Gilded

Chapter 4

"You quit your job?" my best friends Amelia Halbert-Lim and Nicole Park echoed.

"I don't understand, why?" Amelia asked. "Why?"

"Don't you want to earn money this summer? Tuition and textbooks aren't getting any cheaper," Nicole said.

"I'm still helping my aunt at her greenhouse," I said. "I just want to spend more time with Aaron."

"Doesn't Aaron work?" Amelia asked dubiously.

"Only a few days. He usually has the late shift at the gas station," I replied.

I didn't like the look that Amelia and Nicole exchanged.

"Sabrina," Nicole started hesitantly, "did Aaron ask you to quit your job?"

"No," I replied, a little defensively. "He did not."

"How did he react when you told him you quit your job?" Amelia asked.

"He was glad that we'd have more time together."

They exchanged a look again. "Why do you two keep looking at each other?" I demanded.

"Are you happy with Aaron?" Nicole asked.

"What kind of question is that? Of course I am," I said. Then my phone beeped.

"Is it Aaron?" Nicole asked.

"Yup. I'm just going to give him a quick call," I said, getting up to head to Nicole's kitchen for some privacy.

"Were those other texts from him as well?" Amelia asked. "He knows you're just hanging out with us all day. Why does he keep texting you?"

"He just likes to say hi," I said. I went to the kitchen, but not before I saw the look between my friends again. I went to stand near the patio door.

"Hi Babe," Aaron greeted. "Whatcha doing?"

"Just hanging out at Nicole's house," I replied. "How's work? Busier than the late shift?"

"Dead. It's been so quiet, I wish I didn't have to work the day shift today."

"Let's go out tonight since you're off," I said. "It is Saturday night."

"The guys and I are going to the new sports bar tonight to watch the UFC fight," Aaron said apologetically. "Rain cheque?"

"Okay, sure," I said disappointedly. I changed the subject. "Nicole and Amelia have been acting weird lately," I whispered, letting myself out onto the back patio. "I don't know, it's like they're skeptical about our relationship."

"Well, neither of them are seeing anyone right now, right? They're probably just jealous of what we have," Aaron said reassuringly. "You know I love you, Sabrina Mah."

"I know, " I said. "I love you too."

"Maybe you shouldn't hang with them so much if they're acting weird," Aaron suggested. "Oh, there's a customer coming. I'll call you later."

We said goodbye and I headed back into the house and into the living room to my friends.

"So what did Loverboy want this time?" Amelia asked.

"Just to say hi," I said.

"What does he do at work if he's always calling and texting you?" Amelia asked.

Before I could answer, Nicole butted in. "You've only been going out with Aaron for what, six months? And already he's controlling you."

Aaron was right. They were jealous. "I think I better go home," I said, gathering my things.

"Sab, don't be mad," Amelia pleaded. "We're just concerned."

"I'm not mad," I said truthfully, though I was a little bit annoyed. Okay, I was a lot annoyed. "I just have a headache. I'll call you guys later."

"They're just jealous," I heard Aaron's voice in my head as I drove home. Why couldn't my friends just be happy for me? I wished Aaron didn't have plans tonight, I really wanted to see him. I guess I'd just have to wait and see him tomorrow.