Not So Bad After All (BWWM)(EDITING)

Chapter Fourteen

Not So Bad After All
Books One
Chapter Fourteen
Rose's Pov
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"Hey, babe," Ryan greeted, his voice warm.

"Hey," I replied, offering a half-smile.

"I know you're still mad at me, but a bunch of us thought it'd be fun to have couples night tonight. You down?"

"Oh? You mean you actually want to spend time with me?" I asked, feigning surprise.

"Of course I want to spend time with you, Rose. I've just been caught up in my own stuff lately. But I realized nothing's more important than you. I'm trying to make it up to you." He flashed me a charming smile.

He hadn't said anything like that in a while. It made me feel... good.

"Really?"

Then, Jayden's words from last night echoed in my mind.

"He's always trying to make up for something stupid he did..."

"Yeah! You know I love you," Ryan continued, his smile wide as he kissed me. "So, we're going out tonight. Dress nice!"

"You'd be loved and would never, ever go to sleep at night wondering if I love you or not."

Jayden's words rang in my head, like warning bells.

"Okay," I said, the hesitation in my voice barely noticeable before Ryan jogged off to catch up with his friends.

As much as this kills me to admit, so far, Jayden has been right.

After school ended, I waited around for Ryan. He promised to take me to work since he didn't have football practice today. But he wasn't answering my calls or texts. When the parking lot was nearly empty, I gave up. I looked ridiculous just standing there, waiting for him, so I decided to start walking.

As I left the school's parking lot, a familiar black Lexus pulled up beside me.

Jayden.

He rolled down the passenger side window. "Get in," he demanded.

"I have work. We'll study later, or tomorrow," I replied, my mood sour.

"Did I ask you that? Get in the car," he said again, more forceful.

I narrowed my eyes, suspicious, but hesitated only for a second before sliding into the car.

"You do know we don't have football practice today, right?" he said, his tone like he was stating an obvious fact.

"Yup, I know." I bit my lip as I felt the burn in my nose—a telltale sign that tears were coming.

"So why isn't your boyfriend, who has a car, driving you to work?" His voice was sharp, irritated.

My eyes started to burn, too. I shrugged. "He promised he would, but I guess he has better things to do."

Jayden glanced at me, noticing the red around my eyes and nose. He shook his head, clearly disappointed in Ryan too.

"Where do you work?" he asked, his tone shifting.

"At Lorie's."

"The diner/coffee shop on River Street?" He sounded surprised.

"You know about that place?" I was taken aback.

Not many people our age knew about it. Sure, it was popular with travelers and drifters, but it wasn't a trendy spot like Dunkin' or Starbucks.

"Hell yeah. Best damn coffee in the world."

"You don't look like a coffee drinker," I said, raising an eyebrow.