ROCK BOTTOM ~ Rafe Cameron // OC // JJ Maybank

two.

Humiliation crept up on Bexley as she watched the four friends eating, and laughing. She sat outside at the same restaurant they were at. Bexley couldn't imagine what it'd be like to have friends that close, or that fun.

To be specific, she was looking at John B, Kiara, Pope, and that boy, JJ. The destructive one. They were all sitting at the fish and chips restaurant right next to the docks. John B was on his lunch break, as was Bexley. Mr. Cameron would always send the two at the same time, and just close down the store for an hour to work on paperwork.

Bexley never ate out for her lunch break. She didn't think John B usually did either. Him and his friends only had water cups around them, and one tray of french fries. The only reason Bexley went to this restaurant was for the free water. The owner was kind, and always gave her some, never asking her to buy anything.

Swallowing her nerves, Bexley knew she had to approach John B. This was her only time to do it, now, while they were both on break in the same place. She prayed none of his friend would say anything negative to her, and she hoped it would go as planned.

Bexley finished her glass of water, and placed it in the dirty dishes bin. She then wiped her hands, exhaling deeply, and walking up to the full table.

JJ seemed to spot her first. He had been talking, laughing, but stopped, and straightened up in his seat. Everyone noticed his lull in conversation, and followed his gaze, spotting her. Bexley stopped at the table abruptly, looking at John B, trying to control her nerves.

"I have a question for you, John B," she started, and then cursed herself for sounding so cryptic.

"He ain't single," JJ told her.

What?

Bexley looked at JJ, and saw no parcel of humor in his eyes. He was serious. He thought that's what she came up for?

"JJ..." Their friend, Pope, scolded lowly.

John B frowned at his friend. "Yes, I am." He then looked up at Bexley. His eyes widened slightly and he continued to say, "Oh, but, um, I'm not trying to date right now-"

"No," Bexley said, quickly. "I'm not trying ask you out."

Her cheeks burned with humiliation of the reaction. She didn't want to go out with him, she would never ask that, but he still shot her down. It seemed the whole table saw him as too good for her. She clenched her fists, the embarrassment almost making her walk away.

"I only work two days next week," she began, determined to get herself to the main point of the conversation. "I was wondering if I could take any of your shifts."

His eyebrows rose in surprise. "You wanna work on the boat?"

"Yes," she said, cautiously.

John B seemed hesitant. "Well, um..."

"Please," Bexley said. God, this was the hardest thing she'd ever done. Was she about to have to beg? In front of these people who clearly didn't like her? "I-I really need the money. If you want, I can pay it back. Maybe-Maybe twenty bucks a week for the next few months until it makes up what you missed?"

Surprise clouded his face again. "I mean, I guess if you need the money that bad..."

"John B, you were gonna ask Mr. Cameron for the next two days off anyways," Kiara told him.

"Yeah, but not the whole week," John B told her. He almost sounded like he was irritated she hopped into the conversation.

"I can just take two days," Bexley said. "Really, anything could help."