Page 124 of I Dare You
Suddenly, things become very real.
Kit seems to know what I’m thinking and takes my hand.“We’re in this together, remember that.”
“I know, I just… Facing him is a little overwhelming.I thought I was ready, but I don’t think I’ll ever be.”
“He’s at The Wreck.All his jock buddies are there on Thursday nights.Cheap beers,” he explains.I scoff because since when do any of those assholes need to watch their budget?
They are rich and privileged.
I assume they’re there to hunt their prey.They think it’s okay to target women they see as their lesser.Or perhaps they know these women, women like me who don’t stand a chance fighting against men such as them.
Knowing this, I quickly grab my bag and pull out what I need.If we’re heading into battle, I should dress for a war.
Sitting in this bar is torture.
I accept that I don’t fit in.I prefer solitude over fake friendships anyway.
This bar is filled with men who think they’re someone and women who are desperate to be noticed.
Is this what being “normal” entails?
If so, I haven’t missed out on anything.If anything, it makes me appreciate what I have.
And what I have I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Kit sits next to me in a red leather booth, sipping scotch—completely composed.I, on the other hand, can’t stop fidgeting.
Jack isn’t here yet.
His friends are, though.
Kit places his hand on my bouncing knee.“He’ll be here,” he whispers into my ear, sensing my nerves.
All this can’t be for nothing.
Kit is right—we need to strike now before one or more of the girls have second thoughts.
Watching Jack’s friends, I’m put off by how blatantly they ogle every woman at the bar, cartoonishly eager and obvious with their salivating tongues and wide eyes.
“People do this for fun?”I ask Kit, my tone sharp with judgment.
He chuckles and runs his fingers up my thigh.
Instantly, my body responds to him, and he knows it.“You look beautiful.”
I’m wearing a low-cut, tight-fitting black dress.I don’t own anything sexy or seductive, but I put my hair up in a messy chignon, and Dandy helped me with my makeup while I filled him in on the plan.
He wanted to join us, but Kit and I convinced him not to come because Dandy tends to attract attention, and we want the opposite.
He agreed to stay, though he was clearly upset.I don’t want him to feel excluded, but I need to focus on confronting Jack.
Seeing Jack is nearly as daunting as facing him.I’m about to down my vodka, but Kit stops me and nods toward the bar.
Time stands still.
It’s Jack Bloom, or I’m assuming so, as I don’t know what he looks like.I was blinded before I could see my monster’s face.
I pictured him to be taller.Maybe scarier.But as I look at the average-looking guy, with unremarkable features, I feel cheated.
