Racing Heart

***Spoiler warning:** Spoilers ahead. Proceed at your own discretion.*

## Overview

Racing Heart is the first book of the series. It stars Claudia, Jeremy, Courtney, and JJ.
## Full Book

Chapter 1
I sipped my coffee in the breakroom. I was chatting with Courtney, my best friend who also worked at Sunset Hospital. We had both just finished our shifts and decided to take a well-deserved break and unwind in the staff lounge.
Although Sunset was a hospital, they weren’t always terribly busy because they were close to the beach, but being so close to Sunset Beach they had a steady flow of patients coming in due to shark attacks, other animal attacks, or anything that could possibly go wrong past the shore.
“...Me and JJ got plane tickets to Costa Rica,” Courtney was saying. “We’re planning on going once I get time off work.” She sighed. “And if she can find time in her schedule…”
JJ was Courtney’s hot blonde girlfriend that worked as a lifeguard at the beach. I’ve never met her, but from what I’ve heard has been approached by quite many a man at her beach chair.
JJ was of course a volleyball girl and sported a deep tan from the time she spent outside and lifeguarding, and playing volleyball. She often had trouble balancing her job and volleyball, considering she was a seriously competitive player that traveled all around the country participating in national competitions with her team, which mostly consisted of her volleyball friends from high school.
Courtney stirred her finger in her coffee mindlessly. “She has Regionals coming up in a few weeks, and the girls have been busting their asses keeping up their winning streak,” she said.
I was tuning out of the conversation, but Courtney didn’t notice. Once we both parted ways and I was driving home, I got a text from Jeremy.
Jeremy was my boyfriend. My tall, loyal, sunkissed, muscular, hot, handsome, savvy boyfriend. He played varsity hockey and worked at a snack bar on the beach. We had been together for a while. His message read: “Text me when you’re home safe.”
I blushed. I loved getting messages like this, especially from Jeremy, judging how protective he was over me. If anyone ever laid a finger on me, he’d kill them. In short, I love having a protective teddy bear boyfriend.
Once I arrived home, the front door swung open to reveal Teddy, our Aussie shepherd, wagging his tail happily at seeing me home.
“Teddy boyyy!” I sang, tossing all my work stuff aside and wrapping my arms around him in a big warm hug, him almost bowling me over with kisses while I laughed.
“You’re a sweet boy,” I teased in a high pitched voice, kissing Teddy’s forehead. Noticing the rest of the house was silent, I cocked my head in confusion. “Where’s Jeremy, Teddy? Have you seen him?” I asked him.
In response, Teddy just stared into my soul with his huge brown eyes, his tail thwapping the ground.
“I guess not…” I murmured, getting up and walking into the kitchen. I noticed the windows were wide open for some reason, which was odd. “Where is that little—“
I was cut off by an angry scream from the street
“Fuck off!”
Jeremy.
“Shit, shit, shit shit!” My head shot up in alarm and I cursed as I raced towards the backdoor, slamming it open to reveal the chaos. Luckily the garage was open and I could see what was going down.
Jeremy was beefing with the gang from across the street. They were pushing each other around while the gang laughed, which ignited a flame of fury inside me. “Hey horndogs!” I yell from the garage. “Cut it out!”
The leader, Kato, immediately looked at me, and so did the rest of his gang. But he slowly smirked wickedly. “Is this your girlfriend, pretty king?” He sneered at Jeremy.
Jeremy looked at me, scared. “Claudia, get back inside right now! This isn’t safe!”
“Shut it,” Kato scoffed, shoving Jeremy into the arms of one of the gang members, two gang members holding each of his arms to stop him from reaching Kato, as the huge gang leader walked toward me.
As Kato approached me, a cloud of fear unfurled in my stomach as I stared dauntlessly into the eyes of the man that had been harassing my boyfriend. “You’re a pretty one, eh,” He teased, drawing a finger out and running it across my chin, making me quiver in fear.
Noticing my sudden flinch, Kato moved closer. “Not as brave as you were before, huh princess?” He laughed.
Jeremy struggled furiously against the two gang members holding him back. “Get away from her! Claudia!”
Kato looked back at me. “Well, we better be going.” He flashed Jeremy a glance. “You can have your little princess back now,” he beckoned to his goons with a snap of his fingers. “Release him.”
As soon as the two goons released their hold on Jeremy, he came running to me and scooped me up in his arms, shielding me from the Kato’s gang watching us. I could feel a growl rising in his throat as Kato watched us intently.
“Watch your back, Jeremy. Next thing you know, we might come for her,” he threatened with a smirk, and then slunk away with the rest of his goons.
Jeremy cupped my face worriedly. “Did he touch you? I swear to god, if he hurt you—“
I pushed his hands away. “I’m fine, Jeremy. What’s really important is what happened to you. Why did that whole thing happen?” I asked seriously, staring into his big ambers.
“Well…” He scratched the back of his neck, wearing a guilty look. “I was making a deal with one of the Vipers for heroin, and when I was heading back to see if you had gotten home he and his goons cornered me and demanded the heroin, thinking I had the stash hidden somewhere.”
I arched my brow. “Where’s the stash?”
“Locked in a safe hidden in your dresser. Third drawer.”
“What the fuck, Jeremy?! You hid heroin that Kato and his gang are searching for in my dresser?! Do you want him to come after me?” I snarled.
Jeremy grabbed my shoulders. “Of course not! I had no other place to hide it baby, so I picked a familiar spot. I promise I’ll fix all of this, and I’m sorry. Even the thought of him coming after you makes me want to protect you even more. I swear I’ll tear his throat out if he ever comes close to you,” he told me, pulling me into a tight hug.
I felt my tense body relax in his muscular arms, realizing with a bodyguard like him, Kato would regret threatening me. “Okay, fine.”

