LIABILITIES

Chapter Eight - All In

HADLEY

Did he just ask me to go the movies with him?

"Uh, what? Like -" I cough, trying to clear the awkward tension I had just created.

"And by that I mean that the Lakers are all going to a late screening tonight - not like...like me and -"

"Oh, yeah, no no - The Lakers... right." Why did I make this so uncomfortable? "Yeah, I'll pass. I doubt your friends like me very much."

His face screws up at my words. "Why would you say that? Of course they like you."

"How do you know?"

"I was with Mallory earlier and she said." He smiles.

"You were, uh - You went out with her?" I don't know why it makes me feel... some type of way. They're best friends... right?

"Yeah, we went for breakfast."

"Oh. Cute."

"Yeah, she loves shit like that. So, you coming tonight?"

I feel my heart drop because I know I would never be the girl that Ellis Bainbridge takes for breakfast. I will never be part of the Lakers and as much as I feel like it, I will never truly belong here. "I don't know." I say.

He sighs. "Look, I'm not gonna beg you. But, if it makes you feel better, this is my first social event since... since I came back."

Is he opening up?

"Really?" I raise an eyebrow at him and he just nods. "Will it make you feel better if I go?"

"I don't need you to hold my hand?" He says, it comes out harsh but I know it's only a defense. I think I'm getting to know his ways a bit better.

"That's not what I meant. I just thought that maybe it would feel better if someone else... was nervous, as well."

He searches my eyes for honesty and clearly finds it.

"Fine...maybe, I don't know. But we're leaving in Ten minutes. Levi is driving, obviously."

"Okay." I say quietly and smile at him.

"...okay, then." He smiles back.

- - -

We stand outside the movie theatre waiting for everyone else. It's summer but it's freezing outside, but then again it might just be me that's cold.

"I just can't believe we're about to watch a Horror." Levi's practically shaking at the thought.

"Horror is the best genre, I'd fight you on it!" I say to him. My mood's improved since getting some air.

"Yeah, Levi. Fight the five foot one beast, right here." Ellis jokes and they both start laughing.

"Ah ha, you are so funny." I say sarcastically but I also fight the urge to smile.

Levi looks back and forth from me and Ellis. "I don't know why you two don't get along better. Ellis' favourite is Horror, too."

"It's the only good genre." Ellis shrugs.

Levi raises his eyebrows. "Oh please, I hear you watching Mamma Mia sometimes."

"Great film, such a classic." I agree.

Ellis gets a little excited. "I know right, I -" He dusts himself off in embarrassment. " I mean - I don't know what you're talking about, Levi."

Levi and I laugh. "Sure you don't, bro." He looks around. "When are the others supposed to be here?"