Oblivion {James Rodriguez} {Book ONE}

gym dates and another disaster

"Carter... What are you doing here?" I asked him dumbly. This night could not get any worse.

I heard someone whistle for a taxi behind me, and I turned around just in time to find James getting inside. I didn't even bother to go after him, because I knew he wasn't stopping for anything. He probably saw Carter there too, otherwise he wouldn't have left me in a deserted parking lot at 11 PM.

I turned back to face Carter with slight embarrassment. Now that James wasn't there to stick up for me, I was vulnerable to his sharp tongue. And he knew that very well.

Instead, he stuffed his hands inside his pockets and rocket back and forth on his heels. "I didn't know you were dating James Rodriguez, out of everyone."

His comment offended me greatly. Not because it was hugely flawed, but also the dynamics of his thinking baffled me. Okay, say we were actually dating, what was his problem?

"No," I snapped as I folded my arms.

"Ah," He nodded thoughtfully. "Just friends, then?"

I didn't know if he was taunting me or being serious, as his expression was completely blank and neutral.

"Yes, we're just friends." I confirmed for him slowly. The words felt foreign on my tongue, even though I was telling the truth.

"That's what they all say," Carter scoffed before shaking his head and turning around.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I called out after him in anger. I hated the fact that he thought it was okay to humiliate me like that then walk away unharmed. He owed me an explanation for his turbulent opinions.

He shrugged, still walking to the entrance of the restaurant. "Unbelievable," I muttered under my breath.

After a while of standing in the parking lot sulking, everyone starts pouring out of the restaurant. I didn't want them to see me in the state that I was, so I quickly bowed my head and made a beeline for my car.

"I can't believe that lad payed the bill! Such a sweetheart." Some loud person said.

"I know, he's a really good friend of Mia's," that voice belonged to Lola.

I ignored the uncomfortable pangs of guilt and slid inside my car. I could still hear their loud conversation and laughter even inside the car, and I just wanted to get out of this place as soon as possible.

I drove down the empty streets and into my neighborhood. The car ride was quiet and peaceful enough to give me more than enough time to reflect on that night and decide what I was going to do next.

I entered my apartment that night feeling exhausted and worn out. I quickly changed into my pajamas and jumped into the warmth of my bed.

I slipped into a blissful state of unconsciousness as the nights events replayed back in my mind.

Hopefully, tomorrow was going to be a much better day.

But little did I know...

***

"Get up, get up, get up!" Someone yelled as they drew the curtains. Beams of warm sunlight penetrated the back of my closed eyelids.

"What do you want?" I groaned as I pulled the covers tighter around my body.

"Let's go to the gym!" That was unmistakably Melissa.

"What gym? Melissa it's 7 AM." I whined.

"Exactly! You might even get a chance to see James there..." She plopped into my bed.