Chapter 2
DISCLAIMER.
Do not read the following if you are sensitive to blood, gore, and scenes of major injury. Viewer discretion is advised.
The next morning I was getting ready for work when I got a call from Courtney. “Claudia here, what’s up?” I greeted her as I accepted the call.
“Claudia! You’re never going to believe what happened!” She yelled through the phone.
“What?”
A fire broke out in a nearby neighborhood and there’s an overflow of patients coming in. We’re going to need your help,” she explained.
I grimaced. “On my way,” I said, hanging up and grabbing my backpack.
Jeremy entered the kitchen. “Leaving so soon?”
“Emergency at work,” I told him, throwing on my backpack. “They need me there ASAP.”
“Stay safe, and I love you,” Jeremy said, kissing my cheek.
“Love you too!” I called back, already out the door.

That morning the hospital was alive and bustling. I saw a few firefighters here and there assessing the aftermath of the fire and checking in on the survivors.
Finding Courtney at the reception desk, I threw my mask on and beckoned to her. “Where to go?” I asked.
“Room 9,” she told me. “It’s not pretty.” I swallowed.
I approached Room 9, my stomach filling with dread. My head was spinning, conjuring up the worst scenarios of what could’ve happened.
I entered the room, and one look at the patient erupted a feeling of intense nausea.
The patient in question was a young boy around 10 or 11, covered from head to toe in soot. Part of his face, left arm and shoulders were burnt, exposing flesh and bone. There were patches of hair missing and the little boy was dressed in scrubs. His mother was sobbing next to his hospital bed. She also wasn’t looking the best either.
I knelt down next to the mother. “We’re going to take care of him and make him better, I promise. That’s our job,” I said gently, placing my hand on her knee.
“I hope so,” the mother’s voice cracked. “My little boy didn’t deserve this…” She continued to cry.
My heart broke. “None of the victims did, especially him. He’s a fighter. We’re gonna do our best and keep you posted on his recovery. We won’t stop until he reaches full recovery, and we’ll call you in as soon as that happens,” I explained, trying to be as soft and gentle as I could for the grieving mother.
The mother tried to speak through her tears. “It’s just, my husband…” She looked away. “Didn’t make it. I don’t want to lose him too…” She burst into tears once more, uncontrollable sobs wracking her body.
My heart broke over and over again for this woman. Poor lady. I can’t imagine if I lost Jeremy. And it must be extra tough on her since her son barely survived.
“Oh my god,” I said as I tried to sympathize as best I could with the mother. “I’m so sorry…”
“I’m trying to hang in there,” the lady cried. “But it’s a hard time right now.”
“I completely understand. As for right now, we’re going to run some tests on your son for now, so can I escort you to the waiting room?” I asked.
The lady nodded sadly, and got up and left as I led her to the waiting room, and then returned to Room 9.
“How’s the patient?” I asked the nurse tending to him, whose name was Mila.
“He’s in critical condition,” Mila replied grimly. “We’re running tests, and his lungs appear to be extremely damaged due to smoke inhalation. We’ve patched him up, but he’s still unconscious.”
I sighed and observed the little boy. Gazing up at the clipboard stapled to the wall, I read off his personal information. Peter. His name is Peter.
I glanced back at the little boy while Mila was checking his vitals. “The mother was pretty distraught earlier,” I commented.
Mila shot me a look. “Of course she is, idiot. Can you blame her? Her husband died, and now her son is injured and his life will never be the same after this either.”
“Yeah,” I said, looking away.
“Also, tell Courtney Peter’s status,” she ordered.
Nodding, I left the room and headed off to the front desk where Courtney was managing files. “Any news?” She asked pointedly.
“He’s stabilized,” I began. “Severe lung damage. But we got him patched up. His mom is inconsolable though.”
“Bet she is.”
She looked up to me, her eyes glazed. “It was a pretty gnarly accident,” she commented, returning her attention to the files, her blonde hair guarding her expression.
“Oh yeah… and I meant to ask…” I began, leaning my elbow against the edge of the desk, “How did the fire start?” I queried.
Courtney thought for a moment. “I’m not totally sure, but I heard a rumor that it may have been a gang lurking close to the neighborhood,” she said.
“What neighborhood?”
“Sunflower Hill,” She swallowed. “Not far from you.”
My blood chilled as I remembered the incident with Kato last night, recalling his threat. “Jesus.”
“I know, right?” She replied, but looked up to me worriedly with her piercing blue eyes. “But seriously Claudia, be safe. Okay?” She told me, searching my gaze.
I sighed. “I promise.”
She patted my shoulder. “Good.”

