Gem in the Rough

Chapter 16

"Girl, what? Zack James is who you're tutoring now? How do you not know who he is?" Alice gapes at me as I sit at our kitchen counter while she makes spaghetti and meatballs.

"Should I know who he is?"

"He's a basketball player. He's big around here. You really do live under a rock. My own personal Patrick Star." She continues stirring the sauce and then strains the noodles.

"No, I live under schoolbooks and my work schedule."

"Tomato potato," Alice waves her hand. I laugh at her; that is a very Alice response. "My point is, Zack is fucking hot."

"Yeah, I noticed," I huff. "He also may have told me that I'm pretty?" I rush this part out, hoping Alice doesn't hear it. No such luck.

"Umm, what? Details."

"I don't know. He came in and told me why he was late and then he started unpacking. He sat down and when he looked at me, he told me I was pretty. Then he smirked at me, which was a little much." But really fucking hot.

Alice full on squeals and then stops. "Wait, so what about Mr. Mysterious?"

"What do you mean? Zack doesn't change anything because I'm just tutoring him. I still want to see where things with Kieran go."

"Okay..." she trails off and I sigh.

"What?"

"Well to start something with Kieran, he needs to actually talk to you when you aren't at work. Not trying to be a bitch, just telling you what I think."

I sink into my seat and shut my eyes. "I know. I appreciate it. I just don't know how to reach out to him at this point. I'm getting sick of waiting."

"Then tell him that. You have been blunt and unapologetically yourself with him, so he has to respect that. Don't settle for less, lady. You got the goodies, obviously. Look at these two guys chasing after you. Zack James, ugh what I wouldn't do to that body." Alice stares off into space as she bites her lip.

"Ew, stop!" I laugh and stand up, going to the stove to get some food.

"Sorry, sorry," she raises her hands in defense. "I'm just saying."

--

The days come and go with no word from Kieran. We've been working opposite shifts at the Tech Support office this week, so I haven't seen him at all. The only reason I know he's still around is because Anthony has talked to me about him a couple of times. I've been focusing on my usual tasks; school and work, but it's getting boring quickly. I used to be content with that life but since I've met Kieran, that's changed. I want the thrill that he gives me, and I want it all the time.

It's Friday and the girl I was supposed to tutor canceled last minute. I call Alice as I'm walking home from the library. I need some stress relief. I don't even greet her; I just ask her the question I need the answer to immediately.

"Are you going out tonight?" Alice has been going out a lot and I can't even blame her. These are our prime years and I've been missing out. I know it and so does she, which is why she's always trying to get me to go with her. I've been getting way more comfortable with the club scene and dancing, it's a nice way to forget about my problems for a while.

"Yes. Please tell me your tutoring session got canceled." I can just imagine her crossing her fingers over the phone.

I laugh out a "yes" and tell her to pick out an outfit for me because I'll be joining her at the club tonight. She screams in victory and says she'll pick out something that will "get me laid". Before I can tell her that is not what I want, she hangs up.