Chapter Ten

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"Really great fight tonight, Ghost. That knockout was amazing!"

"Thanks, it was nothing."

"No, seriously, you are a-mazing! You should go pro."

"Thank you."

I stand awkwardly beside Ghost as he interacts with yet another enthusiastic fan of his. Of course it's a girl, and she's gorgeous as she bounces up and down excitedly in front of him, fueling his ego with a shower of compliments.

In her defense, it was a great knockout.

After I got over the initial shock of Ghost singling me out in front of that entire crowd, Mila ushered me back into the lounge/office as we waited for Ghost to get cleaned up from his fight. Dane and Troy were talking a mile a minute as they rehashed every detail and the moment Ghost sauntered into the room with freshly showered hair and clean clothes, the two guys had jumped on him with congratulations.

Ghost shrugged them off with a cocky grin before turning to me and asking what I thought of the fight. I told him it was great and I was very proud of him. Neither of us addressed him pointing to me, and the conversation moved on quickly as Dane announced a big party that was happening at a friend's house.

I had been hesitant to go at first, but seeing that it was still relatively early in the night I figured why not. Brody still had yet to text or call me so I wasn't really concerned about him at the moment.

Everyone started making driving arrangements and it ended up Ghost driving me and him in my car since I was a little too buzzed to drive and I didn't want to leave it at the bar. It was comfortably silent as we rode, Ghost high off of his win and me just in my own happy bubble from the alcohol.

Thirty minutes later we're in some strangers house with pounding music and drunk people everywhere. Most everyone seems to know Ghost, or at least know of him, and ever since we've stepped through the door he's been bombarded nonstop with fans.

We're standing in the kitchen, and I clutch a plastic cup in my hands that's filled with soda and some dark alcohol. Ghost is beside me as he listens and nods along to what the girl in front of him is saying, but he doesn't do much else to contribute to the conversation.

Truthfully it looks like he wants her to just go away.

Ghost's friends are all around us, and Dane's girlfriend Tay has joined us as well. They cling to each other lovingly and it's sweet to watch, until they start hardcore making out and then it gets a little uncomfortable.

"You looked really good in the ring." The girl in front of Ghost continues, sending him a sultry smile as she runs her hand up his arm.

I shift awkwardly beside him, moving a little further away so I don't feel like I'm intruding on the interaction.

"Thanks." Ghost remarks, sending her a tight smile as he shifts away from her and closer to me again. I frown with confusion but keep my attention down on the cup in my hands.

"Do you wanna go dance?" She asks, her tone direct as Ghost is clearly not getting the point.

He shrugs, "Maybe later. I'm with my friends right now."

She glances sideways at me and her lip curls slightly, "They won't mind."

"Jesus Christ, girl. Get lost. He's not interested." Dane interrupts from behind her with a tone of exasperation.

The girls face reddens as she looks around with embarrassment before pouting at Ghost and scurrying off into the living room.

Ghost scoffs and shakes his head at his friend, "You're an asshole, dude."

"I wouldn't have to be if you had the balls to tell the girl no." Dane responds, tugging Tay closer to him as she runs her hand up his chest. They're a very physical couple I've noticed.

"I did tell her no."

"You told her maybe."

"Everyone knows that maybe means no." Ghost mutters, bringing his cup to his lips to take a long sip.

Dane shakes his head and turns his attention back to Tay, immediately resuming their making out. I snicker as Mila fake gags beside them before she announces, "I'm gonna go dance."

She saunters off and I notice Troy is back on his phone, tuning out everyone around him, which basically just leaves me and Ghost to interact.

He's leaning casually against the counter, glancing around at the room full of people with vague disinterest. There are a few small cuts and bruises on his face from the fight, but nothing major. He really did dominate that match.

"You don't have to stick with me all night." I tell him, feeling bad as I've noticed he's dismissed every girl who's approached him so far. And a lot of them were really laying it on thick like that last girl. "If you wanna go talk to girls I won't stop you."

