Phobic by Cortney Pearson Read Free Book Online Page B

the porch and sink onto the wooden railing. Leaves sway like fringe in the warm breeze, and a few sprinkle to the grass. The song changes to a slower, moody beat, and the singer’s low tones fit my sulkiness.
    Jordan slopes past, tipping a bottle of beer to his lips. He burrows in the bush below me.
    “Hey,” he says, gripping the railing. His breath reeks like tangy skunk. I move back, in total disbelief that he’s bothering to speak to me at all. Where is Sierra? And Todd? “You ever gonna stop guarding the house and come hang out? Here. Relax.”
    He hands me the second bottle I hadn’t noticed he was holding. Shadows from the fading sunlight trace along his features, and I remember Todd’s words.
Jordan and the guys—they’re really cool
. Todd likes you, Jordan—I can find something good about you, too.
    I consider taking the bottle from him when Todd’s tall form steps out from behind an archway near the rosebushes.
    “Finally,” I say, trudging down the few porch steps, past Jordan, to catch up with Todd.
    Until Sierra steps out from the same archway.
    I stop in place. What were they doing back there? Jordan clings to her hip any time I’ve seen them. I would have thought she’d be off macking on him somewhere, but here she is. With. Todd.
    Her glossy pink mouth gapes open, and she spins, looking every way she can. “It’s like a fairy tale,” she says. “I’ve driven past, but never realized how—”
    “I know, admit it,” says Todd, cutting her off, folding his arms across his chest and leaning an elbow on her shoulder. I’m amazed he can act so casual after what happened in my room. I gasp with realization—he isn’t avoiding me because of that, is he? Sierra smirks at him like it’s his house she’s impressed with instead of mine.
    Somebody shoot me. I want him to be happy, but come on, he can do better than Sierra.
    “You were right,” she whines, sticking her head forward like a turkey. “It’s amazing. There, happy?”
    She glances down her nose as if I’m something she’s stepped in, and then they keep walking, heading toward the group of dancers.
    The sun sets completely, taking its light from the sky. Travis Munns dangles from the archways like a monkey. Laughter ricochets from the trees, and more silhouettes suck face in the gazebo. Despite the semi-depression I’ve been feeling this whole time, my cheeks crack into a smile.
They’re at my house. And they like it.
Pieces of stone chip away inside, letting warmth settle in. Maybe Todd was right. Maybe his wild idea might actually work.
    I think again of Jordan’s advice. Of Joel’s. Put myself out there. I can do this.
    Music pulses softly near the fountain where people continue jamming. A few chase each other around, while squeals and giggles break out over the tepid air. I could go dance—just hang on the outskirts of the group and boogie. Maybe gradually make some conversation about the song or something. But all I can think about is how they’re only here because Todd invited them.
    That’s what it all comes down to. Even after the newfound attention—which didn’t last long—and their apparent enjoyment, among all of these people there’s only one person I really want to be around.
    I break in the direction I saw him go. Only when I turn, I smack right into Cassie like she’s the linebacker instead of Todd, lose my balance, and hit the concrete, hard. My knee shoots up into my thigh, and I cry out at the pain.
    “Sorry, Piper,” Cassie says, bending to help me up. She offers me a caramel-skinned hand dripping with rings. Beer laces her breath too. “Didn’t see you.”
    A few glances veer in our direction. I blink several times, wishing I could disappear.
    “It’s okay,” I say, my voice scratchy. I block the tears stinging hot and threatening to make me look like an even bigger baby. What is my problem?
    Sierra and her crony Tabitha stalk over from behind one of the trees. “Oh, Piper’s crying.”