It was dinner time. I sat quietly, eating my steak, my eyes shifting between Kirk and Mom. I avoided Oliver's intense gaze. I have nothing to say to him.
I stabbed at the meat, realizing I'd finished it. I started picking at my broccoli, thankful for an excuse to look down. I don't have the energy to deal with him. He's got his own shit. I should've left him alone.
"So, what happened to your eye, Oliver?"
Oliver glanced at his father, popping a piece of meat into his mouth and chewing loudly.
"I'm serious, Oliver. Do I need to call your mother?"
Oliver shook his head, setting down his knife. "It's nothing. Really."
"Okay, well, I'll see if your mother agrees. You don't get a black eye for no reason." Kirk patted his pockets for his phone, then pushed his chair back.
"Dad, stop. It's not a big deal."
"No. I've had enough of these mysterious bruises..."
Maybe I can help him out? "It was sort of my fault." I met Kirk's gaze.
"What do you mean?"
I don't know why I'm doing this. He doesn't deserve it. "Earlier, I got out of the shower and tripped on my towel running down the stairs. Oliver caught me, and I head-butted him." Damn, that was a smooth lie. I almost believed it.
I looked at Oliver, who watched me with a stolid expression. Kirk turned to his son. "Is that true?"
Oliver smiled, giving the illusion of modesty. "I didn't want to mention it because it was embarrassing for Scarlett."
"Yeah. I asked him not to. I felt bad." I shrugged, offering Kirk a smile. "Honestly, I didn't think it would be a big deal. You know college kids get into fights."
"Well, we're not finished. We're going to talk about your attitude. As long as you live here, you follow my rules."
Oliver left the dining room. I turned to Kirk. "Men and their raging hormones."
Mom chuckled, resting a hand on Kirk's arm. "I know you're upset, but don't worry now. Just eat."
Kirk rubbed his neck, staring at his plate. "I'm not hungry anymore."
I don't understand why he sees everyone as the enemy. Even his father?
"Scarlett, maybe you and Oliver could do something later. He's been cooped up since his semester. He could use a night out."
"I don't know, Mom..."
"Nonsense. How hard is it to spend time with him? Just do something fun. Movies, swimming, bowling."
"Just so long as it's legal," Kirk said.
Mom giggled, kissing him. After today, I'd rather stick my hand in a meat grinder.
"I have plans with Briana tomorrow."
"You can spare an hour for Oliver. Or go together."
My mind filled with images of Oliver and Briana flirting. I clenched my jaw. "Fine. I'll figure something out." I don't know what's worse, spending time alone with him or setting him and Briana up. Then again, what do I care if they hook up? I don't want him... I sighed. Yeah, that's convincing.
After school on Friday, Briana and I hung out in my room. She tried on dresses for the party. She turned, running her hands down a short blue dress. Her blonde hair was in a messy bun.
"What do you think?"
I tapped my chin, scanning her. "It looks good, but wear the wedges. It'll make your legs look longer."
She nodded, grabbing the wedges. "You're right... I'm so excited."
"Me too." I sighed, leaning back. "I need to unwind."
Briana raised a brow. "Is it lust for Oliver?"
I rolled my eyes. This again. She's relentless. "No. I don't want him. Is your motive to press me until I change my answer?"
She shrugged, grinning. "I sense some electricity."
I sighed, tugging at my hair. Yeah, the kind that destroys everything. I reached for my dress, pulling my shirt over my head. My door burst open, and Oliver stood there. I yelped, covering myself with my shirt. I really have to stop getting caught naked by him.