Sarah and Kevin 23

"What do you help her for? We lose an hour of practice every night because of you," Peter snapped.

"Because I think I owe it to her to help her. She does a pretty good job taking care of us," he said, quietly.

"Bullshit. You're just trying to get in her bed. When she starts opening her legs, let me know so I can get my share."

Before Kevin could move, Scott and Tom were between them.

"Ya know, the competition is still on. And I'm going to be sleeping with her before the end of the month." Peter snarled over Scott's shoulder.

Kevin laughed at him. "Yeah, right. She was on to you from day one. You don't have a snowball's chance in hell with her."

"I'll have her on her back by the end of the month. You watch."

Kevin just laughed again and turned to pick up his guitar.

***

A couple weeks passed and Peter seemed to be calming down. Maybe he's not going to binge this time.

"OK, you guys. Dinner's ready," Sarah called them to the table. Kevin got up and went into the kitchen.

Peter was the last one to arrive. Sarah had a bowl of fruit salad in one hand and a bowl of green beans in the other when he stalked in. He stepped in front of her, took her face in his hands and kissed her full on the mouth. Kevin stood up, but Tom did, too and blocked his way.

"Peter, what the hell..?" Scott began.

When Peter released her, she stepped around him and set the bowls on the table. Then she turned around and slapped Peter in the face. His head spun around and welts appeared instantly on his cheek. Kevin snorted derisively.

"You bitch," he snarled and grabbed her arms, yanking her toward him. She gasped.

Kevin pushed past Tom and tried to get in between them, but Peter would not let her go.

"What the hell are you doing, you asshole?" Kevin yelled in his face.

Peter released her, shoving her, and she fell backward onto the floor.

"That was your last mistake, bitch," Peter said and pushed past Kevin and stormed out, slamming the back door behind him.

Kevin was torn between wanting to kill Peter and comfort Sarah. He took a deep breath and knelt beside her. She sat, legs stretched before her with her hands over her face, breathing hard.
Kevin tugged her skirt down to cover her knees.

"Sarah. Are you OK?"

She nodded and looked up into his face, eyes wide.

Scott and Tom came over and helped her stand up. She stumbled a little and Kevin put his arm around her waist. He helped her to a chair and then pulled one over and sat in front of her, taking her hands in his.

"He's going out drinking, isn't he?" she asked quietly. Kevin nodded.

"Oh, my god, you guys. I am so sorry."

"It's not your fault. He was looking for an excuse." Kevin said,

Sarah bowed her head. "I wish I hadn't been the one to give it to him."