| "Hey." Justin scooped down to kiss her cheek, walking into her apartment after the akward moment. "Hi, how's the vacation going?" She joined him on the couch, not sure it was a good idea to have him over. "Good, you?" "Fine, I've had plenty of time to sit on my ass." "What happened to the guy, what's his name?" Justin ran a hand through his hair, desperately trying to get himself through the situation. "Mike, no blank." She stood to walk to the kitchen, looking at him expectantly for a drink order. "Whatever you have, no blank?" "Yeah, no blank in the kiss." She called from the kitchen, pulling two cans from the refridgerator. "Is that important?" He watched her walk back into his view, then take a seat next to him on the couch. "Of course, how do I explain this? You know when you kiss someone and nothing else matters? Like your mind just goes blank. You can't think of anything else but the kiss." She pulled the tab to open her soda, taking a sip to keep her eyes from Justin. "Yeah, I know exactly what you are talking about, I had that once." He pulled himself from the couch, holding his hand out to her. "We should get going, missing a cook out at JC's is like missing your own birthday party." "Yeah, just let me grab my keys." "Your riding with me, what do you need keys for?" At least he knew now she hadn't fallen in love with another guy, just had a little fun. "Well, I was being stupid, and I thought it would be a good idea to take my keys so I can unlock the door when I get home. What the hell was I thinking?" She threw him a sarcastic look as she grabbed her keys off the hallway table, motioning for him to follow her out the dor. "Fiesty. Jaden, can I ask you a question?" He locked and shut the door, then followed her down the steps and to his car. "Of course, what do you need to know?" He purposely forgot to open and close her car door for her, walking to his side instead. "Did you have the blank with me?" He pulled his seat belt across his chest, watching her do the same out of the corner of his eye. "Yeah, but I'm sure I wouldn't anymore." She turned her attention out the window, fearful to look at his disappointed face. "Same here." He bit his lip, hoping it sounded more convincing to her than it had to him. "Good, any new girls in your life?" "No, I'm still getting over the last one." Luckily he stopped at a red light and was able to look at her as he had been wanting to all along. "That's too bad, but I'm sure you'll tough it out." "I don't want to." She let her eyes meet his for a brief second, and he watched hopefully as her lips began to move, hoping she would feel the same. "The lights green." She said flatly, keeping her promise to herself to not let him back in her life romantically. She was certain it would prove to be her downfall, he was sure to throw another fit down the road. "Thanks." That was the last spoken word until they arrived at JC's house, where there was already a party started. "Hey cutie." Jaden hopped from the silent car and into JC's waiting arms. "Hey gorgeous." He spun her around once, then replaced her on the ground, turning to look at a solem Justin. "Hi Justin." "Hi JC, seen my Mom?" He brushed past him, deciding not to wait for an answer. "What's wrong with him?" "I'm an idiot." She ran a hand through her hair, then let JC lead her to the grill he was cooking on. "Why are you an idiot?" JC flipped a few hamburgers, then rolled the hot dogs. "I should have never agreed to let him drive me here. Actually I shouldn't have come at all." She retrieved a drink from a nearby ice chest, trying to keep her mind on something other than Justin. "Yes, you should have come, you and Justin are just at an akward stage right now, it'll blow over." "I hope your right, I am going to go say hi to the rest of the guys. Save me a hot dog." Eyeing the premises, she found Chris was busy with his girlfriend, as well as Joey. Settling her eyes on Lance, she decided to strike up a conversation with the man who was playing a card game on JC's deck. "Hey, long time no see." He gave her a quick hug and kiss on the cheek, then sat back down as she did the same. "Yeah, what are you playing?" "Solitare." He eyed his options, finally deciding to move a six to a seven then flipping over the card beneath it. "So where's your family?" She had been informed all the guy's families would be there, and hadn't seen one parent. "They are all hiding out inside, talking about us most likely." "That's parents for you." "Where's Justin?" He flipped another card, a disappointed look taking his face right after. "He went looking for his Mom." She tried to give him a smile and failed miserably, so she excused herself before he had a chance to comment. "Ready for that hot dog?" JC held out a plate for her, a hot dog already on a bun on top. "Yeah, thanks." She grabbed the mustard, squirted a little onto the bun, then replaced it. "Hamburger please." Justin grabbed a plate from next to Jaden, holding it out for JC. "Sure thing." "You have to eat more than that, we'll be drinking when the parents leave." Justin nodded to her plate, trying desperately to have the friendship she wanted. "How will I get home?" "You can stay here." JC set a hamburger onto Justin's awaiting plate, quickly glancing at Jaden for reaction. "No I can call a cab." "You will not, I insist you stay here." JC turned away from her, not giving her a chance to argue. It didn't matter, she didn't have the will to tell him staying under the same roof as Justin made her nervous. Instead she ate a few more hot dogs, already knowing she would want to drink at least a little. Hopefully the alcohol would calm her enough to have fun with the great guys. |
| Chapter Twenty Five |