Affliction

I'm standing there, in total shock.

What the fuck is wrong with me. Why did I do that?

Ryan also looks like he is in shock, but he isn't making eye contact with me.

I walk fast past Joey and Ryan, and I make it out the door. I unlock the truck and sit inside.

What the hell.

Ryan is walking back outside with Joey. Joey takes the drivers seat, Ryan in the back.

I'm not gonna say a word because who knows what I'm gonna say. Probably some sort of stuttering will happen too.

We make it back to my house. "I'm gonna take Ryan home. Take it easy." Joey says and gives me a hug.

"Thanks Joey." I say, trying to hurry inside.

"Bye Jo." I hear a quiet shy voice say.

I turn around and Ryan is there, smiling.

"Bye Ryan. See you Saturday." I smile, and Ryan walks away.

I go inside and sit on the couch.

Oh my God. I can't believe THAT just happened.

*Saturday practice.

At least my pit box isn't next to Ryan's. I don't think I could face him.

I look to my left and Chase is next to me.

"Did Katie come this week?" I ask. "No, she stayed home. This heat is getting to her." Chase says.

"I can imagine." I say trying to cut the conversation short.

Chase gives me a weird look.

"Nothing, it's nothing." I say quietly .

"Jo, I already know." He says. "Know what?" I ask, playing stupid. "You really think that my best friend doesn't talk to me?" Chase says, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm sorry, I really don't know what happened, I was drunk." I blurt out.

"Please don't lead him on Jo. He is a good guy." Chase says looking down.

"I don't want to lead him on. The kiss was nothing. At least I don't think it is." I sigh. Chase is watching something behind me, with a really protective glare.

"What?" I ask turning around. And then I see it.

Brad with some red head.

"So is that my replacement?" I chuckle. "Don't let it bother you. You have sponsors to impress." Chase says scoffing.

Hmm.

I watch a little bit longer and I see brad look at me to see if I am watching.

I continue to look, then she looks. I give them both a wave and turn around and walk towards my car.

Fuck him, he's not going to get in the way of my life anymore.

After practice, I see Ryan. Should I say something to him? No. I don't think I should.

Maybe?

He is looking really good in that firesuit though.

No Jo. You can't go for your brothers best friend.

I'm still looking at him, he's bending down, looking at his tires.

Okay. He's looking really good. Maybe I can go for chases best fiend?

No Jo! You can't!

Or can I?

I suck it up and walk over to Ryan.