Playing With Spencer by Izaia Winter

Chapter Fourteen

Turner

Isqueezed Niko’s hand as we left the class. A massive sigh of relief escaped his body when we cleared the doors.

“Sorry,” he said as he squeezed my hand back. “It might be weird considering where we are, but I’ve never felt comfortable watching other people scene like that. I’m fine with little displays and casual things, but full-on scenes?” He shook his head. “No, thank you. It makes me feel so awkward.”

I leaned into his side in support. “It’s okay. To let you in on a little secret, I don’t like it that much either. I’m okay with it, but it’s not my preference.”

He bumped his shoulder into mine with a grin. “Your secret is safe with me.”

By some mutual agreement, we took the long way around, cutting through the main room rather than circling back through the hallway. It was a good thing, too. As soon as the bathrooms were in sight, Niko grimaced and pulled me to a stop.

“Sorry,” he said as he dropped my hand. “The little boy’s room is calling.”

I laughed as he powerwalked toward the restroom. “Do you want me to wait for you?”

“No,” he said as he pushed open the door, his voice echoing against the tiled walls. “I’ll meet you there.”

“Okay.” I giggled as the door slammed shut behind him.

Making my way to the playroom, I studied the empty club. It was so different when it was empty. The classes always took place early. And it made sense after Spencer had explained it to me. No one wanted to teach a class while loud music was thumping in the background.  Still, the emptiness was kind of spooky.

Reaching the playroom, I opened the door. The room was empty as well and the lights were off. Knowing they were automatic, I stepped into the room and waved my arms wildly, giggling as I did so. There was a quiet clicking sound when the overhead lights blinked on. And there was my puzzle, waiting for me on the shelf right where Spencer said it would be.

Grabbing it, I did a little twirl as I placed the box on a nearby table. I was finally alone and able to take in Spencer’s words. He loved me. Carefully, I pulled out some of the large pieces that were still holding together and placed them on the table. Spencer. Loved. Me.

“K-I-S-S-I-N-G.” I hugged the words close and bounced on my toes. I felt like I could fly.

Smiling when the playroom door opened, I called out to Niko. “Some of it came apart. And we’re missing some of the edge.” I shifted my hand through the loose pieces. “We’re gonna have to do some re-sorting. The car ride home and back mixed the pieces all up.”

I waited for Niko’s energetic response, but it never came. Frowning, I looked over my shoulder. A woman was standing in front of the door. She was pretty. She had styled her long blonde hair into perfect beach waves, and long lashes and tasteful makeup framed her deep brown eyes. She had a bit of a doe-eyed look about her, and the dress she wore gave off a vintage vibe. She looked familiar, but I couldn’t quite place where I had seen her.

“Sorry, I thought you were someone else.” My smile wasn’t as bright as I shifted uncomfortably under her stare. “Can I help you with something?”

“How can you let him touch you like that?” She twisted her lips. “In front of everyone.”

“Excuse me?” I blinked, unsure if I’d heard her right. “I think you may have me mistaken with someone else.”

“No. I saw you in there with him. Kissing him,” she said accusingly. “Smiling at him. It was disgusting.”

I lost what little of my smile remained. “You mean Spencer.”

She pursed her lips like she’d tasted something repulsive. It was that little move that finally clicked for me. I couldn’t remember her name—I’d learned so many that I’d forgotten—but she’d been there at the painting party, sitting on the couch next to Nate. I remembered Ollie telling me she was new and that Carson was showing her around. She had that same pinched look on her face now as she did then.

“Yes,” she hissed, her eyes filled with rage. “He is the worst kind of abuser there is.”

I lifted my chin defiantly. “I don’t believe you.”

She took an angry step my way. “It’s true. He doesn’t care about you. He doesn’t care about anyone. He takes and takes. He doesn’t care who he hurts in the process.”

“You know nothing about him,” I replied even as her words hit deep. It wasn’t that I believed her. I didn’t like hearing her talk about Spencer that way. “He is kind and patient and funny.”

Her laugh was bitter. “It’s all an act. Why am I the only one who can see it? Honey, he’ll use you up and then throw you away once he’s gotten what he wants. Trust me.”

I crossed my arms and smirked just to make her angry. “Trust me, honey,” I said, sneering as I repeated her false words. “If that were true, he would have left weeks ago. He was very thorough and took exactly what he wanted.”

“Mark my words—”

“I’m not going to listen to a damn thing you have to say,” I said, cutting her off as my bitchy side came out. He didn’t make an appearance often, but when he did, there were fireworks. No one was going to talk about Spencer that way while I was around.

“You are a stranger. I bet you’ve never even met him because while he is awful at remembering names, he never forgets a face. More to the point, you’re a woman, and Spencer is gay. You can’t tell me you’ve ever had a scene with him. At least not the kind I know he likes. The best you can do is give me secondhand information from someone else who is what? Another stranger,” I answered. “They could be a bitter ex or some jealous twatwaffle he turned down for all I know.”

I scoffed angrily. “I’m not going to trust you at all. I’m going to trust his two closest friends who have known him since he was eighteen. Even if one still scares me a bit, they are both amazing people. I’m going to trust the owners of this club who treat him like a brother. Owners who are also my business partners. Do you really think they would jeopardize this club and our business relationship by letting me get involved with a man who is dangerous and unsuitable for me? Without giving a warning? They practically threw me into Spencer’s lap and told me to have fun. And. I. Did.” I took a deep breath and wrestled with my anger. “And above all else, I’m going to trust myself. And now I want you to fucking leave.”

She fumed with every word I spoke. “You’re so fucking blind,” she said, practically spitting the words at me. “Just like everyone else at this stupid club.”

“Aww,” I said softly, giving her some fake sympathy. “Doesn’t no one here believe you? Did they hurt your feelings? I don’t care,” I replied, dropping the act. “I want you to leave right now.”

Smugly, she crossed her arms and planted her feet in place. “You can’t make me.”

“Really? Who’s acting like a child now?” I asked, just to push her buttons. “And you’re right,” I said, wanting to barf at her self-congratulatory attitude. “I can’t make you leave, but I know someone who can.”

“Who?” she asked snidely.

“I guess you’re about to find out,” I replied with a shrug. I lifted my face toward the ceiling and shouted, “UNICORN!”