He fixes me with a tight frown and immediately remarks, "I'm not gonna leave you alone, Rose. Don't be stupid."

"I just feel bad. It's like you're stuck babysitting me when you should be celebrating your win."

"I'm not interested in celebrating with anyone but you, so get used to it." He retorts, shaking his head at me as though I'm ridiculous.

I smile softly at his words, feeling special in this sea of girls all fighting for his attention. I don't let it get to my head, though. He's just being a good friend.

My phone vibrates in my pocket and I pull it out a bit frantically, checking to see if it's Brody finally texting me back. My heart sinks a little to see it's just a notification for an e-mail.

Ghost notices my behavior and asks hesitantly, "So, how's Brody?"

I frown as I bury my phone away and reply, "He's fine. Why?"

He shrugs, "I figured something must've happened between you two."

"Why?" I question again, my face scrunching up with confusion.

"Well, because you're here with me, and last time we talked you made it pretty clear that was never going to happen again." Ghost explains tentatively, turning to face me directly as he leans one arm on the counter behind us, "Plus, you sounded upset when you called me."

I glance down at my cup with a sad smile that doesn't reach my eyes and mumble, "You're very perceptive." Brody didn't even notice my mood over the phone. That bugs me, but I can't be upset with him over it. He's not a mind reader. I shake my head and remark, "It's nothing to do with Brody."

"Okay, but you were upset." Ghost deduces, frowning with concern.

I nod my head, hesitating to tell him because I don't want to bring down the mood. He is the one who brought it up, though, so I explain, "I visited my mom earlier, and she told me she can't keep Daisy anymore."

"Why not?" He questions, sounding slightly stunned that my mom would do such a thing.

I shrug, "She says she's becoming too much to handle, with all her health issues and everything."

"Well what are you gonna do?"

I sigh heavily, rubbing my palm into my eye as I grumble, "I don't know. I need to find a new place for her to stay because I can't very well keep her in the dorms. But who the hell would want to take on that responsibility? I don't have the money to pay someone to take care of her, and I don't know anyone that has a place that allows pets—"

"My place allows pets." Ghost cuts in with a casual shrug.

I blink up at him as I register what he's saying, and I'm quick to refuse, "No, Ghost you don't need to feel obligated to do anything—"

"Why not? I like dogs." He remarks, sending me a coy grin.

"No, really, I mean she is a lot to take care of and I don't want you to have to deal with that." I continue to refute, shaking my head at him, stunned that he would even offer.

He just purses his lips at me as he glances to the side and remarks, "I don't think you're really in any position to turn me down, Rose. I don't see a lot of other options on the table."

I stare at him for a moment, shocked that he's so willing to help me. Why does he care so much? Why is he the nicest person in my life right now yet he's someone I know almost nothing about?

In my tipsy state, this offering is enough to bring joyful tears to my eyes. I smile up at him gratefully as I feel a weight being lifted off my chest. Overcome with emotion I step forward and wrap my arms around him, burying my head against his taut chest. Slowly his free arm wraps around me, holding me there steadily.

"Thank you so much." I mutter, pushing away the urge to cry as I smile, "You're the sweetest person on earth."

He chuckles, "That's not really a word people usually use to describe me."

"Oh? What is?"

He shrugs as he pulls out of the hug to smirk down at me, "Hot. Sexy. Gorgeous. Take your pick."

"I see humble still hasn't made the list." I remark.

"Slowly, but surely." He assures me with an amused look.

We're pulled out of the sweet moment when Dane calls over to us, "Who's down for beer pong?"

Tay immediately chirps up, "Me. Definitely."

"Tay, didn't you learn your lesson last time I whooped your ass?" Ghost remarks with a cocky smirk, which seems to set Tay ablaze.

"That was a fluke and we all know it." She snaps.

"Ooh, I smell a rematch." Dane remarks, seeming amused by the dynamic between his best friend and his girlfriend.

