After Math by Denise Grover Swank Page B

I’m not ready to go out with someone else. My eyes scan the room looking for the girls. Caroline is still dancing, but Tina is at our table talking to a guy.
    I look up at Ben, and he’s handing me a glass with an expectant look. I realize he’s asked me something. When I start to answer, I see Tucker behind Ben.
    Tucker ?
    He’s at the bar in the midst of a rowdy group of guys. I guess his mandatory team meeting included hanging out with his friends at a dance club. It’s further confirmation that he’s run away from me. From us. I’m not totally surprised, yet it still hurts, a dull ache that spreads throughout my body. He turns in my direction, and his eyes widen when he realizes I’m here, and he’s been caught.
    I give a little shake of my head to clear it. Tucker can do whatever the fuck he wants, even if that means giving up on us. I ignore the well of dismay bubbling deep in my gut and look up at Ben. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
    “I asked what you do.”
    “I’m a student at Southern. You?”
    Before Ben can answer, Tucker is next to us, his face expressionless. “Scarlett. I’m surprised to see you here.”
    I suppose me being here looks just as bad as him showing up. He told me he was spending the evening with his team, and look where I headed. But he has to know while it’s part of his normal lifestyle, this isn’t usual for me. He of all people knows me well enough to know Caroline has probably dragged me here. “I’m sure you are.” I give him a tight smile and take a sip of my drink. “I’m here with Caroline and Tina. What about you?”
    “I’m out with the team. I told you that.” He frowns. “So where are your friends?”
    “Around.”
    I take a drink so I don’t fidget in front of him. Ben looks uncomfortable. I’m not really sure how to handle this. I’m not going to beg Tucker to be with me, but I’m also not going to sit around and wait for him to decide he wants me. Still, I’m not good at games. With the help of alcohol-induced courage, I decide to be honest. “Did you come over for a reason, Tucker?”
    His eyes widen in surprise. “No, I just came over to say hi.” He looks unsure of his answer as he turns his attention to Ben. “Is he a friend of yours?”
    “We just met. Ben, meet Tucker. Tucker, Ben.” I wave from Ben to Tucker and back.
    A battle of emotions sweeps over Tucker’s face until he finally settles on acceptance. He looks Ben up and down while Ben shifts his weight. Tucker’s jaw works as though he wants to say something but holds back. Finally, he turns back to me. “Are you having fun?” His question sounds genuine.
    I’m not but don’t want to admit that to either guy. I’d rather be home in my pajamas, huddled over my math problems.
    Tucker leans close, his mouth next to my ear. His breath tickles my neck and my body involuntarily reacts to his nearness. “I only want you to be happy, Scarlett.”
    Again, I’m not sure how to respond. Tucker’s made it obvious he doesn’t want to be with me tonight and he has to know that hurts. Perhaps this is similar to him encouraging me to go out with Daniel. This is his way of making sure I end up with someone he thinks I deserve. Part of me wants to tell him he deserves happiness and love, too. He deserves us , but my pride stops me.
    He glances over at his group. The guys seem interested in our conversation, even if they can’t hear.
    After several uncomfortable seconds, when I realize he’s not going to change his mind, I say, “You better get back to your friends.”
    “Yeah.” He swallows and leans into my ear again, his voice tight. “Can I see you later?”
    My heart races. I can’t believe what he’s asking. Am I just a booty call after all? My voice hardens. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
    He leans back and his brow lowers with concern. “That’s not what I meant, Scarlett.”
    I steel my back. “If you want to talk to me, just call me tomorrow.”
    He