Chapter 3
Three days later
Me, Jeremy, Courtney and JJ were at the beach.
The four of us had decided to go on an outing to get away, enjoy the sunshine, and feel the sand between our toes.
We had placed our umbrella at our spot close to JJ’s lifeguard chair for the duration of her shift, so when she finished she could come join us.
The sky was blue, the waves were rolling, the sun was shining, the seagulls weren’t stealing people’s food, (its only funny if its someone else) it was the perfect day out. Especially since Jeremy could get off work to enjoy a beach day with the rest of us. He had also brought one of his friends, Tyler, also a Viper gang member, to come with us. They were playing volleyball with Courtney and a crowd of others a little ways off while me and JJ were casually gossiping and catching up.
“...And she just doesn’t realize how much I love her. I keep telling her that, but it’s like Courtney doesn’t believe me,” JJ was saying.
Apparently, JJ and Courtney were having issues. JJ was venting to me about how Courtney always bore a constant fear that the former was going to leave her. I was thinking. I sometimes feared Jeremy would leave me, but not to the extent that Courtney did, according to JJ.
“Has that ever happened with you and Jeremy, Claudia?” She asked me, readjusting her visor.
“Rarely,” I replied. “I mean, I occasionally used to have a lingering feeling that he would get sick of me and ditch me.”
“I don’t know,” JJ sighed.
I took off my sunglasses and looked her dead in the eye. “Girl, you’re worrying too much. She’ll find out sooner or later how dedicated you are to what you guys have,” I reassured her.
“I hope so.”
“A lot of stuff has happened at the hospital lately,” I informed her, “Maybe that’s what's stressing her out.”
JJ turned to me. “What happened?” she asked.
“A fire broke out in a nearby neighborhood a few days ago. An overflow of patients were rushed in from the accident, and one died,” I said, my voice laced with grief.
“Oh, Jesus christ…”
“I know. But me and Courtney pulled our shit together and everyone seems to be recovering fine.” Maybe except for Peter.
JJ’s voice was quiet. “I didn’t know that.”
“Courtney never told you?” I asked, puzzled.
“Obviously not,” she murmured, thinking. “Does she not trust me?”
“No, don’t think like that. Some people…” I paused as I tried to think of a way to reassure her. “Cope differently.”
JJ didn’t respond, but I brushed it off. “I’m going to get hot dogs,” I told her. “Mustard?”
“Yeah.”

