Page 66 of Under the Influence

Lainey

How do you know I’m frowning?

Drayton

Just a guess, perk up. I’ll see you later.

His messages make me smile, and I rush to put my phone away before the bell rings, knowing if I want to speak freely with Cori, I need to get to her before Nash does.

The electronic sound of the bell echoes through the building, and I scoop up my bag, darting down the hall on a mission. The second I bust out the doors to the parking lot, I spot Cori in some sort of stand-off with Jovie.

What’s even more surprising is Nash standing between the two like a referee. I make my way through the crowd of kids circling to get a glimpse of what’s going on.

“Ugh!” Jovie screams, “Don’t be ridiculous. We all know it’s a lie!”

Nash doesn’t speak, but Cori looks furious as he attempts to hold her back. Crew claps slowly, stepping right in the middle of the scene, “Alright, alright, ladies. That was quite a show, but let’s put the claws away unless you’re gonna use them on me cause I like it a little rough.”

Jovie pushes him out of the way, rolling her eyes, “Just go back home where you belong, Cori! You lost all your friends there, and you won’t have any here either!”

The entire student population falls silent, waiting for Cori’s response. I expect her to use some witty comeback or punch her square in her overly contoured jaw, but instead, it’s better.

So. Much. Better.

She snakes her hand in Nash’s hair and pulls him flush against her lips, earning the shock of the entire student body. I hear a few gasps before the sound of Jovie’s footsteps pounding to her car.

Seeing one of the queen Sharks on her knees while Cori dangles the treat over her head is priceless.

Cori is determined. I give her that. Except they don’t separate after the initial shock like I thought, almost like she’s enjoying it. He plays right into her, lifting her up by her thighs as she wraps her legs around his waist.

“Gross, Cor. That’s enough,” I gag, causing her to giggle and jump down from Nash’s grip.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t little Miss Daddy Issues,” Nash clicks his tongue, trying to get a rise out of me.

“Shut up,” Cori demands, causing Nash to surprisingly fall silent. Completely out of character for him.

“I need you tonight,” I demand. “So tell your fake lover boy that he’ll have to lock you in his creepy dungeon another time.”

Nash’s eyes fall dark, the same look I’ve seen a million times. The one right before he strikes. “I prefer closets, remember?”

I feel my face pale, and the bile begins to rise in my throat when I think back to how sore my voice was from screaming, how my fingertips bled from clawing at the door.

I grab Cori’s hand, pulling her a good distance from him, “She’s coming with me.”

Nash smiles, invading my space and cornering me between his Jeep and tall frame. “She goes where I say.”

Cori’s hand reaches Nash’s shoulder, “That’s where you’re wrong, boyfriend. I go where I please.”

Nash and Cori share a few looks, having an unspoken conversation. Only when I’m ready for the regular Nash to get his way, he steps back.

“I have baseball until 5:30, be done with Wednesday Addams before then. I’m taking you out.”

“Out?” Cori questions.

“Yeah. Out.”

Oh, this is good. Has Nash ever been on an actual date?

Carson strides up, bat bag slung over his shoulder, causing everyone’s attention to shift.