Next Generation (Book 4)

Stay or Go

|Rory's POV|

There were just a few girls I actually connected with since I've been in New York: Rumi (21), Evie (21), and Audrey (22). We were hanging out at Evie's apartment.

"We're so happy you decided to come out with us tonight," Rumi stated.

They had been asking me to hang out since the accident. We had lunch after a few classes, but now that my cast was off, I felt more comfortable and I was here for the nightlife. Plus, Kyle wasn't an issue for me anymore.

"Yeah, even though you and Bash are rocky right now, we know you just love spending all your time with him," Evie added, smirking at me.

I glared at her.

"Oh shut up. Just how we are with our boyfriends, you're the same way with your girlfriend, so stop," Audrey commented.

I laughed.

Evie's girlfriend Kayla was so sweet, but could go 0 to 100. Evie sure knew how to press your buttons. Audrey's boyfriend, Josh, was a personal trainer by day and a bouncer at a few clubs in the area at night. Rumi was usually dating someone new every other week, but things seem to be getting serious between her and this guy Andy. None of us had met him yet. She said we would, eventually.

"To be honest, I was hesitant about coming because I'm not 21 like y'all. Plus I've been so used to being home," I said.

"It's cool. Matt put us on the VIP list. Security won't card you. If they do, I'll call Matt and tell him to come let us in. We'll be good," Evie stated.

I felt my phone vibrating. I saw it was Kylie.

"Hey, I need to take this," I said to them.

"Is that Bash?" Evie questioned.

"Yeah, stop ignoring that man and just answer already," Rumi added.

I waved them off and went to the kitchen to take the call.

Hello.

Hey Ro. How are you?

You know, you and my brother are relentless.

She started laughing. I didn't see anything funny.

I don't know what you're talking about. I call you on the regular.

Yeah, but I'm sure your fiancé has called you about my conversation with him earlier.

It's still so weird to be engaged.

It shouldn't be. You and Zach are high school sweethearts.

That doesn't make it less weird to hear him called my fiancé and vice versa.

I hear you. So, how much did Zach tell you?

He just told me you and Bash needed to sit down and talk. You know, lay everything out on the table about how you both feel. I've said the same thing to you countless times.

Kylie, I would love nothing more than to have an actual conversation with my boyfriend.

Then why are you dodging him?

Huh?

You heard me. Why are you ignoring Bash?

How do you...

Rory, I know you and how petty you can be when you're upset.

I'm not petty.

Do you not remember the Jonas situation?