A Boy From Manning Heights ✔️

Chapter 20 | Beckett

The ride to the country club is quiet. When Jasper finally does make a move to talk it's about my dad and I shut him down quickly.

"Your dads a fucking ass I don't know why the fuck you let hi..."

I quickly interrupt.

"I'm sorry he said that stuff about you, but I can handle it"

Jasper stares at me for a second before scoffing and shaking his head turning back to the front windshield no longer talking to me. I feel bad because I know he's right, my dad is an asshole and I shouldn't let him talk to me like that, but Jasper doesn't understand. I'm nothing without my father and he knows that.

I pull up to the club and I'm happy to get out of the car. Jasper only slides his sunglasses over his eyes and follows me silently as I walk toward the tennis courts. I can't help but glance at him now and then noticing the way he snorts or scoffs at the over the top building and people.

Brody looks up his hands on his knees.

"Finally someone who can put up a challenge"

I chuckle lightly although it's mostly forced as Brody huffs standing up straight. Derek however, rolls his eyes.

"Maybe try saying that after you can stand up straight"

Brody sticks his tongue out.

"I just did you ass"

Derek only turns to me and Jasper nodding.

"How'd breakfast go? I heard through the grapevine the Smith's were invited for an exclusive breakfast with one of the west side boys"

I grimace at his words, and Jasper shakes his head beside me.

"It was fine"

Derek tilts his head silently asking what's wrong, but I simply shake mine no need to get into it about Jaspers behaviour here.

Jasper however grunts.

"I pissed off Beckett's dad so now he's pouting"

I glare "I'm not pouting Jasper"

He only rolls his eyes walking over to Brody.

"whatever"

Derek lifts a brow, but I only sigh.

"Let's just play"

It takes a few seconds, but Derek finally just shrugs and we begin a game of tennis that quickly becomes incredibly awkward and tense. However, after an hour or so Brody stops, catching his breath and tilts his head usuing his racket to gesture behind us.

"Um...whose that?"

Derek and I turn around just as Giles walks into the court. Derek gives me a look and I force a smile onto my face.

"Oh! Derek! Beckett! I've missed you two!!"

Giles' hands clasp themselves to either side of my face and without hesitation he presses a kiss to the side of my face too close to my mouth for my liking and from the look on Jaspers face I'd say his as well. Immediately he moves onto Derek grinning as he pulls away.

"I almost didn't believe Trina when she told me the two most handsome bachelors of Manning Heights were back in town, but here you are in the flesh!"

He taps Derek's shoulder dramatically and smiles.

"So tell me Ev -Ver- Ry thing!"

I swallow "we've been good Giles, you?"

He grins as if I've asked the perfect thing and knowing Giles I have. An opportunity to talk about himself is never an opportunity he misses.