About ten minutes later I returned with five steaming hot dogs, my mouth already watering. “Courtney! Boys! Lunch is here!” I called.
“Finally!” Courtney exclaimed, running over. “I’m famished.”
Despite her girlfriend’s jovial mood, JJ didn’t acknowledge her. Courtney didn’t seem to notice, however, until JJ got off her shift and didn’t join them for lunch as her replacement took her spot in the lifeguard chair as she slunk off to the lounge.
Courtney looked up, half finished with her hot dog. “Is she not gonna eat?” she asked, eyeing JJ’s hot dog.
“I don’t think so,” I sighed. “Even still, you should ask her.”
“Ok,” she got up, sand spilling from her shorts as she trudged through the sand toward the lifeguard lounge.
I sighed again as I watched her go. Jeremy stared at me quizzically. “You good baby?” He asked, concerned.
I scooted over and collapsed into his arms dramatically, enjoying the warmth and feeling of his big muscular arms wrapping around my middle. “Eh.”
“What’s been going on?”
“I’ll tell you later.”

Chapter 4
Later that night
Claudia was snuggled up in Jeremy’s loving arms as they watched Die Hard for the third time, one of Claudia’s favorite films. They had numerous bowls of popcorn, a few pieces of which Teddy had eaten. The big Australian shepherd was nestled in Claudia’s lap, snoring peacefully as the night wore on.
But soon there was a rapping at the door.
Jeremy got up to answer, and standing in the doorway was Tyler and his right hand man Tristan. “Dude,” he began, gasping for air. He must’ve ran all the way here. “Kato’s looking for the stash. You gotta move it.”
Claudia hugged Teddy to her chest, now fully awake. “Is he coming for it right now?”
Tyler nodded, but the look behind his eyes told a different story.
Jeremy noticed it too. “Tyler. What is it?”
“He’s looking for her too.”
My blood ran cold as I hugged Teddy tighter. Sensing my fear, he began to growl and jumped off my lap to take his place by my boyfriend’s side.
“What do you mean he’s looking for her?” Jeremy demanded. “Claudia?”
Tyler was quiet.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck! And you just now tell me this?!” He roared.
“Listen dude, I just found out! I wish I could’ve warned you earlier! But we have bigger things to worry about, like getting her and the heroin the fuck outta here,” Tyler snapped.
Jeremy grimaced. “Fine.” He walked over to me and scooped me up in his arms, holding me to his chest. “Tyler, get the heroin and bury it in the flowerbed in the backyard. I’ll get her to Sunset Hotel ASAP,” he ordered.
“But-“
“No buts. Do as I say and he won’t find either of them,” Jeremy said icily. Tyler went to my room, followed by Tristan.
“Can Teddy come? Please?” I asked. “He can be our extra backup.”
Jeremy smiled sweetly at me. “Sure, babe,” he said, and then kissed my forehead. “Claudia, Teddy and I will protect you, don’t you worry.”
Despite his reassurance, I whimpered and pressed my head to his chest. “What if Kato finds me?” My voice was small.
Jeremy tightened his grip on me. “He won’t. I’ll make sure of it. And if he does he’ll have to go through me,” he growled.

Once we arrived at the hotel, Jeremy scooped me up from the backseat and ran with me in, followed by a defensive Teddy. “A room, please?” Jeremy asked the receptionist quickly, thrusting his free hand out holding his card.
“Enjoy your stay,” the receptionist said as we raced into the elevator to get to our floor. Chest heaving, Jeremy punched in the floor number and we started moving.
Finally, we reached our floor, Level 3. Once we got to our room, Teddy let out a warning bark. “Shit fuck,” Jeremy cursed, fumbling with the keys and jamming them into the door as he unlocked it. Setting me on the bed, he kissed my forehead. “Stay safe, baby. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure he doesn’t get to you,” he said sweetly, running out of the room and locking the door behind him.
I hugged one of the plaid pillows tightly and whimpered again. I hope to God Kato doesn’t find me, I thought nervously.
Teddy jumped up onto the king bed to comfort me, licking my face, making me laugh. “Thanks Teddy boy,” I giggled, pulling him into a hug.
Jeremy’s POV