Ghost glances down at me and cocks a questioning brow, "You down, Rose? Wanna be my teammate?"

I hesitate, glancing around the group, "I don't know, if you want to win you'll probably want someone else."

"Have you ever played?" Tay asks with crossed arms.

"Not for a while." I admit, which causes her to grin wickedly.

"Perfect. You're in."

I glance at Ghost to see if that's alright by him but he just seems to be gearing up for an epic game as he nods his head and proclaims, "Let's set it up."

Fifteen minutes later we're starting the game. It's me and Ghost against Tay and Dane. Troy has disappeared somewhere, seeming disinterested in watching us play, which is alright by me. He seems very stand-offish and often sends me judgemental stares. It reminds me a lot of the way Liss made me feel at the club that one night; like I'm disliked but I'm not sure what for.

Ghost and Dane both toss a ball to see who goes first. Dane sinks his in a cup, and Ghost's bounces off the rim, so the other team is up first. I'm fine with that as it gives me longer to avoid taking my turn. I'm almost certain I'm not going to make a single shot.
I think back to the last time I played this game.

It was at least a year ago, at a party with Brody. We'd been a team and Brody, being the competitive type, had gotten increasingly annoyed at how badly I played. Every shot I missed just caused his jaw to tick harder and harder and it took out all the fun of the game.

Maybe that's why I'm dreading it so much right now.

Dane and Tay both make their shots, causing me and Ghost to drink before it's our turn. Ghost steps up and tosses his ball, which soars gracefully through the air with a high arch before sinking directly into the front cup. He cheers triumphantly and I send him a proud smile before he steps aside to allow me to go.

"I believe in you, Rose." He remarks offhandedly, but he has no idea how strange it is for me to hear those words.

I sigh heavily and step up, aiming the ball as I shut one eye and stick my tongue out in concentration. I'm not sure why I'm making such a big show of it, because none of this preparation will help me in the slightest. Pushing aside the nerves I just go for it, tossing the ball with a defeated huff.

We watch it fly and to my great surprise it bounces into one of the cups. My eyes widen and I raise my arms up and cheer excitedly, turning to Ghost who looks just as ecstatic as I am. He opens both hands up for me to high five and I slap his palms with all my strength.

"Hell yeah!" He enthuses with a wide grin before turning to Tay and remarking, "Looks like your plan to set me up with a bad partner failed."

"Hey." I pout, pinning him with a frown and he glances at me and laughs.

"I meant it as a compliment." He assures me, "You're a great partner, Tay is the one who didn't believe in you."

"Shut up, Ghost." Tay grumbles from across the table as she and Dane take a drink.

We continue on for a few rounds, and shockingly I make one more shot. Ghost hasn't missed once, which results in us being in the lead with only one cup left to get. The other team still needs three.

Ghost is about to go when I feel my phone buzzing in my pocket. I pull it out and I'm slightly panicked to see Brody's name on the screen. He's calling me, and by this point I'm fairly drunk. The house is so loud with music I can't possibly hear him in here. I notice a door to the side of us that must lead to the backyard and I step towards it.

"I'll be right back." I mumble to Ghost, who sends me a confused frown but I ignore it as I slip through the door, shutting it behind me.

It's nearly pitch-black outside as I step onto the porch and press the answer button holding the phone up to my ear. I try to make my voice as normal and sober as possible as I speak, "Hello?"

"Em, hey, sorry it's late. You were probably in bed, but I just wanted to call. I felt bad after having to rush off the phone earlier." Brody's voice is sweet in my ear, suddenly making me feel guilty for being here.

"Hi. Uhm, no, it's alright. I wasn't sleeping, so it's okay." I reply, chewing thoughtfully on the inside of my cheek.

"Really? What are you doing so late, then?" He asks, confusion clear in his tone.

"I'm out." I remark, my voice small as I add, "At a party."

There's a short pause, but so much is said in that silence. Disapproval and distrust are evident in his tone as he questions, "With who?"

