Just a Little Crush (Crush #1) Read Online Free Page B

disheveled and way too relaxed for two people at risk of flunking the midterm. Needless to say, that was the last time I attempted to study with her, and, thankfully, it was the only class we’d had together. That situation had been frustrating, but if she had sex with Ryder…No way could I handle that.
    “What?” she asked innocently. “You heard him. He enjoyed his sneak peek.” She laughed and turned back into our room. “You should take note. Guys like this.” She motioned to her body.
    Wait,
that
was the sneak peek? I was such an idiot.
    —
    That evening, I studied in my room. Fallon was out, as usual, and Mason had a date with some girl from his English Lit class. I couldn’t decide if he actually liked her, or just wanted her help with his Chaucer paper.
    My phone chimed with a text.
    Mom:
Get bread on your way home.
    Texts from Mom were rare; phone calls even rarer. But when she’d been drinking, I never knew what to expect. Considering it was seven on a Saturday night, it was safe to assume she was plastered, but this sort of text only confirmed it.
    I chose my words with care, knowing how easy it was to set her off when she was like this.
    Me:
Sorry, I can’t because I’m away at school.
    My phone rang and I took a deep breath before answering.
    “Well, I know you’re at school, that’s why I said on your way home.” Her tone implied I was the one who sounded like an idiot.
    “Mom, I’m away at college. Remember? I won’t be home tonight.”
    “College,” she mumbled. “Where are you really? What are you hiding from me?” Her words were laced with suspicion. “You’re with him, aren’t you?”
    My shoulders sank. Out of all her drunken rants, I hated this one the most. The one where she couldn’t let go of the past, and accused me of things I hadn’t done.
    There was a bang, like something had been dropped. Mom cursed to herself then I made out Grandma’s voice in the background.
    “It’s Brinley.” Mom paused. “No, I just asked her to get us some bread.”
    Grandma spoke again but I couldn’t make out what she’d said.
    “Why? Brinley’s already out. She’s just being difficult,” Mom said. “She’s refusing to come home, acting like a goddamned…” She was yelling now. “No. I won’t calm down. She’s lying to me,” Mom screamed. “Why are you defending her? She’s a no-good…”
    Muffled sounds buried Mom’s words, then Grandma came on. “Hi, sweetie. I’m sorry we disturbed you. I’m sure you’re busy so we will let you get back to enjoying your Saturday night.” Grandma’s tone was chipper, though I could sense her remorse for what I’d heard. She always tried to protect me from Mom’s outbursts. I appreciated her attempts, and was glad she had no idea how many times she hadn’t been there to intervene. It was better that way.
    “Are you sure everything’s okay?” This little reminder of what life at home was like had me worried about Grandma. Dealing with Mom was an overwhelming job. “I can come visit tomorrow if you’d like, or you know, if you need a break you could come meet me for lunch or something.”
    “Don’t you worry. I’m fine. You have school to think about and I’ve been so busy with work lately, I’m just going to enjoy a quiet weekend at home.”
    For Grandma’s sake, I hoped Mom passed out soon and slept it off most of tomorrow.
    Mom yelled something in the background and Grandma cleared her throat. “How about I call you back another day and we can catch up a bit?”
    “Sure, Grandma. If you need anything, call me, okay?”
    “Of course, honey. We love you. Take care. Bye.”
    “Love you too. Bye.” I stared at my phone, trying not to think about what Grandma would have to deal with. I hadn’t left home to escape the drinking and unpleasant aftereffects—I was surrounded by plenty of reminders here. I’d left Mom and her vodka infatuation behind because I thought life would be easier for Grandma if I wasn’t