Chapter 5
Claudia was stroking Teddy’s head calmly. She ran her hand through his thick dappled fur and admired the sleekness of his coat.
She was completely lost in her own thoughts despite the dire situation at hand.
But her thoughts were interrupted by the hotel room shattering, and a huge body climbing through the window, followed by a smaller one. She was so startled she barely had time to register what was going on.
Brock and Zachary.
Kato’s lead fuckers.
Teddy positioned himself in front of Claudia protectively. “Don't come any closer!” She warned, trying to put on a brave face.
“So you’re the bitch Kato was raving about,” Brock began, his voice deep and low. “He’s been looking for you,” He chuckled, stepping closer.
Teddy let out a threatening growl as he did so, at which Brock laughed. “Your little furball can’t protect you now,” he sneered. “Kato wants the heroin, and he wants it now. So tell us where it is.”
“Never!” Claudia snarled.
A moment passed, and Brock snapped his fingers, and Zachary sped over, swift as a snake, and slid a muzzle on Teddy in the blink of an eye. Teddy thrashed his head, trying to get the muzzle off as he secured it.
“No!” Claudia screamed. “Leave him alone!”
“You had your chance, girlie,” Brock said. “The location of the heroin. Now,” He huffed.
Claudia was defiant as ever. “Fuck you!”
About fed up, Brock trudged over and grabbed her by the arms, hoisting her up and slamming her onto the floor at the foot of the bed. “Get off me! Teddy!” Claudia screeched.
The Australian Shepherd clawed fruitlessly at the muzzle, but to no avail, as Brock handcuffed Claudia to the bedpost.
Claudia struggled furiously. “Let me go!”
“We want that heroin, and we want it now,” Zachary growled.
“Sorry, my lips are sealed,” she remarked sheepishly.
Instead, Brock pulled out his phone and called someone. Claudia soon recognized the caller ID as Jeremy, her beloved boyfriend.
“Jeremy! Hel-“ Claudia’s screams were cut off as Brock clamped his hand over her mouth, muffling her protests.
“Claudia?!” He yelled back into the phone, sounding alarmed. “What have they done to you? Are you alright?”
“Your precious girlfriend is safe in our hands,” Brock snickered back.
I could hear Jeremy growl into the phone. “Let her go.”
“If you give us the heroin. And $200,” he hissed back.
I pulled in my restraints. They were going to make him pay too?! All for her?
“We couldn’t give less a shit about Kato,” Zachary scoffed. “I’m sick of doing all his dirty work.”
“What the fuck—“ I spat, but was cut short.
I heard Jeremy breathe heavily into the phone. “Two hundred bucks? Dude, you gotta be joking-“
Brock shot me a threatening look. “No. We’re leaving Kato’s gang. We need a payday if we’re going to fend for ourselves, and this is just the opportunity,” he said. He walked over to me and knelt down, clamping his hand over my mouth, making me scream muffled protests. “If you ever want to see your girlfriend again, that is.”
Brock removed his hand from my mouth. “Jeremy, just give him the heroin. All this pandamonium over drugs? Are you guys still in highschool or what?” I snapped.
“Anything to keep Claudia safe,” Jeremy told Brock.
“Glad to hear it,” Brock growled, getting up.
“Claudia, I love you and I’ll be there in a bit, stay safe baby,” were his last words before Brock hung up the phone again.

Chapter 6
Jeremy arrives at the hotel with Tyler and Tristan, lugging the suitcase behind him. They stopped outside the door, concealed their guns, and Jeremy knocked. He couldn’t suppress the lump in his throat as he waited for Brock to answer the door.
Sure enough, he did answer.
“Finally got the load, pretty boy?” He sneered, admiring the suitcase.
Jeremy didn’t answer. Looking behind Brock, a pit opened in his stomach when he saw the love of his life handcuffed at the foot of the bed. He wanted to protect her so badly, but in order to free her he had to make sure the plan was executed flawlessly and perfectly.
“Here,” Jeremy said, giving Brock the heavy suitcase.
He took it and dragged it inside. “And the 200 bucks?” he beckoned.
“It’s in the case,” Jeremy told him. Brock narrowed his eyes. “Well then, let’s see,” he said, opening the case, but as he did, it turns out it was filled with rocks.
“What the fu-“
Before he could finish, Jeremy pulled out his gun and knocked him out by hitting him square in the forehead with the butt of it, and raced into the room where Claudia was being guarded by Zachary. “Jeremy!” Claudia screamed his name as she recognized him.
“Fuck off!” Zachary hissed, throwing a punch at Jeremy. The latter dodged, underhanding his stomach and knocking the wind out of him.
“Fuck!” Zachary screamed, pulling out his gun. He shot at Jeremy but missed, also missing Claudia’s head by only a few inches. Jeremy runs him into the wall and smashes his head against it, knocking him out cold. He also shoots Zachary in the foot in the process.
Jeremy reaches into Zach’s back pocket and pulls out the key to the handcuffs, runs over to Claudia and unlocks them while Tyler undid Teddy’s muzzle, and pulls her into a big hug.
“I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to protect you, baby,” he whispered in her ear, holding her tight. “This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have left you here alone and put you in so much danger.”
Claudia buried her face in the crook of his neck, stroking her dark brown locks away from her face. “I had Teddy, Jeremy. You did what you needed to do,” she breathed.
“I’ll never let you go again,” he whispered back.

