I turn and clock the same asshole who just nailed me. Seeing him fall to the ground floods me with satisfaction. I don’t even know this kid, but I’m glad I nailed him.
“Ry, behind you,” Todd yells over, so I swing as I turn and clock someone else hard. Then my eyes focus on who it is.
Fuuuuuck.
“Oh, man.” Todd is frozen. “I was trying to give you a heads up.”
“Shit. Dad?”
“Nice language, son,” he scolds as he rubs his jaw. “And nice right hook.”
“Dad, what are you doing here?” I glance around, seeing the fight seems to be fizzling. Most of Ridgewood is on the ground or surrendering; however, there are still a few fists flying, mostly from my friends who are diehards.
“We should move.” I guide my dad out of harm’s way. He’s still rubbing his jaw, and I know I’m screwed.
Todd starts to follow, but I shake my head for him to stay back. I don’t think my dad saw or heard him, and it’s probably best if it stays that way.
“Sorry about your jaw, Dad.”
He cocks his head with raised eyebrows while his hand still cradles his face. I know this look. He is not happy. It’s rare that he’s speechless, and it’s never good.
“What are you doing here? Is Mom okay?”
His look softens at my concern. “Yeah, she’s fine. It’s eleven o’clock; Ashley was supposed to be home an hour ago, and then I got a call telling me I could find her here with Todd.”
Fucking Casey. But how did he have time?
“Who called?” I ask.
“It was a girl. Rebecca?”
Shit. Ashley’s right; she’s had it out for her from day one. As much as I want to kill my sister for this fight, I feel the need to protect her. “Ash wasn’t with Todd; she was here with Casey.”
“Well, either way, she missed curfew by an hour.” My dad looks around at the bloody mess the field has become. “What was this about?”
Red Solo cups are littering the field; guys are sitting on the ground covered in mud; the ones still standing are helping them up; and some are roaming around aimlessly with dazed looks plastered on their faces. No one knows why we started fighting. School pride? That’s dumb. And I can’t tell my dad I kind of started it because of Ash, Todd, and Casey. I need to make it to the senior ski trip in three weeks, and if he knew the truth, he would never let me go.
When I see Todd glancing over here from across the field as he helps Adam up, I mouth, “Tell Ash to go home now,” from behind my dad.
Todd’s head nod tells me he’s on it. Ashley needs to beat my dad home for both of their sakes.
Then I turn back to my dad. “Who knows? Punches were thrown, and it got out of hand. I’m sure that’s why Ash is late and why she couldn’t call. It got a little crazy.”
“You can say that again.” My dad rubs his jaw at the reminder. “I think you dislocated it.” He sounds more impressed than angry. “Well, either way, she’s done with dating for a while. It never seems to go well. Where is Casey?”
I can actually answer this one honestly. “I don’t know.” Then, to really sweeten the deal, I add, “I’m sure he’s dropping Ash off at home right now.” Sensing his good mood, I figure now is my shot. “I wish you would lay off her, Dad. You know Todd is a good guy. I don’t get it. He practically grew up at our house.”
“I’m not getting into this with you right now, Ryan, but I hope you’re right. You’re lucky I’m going to look past this and not tell your mom what happened here tonight. I was young once, you know.” He glances around the field again, taking it all in. He gives a head nod to Johnny who walks by us, covered in mud, but other than that, he looks unscathed.
“Hi, Mr. Taylor!” Johnny belts out as if they are casually running into each other at the mall. As soon as he passes my dad, he mouths, “What the fuck?” to me with wide eyes.
I only shrug. Good question.
TODD
I need to find Ashley to get her home before her dad.
I catch a glimpse of Blythe’s red hair first. She’s sitting on the hood of Brian’s car.
My heart is racing, but as soon as my eyes land on Ashley, I feel it slow to a steady rhythm, and I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding.
“Ashley!” I yell out to her. The smile on her face is incredible when her eyes meet mine. She jumps off the hood of Brian’s car and starts running toward me.
“I was so worried about you,” she says breathlessly as she kisses me, pressing her body into mine. I run my hands down her back. I know I’m getting mud all over her, but neither of us really cares. I want her close, always.
“I was worried about you, too,” I tell her, sliding my hands from her jawline to her neck. Then I remember why I needed to find her, and I pull back. “You need to go. Your dad is here.”
“What?” Her eyebrows scrunch together as I see her trying to process it. “Here?” Then her confusion is replaced with concern as her fingers gently glide over my eyebrow. “You’re bleeding.”
I’m not surprised. Adrenaline is soaring through me, so I feel no pain, but I will tomorrow. It doesn’t matter. I don’t want her to worry, and she needs to go now. No delays.
I give her my best no-cares-in-the-world smile. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. You need to get home before your dad.” I intertwine my fingers with hers and start to pull her toward my car.
“Whooaaa. Where are you going?” Blythe cuts in front of us as she places a hand on my chest.
“Ashley’s dad is here, and I need to get her home before he gets there.”
“Hold on, lover boy. Do you really think it’s a good idea for you to bring her home?”
I stop for a second. I didn’t think about that, but she’s right.
Ash starts to frantically look around. “Well, have you seen Casey?” I see the regret on her face as the question leaves her lips.
“Stop. I’ll take you,” Blythe says, her southern drawl breaking through. She’s on edge; it’s always thicker when she’s angry or nervous. “I’ve got Brian’s keys. Todd, I’ll meet you guys back here or text me where to meet you if you leave before I get back.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Great. Let’s go, Ash.” She grabs Ashley’s hand and then turns back and gives me a sweet smile. “Oh, and Todd, don’t call me ma’am again.”
“Yes, sir.” I salute her with a smile.
“You’re hilarious,” she shouts as she slides into the driver’s side of Brian’s car.
I want to be in that car, and I hate that I can’t. When I tap the hood as they backup, Blythe stops, and I stick my head through the passenger’s side window to give Ashley one last kiss.
“I love you.” I whisper then I give Blythe a smile and mouth, “Thank you.”
“Love you, too,” Blythe says with a wink.
“Take care of that eye,” Ashley shouts back as I stand there, watching their taillights disappear into the distance.
“Um … Where’s my car?” I hear Brian’s voice from behind me.
“Blythe needed to give Ash a ride home. Hope that’s okay,” I tell him, turning to find all of the guys on our team walking toward the parking lot. “So it’s done?”
“Done. We killed those rich pricks!” Brian shouts back louder than necessary since he’s now right in front of me.
“Hey, you wish, Johnson!” I hear someone yell from across the parking lot.
“You want to go again?” Mark shouts back, stepping forward.
His actions are met with silence, so I guess that answers that.
“Where’s Ryan?” I ask, noticing he’s the only one still not here.
Brian nods his head in the direction of the field. “With his dad.” Then his eyes get wide, and his eyebrows rise with silent questioning.
I shake my head with disbelief, but internally, I’m relieved that his dad is still here so Ash will make it home before he does. Hopefully her mom is asleep. It’s doubtful, but I can hope.