Second String (In Too Deep #3) by Casey McMillin Read Free Book Online Page B

They served huge portions, and it always tasted good. Sometimes I came to Annie's with a friend, but it wasn't unusual for me to come alone. I always had someone to talk to if I wanted the company. By the time the waitresses took turns stopping by to say hi, I would be done with my meal.
    I was finishing up my last few bites when I got a text message from a girl I knew from high school named Marissa. She was a party girl I'd been out with a few times. Her parents had more money than mine, and Marissa knew how to spend it. She was a full-fledged professional at spending daddy's money.
    Marissa: "We're taking the yacht out for New Year's. You in?"
    Me: "Might have plans. Can I tell you later?"
    Marissa: "Be quick about it. I'm only asking like 20 people. It's gonna be crazy. Mike's bringing that stuff from last time."
    She was talking about Ecstasy like she thought it'd be a big draw, but I had to stay clean.
    Me: "I can't do it anyway."
    Marissa: "You should still come. You can reap the benefits of the rest of us being able to do it. You know how friendly we get. ;) Oh, and Leona's coming."
    Leona Marsh was another girl we'd gone to high school with. Recently, she'd had some success in high fashion modeling. She was a little younger than me, and I hadn't seen her in a few years, but my mom showed me a photo of her in a magazine the other day. It didn't even look like the same girl I remembered from high school. The thought of a bunch of hot girls (including a model) getting all touchy-feely was pretty enticing, but I still didn't agree right away.
    Me: "I'll let you know something by tomorrow."
    Marissa didn't text back, at least not with words. The next text that came through was a shot she'd taken of herself at arms length. She was topless. I looked over my shoulder to make sure no one at the diner was able to see the photo.
    The next text I tapped out was to Emily.
    Me: "Don't mean to rush you, but wondering if you thought you'd be able to come to the New Year's thing."
    Emily: "Hey! Think I might try to make it."
    Me: "Let me know by tomorrow if you can."
    Emily: "Why? You making other plans?"
    Me: "Just trying to figure out what I'm doing."
    Emily: "Go ahead and do your other thing. I don’t want you to wait for me. Still not sure what I'd do with Sal."
    Me: "I'd rather see you if there's a chance you can make it."
    Emily: "Go ahead and make other plans. It's a 50-50 shot for me right now, and I have to work the next day anyway. I'll just plan on hanging here."
    Me: "You sure? I'd like to see you if you think it's a possibility."
    Emily: "No worries. I was on the fence, and it makes the decision to stay a lot easier knowing you have other plans in the works."
    Me: "Well if you were on the fence, than I'd rather you just decide to come here." 
    Emily: " Haha, No, it's all good. I was kind of stressing about Sal and work and everything."
    Me: "I wasn’t trying to be funny, but I'm gathering you're sort of relieved you're not coming."
    Emily: "I just knew it'd be tough to pull off. Make your other plans. We'll see each other soon."
    Me: "Hope so."
    Emily: ";)"
    I had no idea what was I supposed to take from a winky face in that context? I was so frustrated by the whole exchange that I immediately texted Marissa to let her know she could count me in for whatever craziness was about to go down on her dad's yacht. Marissa sent me another tempting photo, assuring me I wouldn't be disappointed. This one was of her and Leona. I didn't respond. I put my phone in my pocket and paid the check.

 
    Chapter 7
    Emily
     
     
    Starting the night after Christmas, I had three nights straight of home games. The girls on the squad were a close-knit family, and I was establishing relationships with many of them. They were all smart and sweet, and best of all, we shared a common love of dance. The camaraderie I felt at work, along with how freaking exciting the basketball games were, made for some of the most fun experiences of my life. I