Crush

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two

Cami-

I cried, burying my face in the pillow, not wanting to see the picture, but not being able to look away either.

I told U so, Clay's text read underneath the grainy photo, which showed Gabrielle on Hunter's lap, her hands on his bare chest, his shirt pushed up as he stared at her through heavily lidded eyes. It was amazing how fast a text could spread.

My phone buzzed again. It was Hunter. I'm sure U've seen it by now. It's not what it looks like, Cami. Please believe me.

I didn't answer either of them, instead letting the phone clatter to the floor beside my bed. I couldn't stop the tears from leaking out. Having Hunter tell me about it had been one thing, but seeing it with my own two eyes was something else. He looked like he was enjoying it.

I heard my phone buzzing with more texts, but I didn't want to check them. Pretty soon it started ringing. I ignored it still, staring at the wall instead.

There was knock on the door.

"Yeah?" I called.

My mom opened in the door. "Are you feeling okay, honey?"

"Yeah, just tired," I replied not wanting to look at her.

"Oh, okay. Well, here's the phone for you. It's Hunter. He told me you were upset with him, but he'd really like to speak with you."

I faced her. "He called the house?"

She nodded with a sympathetic gaze. "I think you should talk to him. He sounds really upset."

I sighed heavily and held my hand out.

"Do you want me to stay?" she asked.

I shook my head. "No. I'll be all right." I waited for her to leave. "Hello?"

"Please, listen for one minute and then if you want to hang up on me you can," he said in a rush. "I swear, I mean I truly promise you, with every fiber of my being nothing happened. Look at the picture. I was sleeping, dozing off and on really. I even dreamed I was with you. I woke up and she was there. Ask anyone who was there. They'll tell you I didn't want anything to do with her. I'm so sorry. I didn't know someone took a picture. Seriously, I feel like she set me up or something to make you mad. I told her I was with you." He paused, and when I didn't say anything he continued. "I swear on my own life, Cami, I'd never betray you this way."

He sounded desperate for me to believe him. I wanted to, but I was still feeling hurt by the whole drug thing.

"Cami?" he questioned again.

"I heard you. I think I'm going to need a little time to sort things out in my head right now. Okay? Give me some space."

"Please don't." The pain was evident in his voice. "You have no idea how much you mean to me."

"I've got to go. My parents will bring your car back to you tonight. I don't need a ride in the morning."

"Cami . . . ," He sounded sick.

"Bye, Hunter." I clicked the phone off, numbly got up and walked out the door. I took it back to its stand and returned to my room, picking up my cell phone. I read through the earlier texts from Hunter before looking at the new one from Clay.

Hope U're ok. Coming over 2 check on U. I need 2 apologize.

I sighed. I wasn't too excited about that, but I supposed it was inevitable. At least he wasn't coming to gloat.