Vipers’ Headquarters
Claudia’s POV
Jeremy, me, Tyler, Tristan, and the rest of the Vipers stood silently around the table. They were all still processing what had happened and how close they had come to losing me.
Tyler broke the silence. “Is the heroin safely hidden?” He asked Jeremy.
He nodded.
“Good,” he said. Tyler pointed to everyone present. “Every single one of you holds a responsibility, and one responsibility only: To beat the shit out of Kato the second you see him. We can’t let him get a hold of the stash,” he said seriously.
I felt a burst of anger within me. “None of this would’ve happened if you idiots weren’t so hung up on drugs to the point where my life had to be threatened for you to even consider giving them over. But you still didn’t! Even you, Jeremy!” I snarled, whipping around to face my boyfriend.
“I—“ he began.
“I don’t want to hear it!” I shouted defiantly. “If I’m so cheap and worthless in your eyes to where you can’t even give up your precious drugs for my own fucking safety, than fuck you!”
“Claudia, calm down,” Jeremy said quietly.
“No! I’m not going to “calm down”. You clearly don’t care about me enough that you think of narcotics as more important than my own life,” I hissed. “Shame on all of you,” I looked at everyone surrounding the table, then back at Jeremy. “We’re done,” I told him, and turned to go.
“Claudia, wait!” He called after me, tears forming in his eyes. “I’m sorry! I’ll do better, you mean the world to me!” I looked back at his distraught face, but even part of me broke seeing it.
I curled my lip. “Sure.”
“Baby, please…” Jeremy started.
“Don’t call me that,” I snapped.
And I left.

Chapter 7
Courtney was relaxing at the front desk of Sunset Hospital when she looked up to see a ripped, raven haired young man walk through the sliding door.
He was covered in tats, scars, and had dark brown eyes. Courtney activated her flirting gaze, totally into it.
“Well hello there hottie,” Courtney leaned over the desk.
“Hi there cutie,” He returned the flirt. “My name is Tristan Malick, and I’m here for my mother.”
“Ah yes,” Courtney said, typing on her monitor. “What happened?” she asked.
“She has first stage breast cancer,” Tristan told her. “I want to see how she’s doing.”
Courtney finished typing with a final dramatic right click on the mouse. “You’re all set!”
“Thanks,” he said before leaving. “And what’s your name?”
“Courtney,” she beamed proudly, then handed a post-it note with her number scribbled on it over the counter. “Here. For later.”
Tristan smiled at her. “Thanks hun,” he laughed.
Courtney’s heart flipped over. Tristan is so hot. But then she frowned. But I have a girlfriend. Courtney shook her head. “I just want to get to know him, what's so bad about that?”

```
Two days later Tristan and Courtney were in the club beach house going down. Courtney had her lips buried into Tristan’s, and she was enjoying it, as was he.

```

But suddenly they both heard a knock, and JJ’s voice outside the door. “Courtney, here are your clean clothes!”
“Shit!” Courtney exclaimed, scrambling to hide. She shoved Tristan underneath the bed, causing him to squeal, just as soon as JJ opened the door.
“You alright?” She asked, setting down her basket, her gold hair shimmering from the sunlight from the window, her blue eyes concerned. “You seem flustered.”
“Everything’s fine,” she replied nervously. “Just having some alone time and watching youtube.”
“Oh. Have fun then!” JJ exclaimed, stealing a quick kiss on the cheek and leaving the room.
Tristan fought his way out from under the bed. “Who’s that?”
Courtney turned around. “Uh….”
Tristan’s eyes flew wide. “Courtney??”
“Fine! She’s my girlfriend.”
“So are you cheating on her with me?” He demanded.
“Maybe,” she said. “But we can go back to whatever we were doing, she’s gone now,” Courtney leaned in for a kiss.
Tristan shoved her away. “No, dude! I’m not going to be your bored fuck because you’re dissatisfied with your girlfriend. I’m leaving.”
Courtney was desperate. “You can’t leave!”
Tristan grimaced. “Watch me,” he growled, climbing back out the window.
Courtney collapsed on the floor, guilt swelling her chest. How could she keep this a secret from JJ?