I know what he's thinking. He's thinking I'm with Ghost, and he's right, but I don't want to have to tell him that. I don't want to have to explain my reasoning to him, or get into a fight and ruin my mood.

So with my hazy brain I say the first thing that comes to mind, "Annie."

"Your roommate?" He questions disbelievingly, "I thought you didn't like her?"

I shrug, even though he can't see me as I continue the lie, "I don't not like her. I just haven't gotten to know her very well and I figured it was time to reach out. She invited me out with her and her girlfriends and I thought it would be fun."

"Really?" He remarks, his voice flat, "Because usually you hate parties."

"She offered, I didn't want to be rude when I'm just starting to get along with her."

I'm surprised at now naturally the lies come to me and I figure somehow alcohol makes me quicker on my feet than normal.

Brody is silent for a while, seeming to deliberate whether he believes me or not. Eventually he sighs and remarks, "Alright. Well be safe. You should be going home soon, it's really late. And don't drink too much."

I smile to myself as I quickly assure him, "Okay, I promise."

"I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Okay. I love you."

"Love you too. Goodnight."

The call ends and I stuff the phone in my pocket, halfway torn between relief and guilt. I just blatantly lied to Brody after promising I would no longer hang out with Ghost. He would be livid to find out the truth right now.
But I just can't find it in me to care that much right now. I'm having a great night. Ghost has been a great friend, and he's been there for me when Brody hasn't. That shouldn't be a bad thing.

I spin around to head back inside but a voice to the side of me has me jumping a foot in the air.

"Having fun?"

I let out a small shriek as my eyes pinch to see through the darkness and pinpoint the figure who spoke. I'm able to make out the dark silhouette of someone sitting on the porch swing on the other side of the deck. I had no idea they were there this entire time. The figure stands and steps closer into the light that streams through the window in the kitchen, and I squint as I realize it's Troy.

"You scared me." I huff as he settles in beside me, leaning against the railing.

He glances me up and down, unamused as he replies, "Sorry. Thought you saw me."

"I didn't." I reply, before answering his initial question, "And yeah, I'm having fun. Why don't you come inside and join us?"

He shrugs, "I like the fresh air." He glances down at my pocket where I put my phone and asks casually, "Who was that you were talking to?"

I frown at him, crossing my arms defensively as I reply, "My boyfriend."

"Yeah?" He tilts his head, seeming intrigued as he continues to question, "What does he think about you hanging out with Ghost?"

"Uhm, he's fine with it." I grumble, confused why he's so interested all of a sudden. He's hardly said two words to me all night.

"Really?" He seems surprised, raising his eyebrows at me as he remarks, "If I were him, I'd be worried."

I frown, glancing to the side towards the door, feeling the urge to head back inside as I ask, "Why's that?"

Troy shrugs, glancing off as well as he states, "Well, Ghost has a bit of a reputation. Most guys can't really trust him around their girlfriends."

I have know idea what he's getting at, but I don't like the way he's talking about Ghost, or insinuating that something is going to happen between us.

"I wouldn't worry about it if I were you." I tell him flatly, turning to stalk back inside, but he grabs my arm to stop me.

"I'm just warning you now, Rose." He mutters, my name sounding like a dirty word coming out of his mouth as he pins me there with a humorless stare, "I wouldn't get too attached if I were you. I mean, we do call him Ghost for a reason."

I glare back at him, confused by what he means, but thankfully he lets go of my arm and I quickly pull away, straightening my shoulders before turning away from him and stomping back inside. I can feel his eyes on me the entire time as I go and it makes my skin crawl.

I have no idea what Troy's problem is, but I definitely don't like him.

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AN;

New update! I hope this was okay. I really hate writing beer pong scenes for some reason lol.

What do we think about Em lying to Brody? Do you think it's fair for her to still hang out with Ghost? Or does Brody have a point?

And what's Troy's problem, huh?

Please vote and comment if you enjoyed! Thank you!

-Sarah xo

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