on the couch even though I'd never answered.

"I'm guessing this is about your sister?" I asked quietly, sitting down on the opposite end of the couch.

"The one and only." Tommy sighed, still looking uncomfortable. "So I know about the bet."

"You know her side of the story." I pointed out.

"Which doesn't really paint you to be that bad. Vonnie tells it how it is." Tommy laughed. "You made a bet, seemed like you actually had feelings for her, and fucked it up. She knows you didn't mean to hurt her or she never would've started talking to you again."