Chapter 8
Jeremy, Tyler and Tristan were at the dirt bike arena sharing comed drinks and socializing. Claudia and Courtney were at a work barbeque, so they were absent.
Jeremy sighed. “I’m wondering if I should call Claudia,” he pondered.
“I dunno, dude,” Tristan said. “By the way, me and Courtney hooked up.”
Jeremy almost flew out of his chair. “What?? When??” he demanded.
“Last week,” He said.
“Damn.” Jeremy said, sitting back. “JJ’s gonna be pissed.”
“Actually, Courtney’s gonna break up with her soon.”
“Really??”
“Yes.”
“Holy shit, dude. That’s gonna break up the whole friend group. And I can’t imagine how that affects JJ.”
After a moment of silence, Tristan spoke. “I think you should call Claudia.”
“She hates me. I regret that night so much. There must be voices in my head if I was willing to choose an expensive drug deal over my own girlfriend.”
“Yeah,” Tyler said calmly. “I still think you should call her.”
“Fine.” Jeremy scoffed.
“AVERY!” Tristan called. “I need your help!”
Avery was the assistant manager of the dirtbike track, and also Tristan’s sister. She had vibrant brown locks and leaf green eyes, topped with a stern gaze.
“What is it?” Avery asked, walking over.
“I need your help. You know Courtney Coffman?”

BANG
BANG
BANG
Went Courtney’s door. She rushed to open it.
In came an angry Avery Malick. “Did you try to hook up with my brother to cheat on your girlfriend?” She demanded agrily, her green eyes flaring with rage.
“Woah, who are you?” Courtney asked.
“I’m Avery Glas Malick, Tristan’s sister. And you’re gonna tell your girlfriend about the hookup or I’m beating the shit out of you.”
“Woah, fine fine! What do you want me to do??” COurtnet asked, scared.
Avery pulled out a pocketknife. “Take out your phone.”
Courtney did so.
“Text your girlfriend that you cheated.”
“But—“
“NOW!!!” Avery roared, flicking open the knife.
“Fine fine!” Courtney gasped.
And it was done. Avery closed the knife and shoved it into the back pocket of her ripped skinny jeans. “If you mess with me again, we’re gonna have problems way bigger than this,” she snapped, leaving through the forced open bedroom door.
Courtney collapsed, gasping for air. She had just blown up her relationship, and on top of it all, Tristan wouldn’t even take a second look at her. In fact, he had hated her so much he sent his sister to blackmail Courtney into breaking up with JJ.
She started to cry and dialed Claudia’s number.
~
Claudia was at Courtney’s house. JJ had already left in a fury, and the house was empty. Claudia had already seen she had 6 missed calls from Jeremy, but chose to ignore them until she got the chance to ask Courtney for advice.
“So what do I do?” Claudia asked.
Courtney tilted her head. “I think you should answer. “Tyler told me at the dirt bike arena she’s really sorry for what he did.”
“But he wanted to exchange me for heroin. Heroin. Does he really value me as a person then?” She continued.
Courtney shrugged. “The only way you’ll know is by calling him back.”
Claudia sighed and hesitated before clicking on the call button, but finally did.
Jeremy answered immediately, sobbing. “I’m so sorry baby, I didn’t mean to… I wouldn’t trade you for anything in the world.”
“Calm down baby,” Claudia whispered into the phone. “Come over to Courtney’s house and we’ll talk through everything.”

An hour later Jeremy and Claudia were cuddling on the couch, talking to Courtney.
“I still can’t believe you forgave me,” Jeremy began. “I fucked up so bad. I just wish I could express how sorry I am.”
“You already did,” Claudia said. “As long as it never happens again.”
“I swear on my life,” He said warmly, kissing her on the cheek.
She laughed.