16. Persistent

A/N: SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING LAST NIGHT I CANT LIE I WAS OUT LATE AND FELL ASLEEP

I took the day off school, when I got home last night with Tess practically holding me up my dad was all over the place, not pissed just worried, which was surprising because it wasn't what I was used to.

My mom never made me a hot chocolate and asked if I was okay. But Chris- My dad did.

I ended up telling him I got overwhelmed at the party and Tess said a guy was overly drunk and grabbed me by the wrist, hiding some of the truth while explaining the dark bruise on my wrist.

Therefore he let me stay off, and he said Tess coukd stay as long as she wanted which I'm so happy about.

"Should I get emancipated?" Tess asked abruptly while doing her makeup at my vanity, I laid on my bed and my head shot up to look at up.

"You know that's like a whole thing with money and court and the fact you'd have no parent!" I said trying to give her some reality, not shooting the idea down, just being realistic.

"Exactly, no dad. It's not like my dad does anything for me anyways, he's just some druggy who hides me around like some dog." Tess huffs and I understand how it feels to not have someone who cares.

"I mean you could, you're already asking your dad to come to Lakehurst, why not just do it yourself?" I shrug.

"The only reason the asshole wont move is because his drug dealers and connections are it the city." Tess turns to look at me.

Her dad, Paul is such a prick, he does nothing but my besties life shitty. I mean the girl already works at a dinner to pay half of the rent.

"You could always live here, I'm sure if I asked my dad he'd say it's fine, theres always people here anyways." I smile at her.

Her face goes into shock and she now turns fully around. "You just called him dad! Oh my god! Allie! You can actually admit it, that man has won you over!" She screams.

"He probably doesn't see me as his kid anyways, and it's not a big dead." I deadpan but a smile returns to my lips almost automatically.

"Admit it! You love your dadddd! And he definitely sees you as his amazing daughter, obviously." She rolls her eyes dramatically.

"Whatever." I match her with an eye roll before she comes over to lay next to me.

Tess and I lay side by side on my bed, the warmth of her presence comforting after the chaotic night before. The tension from our conversation about emancipation still lingered, but her teasing had managed to lighten the mood.

A loud knock at the door snapped us both out of our thoughts. We froze.

Tess grabbed her phone and checked the time. "Shit."

"What?" I sat up, already knowing the answer.

"School's over." She turned to look at me, eyes wide.

My stomach twisted. "No."

"Yes."

Another knock. This time more insistent.

We run down the stairs and head out of sight to the kitchen.

turned to stare at the like it was about to burst open on its own. I didn't even need to check—I already knew who it was.

"I'm not talking to them," I said immediately, pulling a blanket over my head that was hung over a stool like that would somehow make them disappear. I say them referring to the hockey team, it was one of them and if I had to pick one it had to be him.

Tess snorted. "Yeah, because that'll work."

"They're just going to bring up the party." My voice was muffled under the covers. "I don't feel like dealing with it."

Tess sighed. "Fair." She hopped off the counter, shaking her head as she smoothed out her hoodie. "Fine, I'll get the door."

I peeked out from under the blanket just as she flung the door open.

The door swung open, and instead of Calliope, I was met with Tess standing in the doorway, arms crossed over her chest like a bouncer at some exclusive club.

She raised an eyebrow. "What do you want, Maverick?"

I sighed, already feeling a headache coming on. "Is Calliope here?"

"She doesn't want to talk."

I frowned. "She can tell me that herself."

Tess let out a sharp laugh. "Oh, because that worked out so well for Luke last night? Just let it go, Gray."

I clenched my jaw. "I just want to check on her."

"She's fine." Tess gave me an expectant look, like she was waiting for me to take the hint and leave.

I didn't.

Instead, I shifted my weight onto one foot and glanced over her shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse of Calliope. "Tess." My voice was softer now. "Can you just tell her I'm here?"

Tess didn't move, still blocking the door like a human barricade. "You don't get it, do you?" She tilted her head, eyes narrowing slightly. "She doesn't want to talk about last night. And she definitely doesn't want to deal with you guys hovering over her."

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling up. "I'm not hovering."

Tess let out a scoff. "Please. You and Luke practically stalked her the night at the motel."

I opened my mouth to argue, but the door behind her creaked, and I caught a glimpse of Calliope's blanket-covered form before she turned away.

As if I couldn't see her because she couldn't see me.

Tess sighed, but I could tell she was softening—just a little. "Look, Gray," she said, quieter now. "Just give her some space. Let her come to you."

I hated the idea of just walking away. But as much as I wanted to push, I knew Tess was right. Calliope wasn't the type to be forced into a conversation she didn't want to have.

I exhaled sharply, stepping back. "Fine."

Tess gave me a small, approving nod before shutting the door.

I stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door, then finally turned and walked away.

I should've left. I was going to leave. But instead, I rocked back on my heels and knocked again. Remembering that coach wasn't in tonight and using that as my excuse to knock.

The door cracked open just enough for me to see one of Tess's narrowed eyes. "Persistent, aren't you?"

I leaned against the doorframe. "Coach is at a conference in the city tonight."

Tess blinked, unimpressed. "And?"

"The guys are throwing a party." I shrugged. "Like they always do when he's out of town."

She rolled her eyes. "Of course, because the last nights party went so well."

"This one will be different."

She let out a sharp laugh. "Oh, really? How?"

"Because I'm hosting it."

She gave me a deadpan look. "You do realize Callie lives here too, right?" I sighed. "Yeah, obviously."

Tess raised an eyebrow. "You sure? Because it kinda seems like you guys forget that."

I clenched my jaw. She wasn't wrong.

Before I could say anything, she shut the door again.

This time, I actually left.

Tess plopped back onto the counter, looking way too pleased with herself.

"What?" I asked, already suspicious.

"So, apparently your dad's out of town tonight."

I frowned. "Yeah, he mentioned a conference. Why?"

"Because your boys are throwing a party."

I sat up. "Excuse me?"

She smirked. "Yup. Just like they always do when he's gone."

I scoffed. "They always throw parties here?"

"Apparently."

I clenched my fists. "So they just—what? Take over my house every time he leaves?"

Tess grinned. "Sure seems that way." I threw my blanket off. "Unbelievable."

Tess stretched out on my bed, looking way too entertained. "Are the hockey guys at your house a lot?" I shrugged. "Sometimes. But apparently, before I moved here, they were always here."

She snorted. "Wow. It's almost like they don't even need you to be here to claim this place as theirs."

That pissed me off even more.

I crossed my arms, thinking. Then a slow, wicked smile crept onto my face.

Tess noticed immediately. "Oh no."

"Oh yes."

She sat up. "What are you thinking?"

I leaned in. "I think we should throw the party ourselves."

Tess's eyes widened. "Wait—"

I grinned. "We don't tell the guys. We invite everyone before they even get the chance to set up."

Tess stared at me for a second, then let out a sharp laugh. "Oh, that's evil."

"Right?"

She smirked. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

I nodded. "City kids."

Tess let out a delighted gasp. "Oh my god, Jonah and Theo are gonna lose their minds."

I grinned. "Let's make this a party they'll never forget."

—————

A/N: CHAPTER 16 DONE!

I'm excited for next chapter, are you?

Also what's your thoughts so far?

Words: 1502