West & Vega: The Untold Jori

The Big Goodbye

The walk to the rental was heavy on awkward.

Beck held my hand the entire time. I let him because I hoped that at some point during the walk, something would happen. Some spark would rekindle the energy we always shared when he was around and this weird alternate reality we were stuck in would come crashing down. But that didn't happen. Nothing happened. I might as well have been holding my own hand, for all the emotions it stirred within me. Hell, after that insane orgasm I'd given myself that Saturday, holding my own hand was more exciting anyway.

Pffft, you know the only reason that shook you up is that you were dreaming and you thought it was Tori.

Shut up, Jade.

I was genuinely happy to see Beck. And everyone else for that matter. Our reunion was boisterous as a dozen hugs were exchanged by everyone else. I observed and offered fist bumps where appropriate. As we walked, Robbie regaled us with stories about his job as a glorified daycare teacher (he and Rex put on shows for a child care center in a casino, which I have to admit was pretty cool). Andre shared stories about how ridiculous PeazyB was and the absurd things he would decide to rush off and buy. It was like he was trying (and failing) to be weirder than Kanye.

Carly and Freddie mainly kept to themselves, although I did try to talk to Freddie a bit. I knew him only slightly better than everyone else since I'd been around when Cat tried to use him to make Sam jealous, way back before they finally admitted how crazy they were about each other. To hear Sam tell it, that was the experience that made her realize how much she loved Cat.

It was so adorable I could vomit.

The rental van was...churchy-looking. It was a maroon Ford Econoline with tinted windows. It was also about five years past its prime, with rust spots and dents everywhere. It was old and beat up and kind of creepy.

I loved it.

"Look at this thing. I wonder if it was ever used in a murder. It just has that look, doesn't it?"

Beck kissed the side of my head. "I've really missed your eccentricities."

I bit back the annoyance I felt at the kiss. "Eccentricities? Wow. Big words. Guess you're learning something down there."

"I knew big words before. Some big words. A few. Maybe."

"Don't strain yourself, babe," I said, pinching Beck's cheek. "Who's going to be my navigator so I can keep this beast on the road?" And suddenly, our massive, chatty group was completely silent. "Really? No one?"

Beck leaned in. "I think they're scared of giving you bad directions."

"Scared?" I turned to the group. "Seriously, you're all scared of me?" I looked at Carly. "Even you? I barely know you."

Carly paled and gingerly stepped behind Freddie. "I'm no good at navigating. Or at being screamed at. I'll just start crying and then everyone else will feel bad, and—"

"Yeah, I get it," I said. My irritation was showing, but I didn't care. This was a stupid thing to get hung up over. "Fine, I'll just do it all myself."

I turned to the van, but before I could slip inside, I heard Tori's voice. "I'll do it."

I fought back a smile before turning around. "You sure?"

Tori nodded, but she didn't make eye contact with me. "Just text me the address we're going to."

I smiled at her confidence, until I noticed Beck's eyes on me. I tried to change it to a scowl, but based on Beck's reaction I don't think I succeeded. He followed me as I rounded the front of the van.