Project: Love Games

Chapter Forty Eight

"I had to talk to you face to face and tell you that it wasn't cool what Benny did—or Alicia." I shrug it off trying not to be upset about it.

It's been a couple of days since I've been fired. I've used the excuse of having days off but now I can't keep using that excuse or my parents will find out. I may need to find another job, so they won't ask any questions.

"Yeah, it's pretty messed up but what can I do?" I mumble. "Anyway, I appreciate you for taking me here... I'm glad that after everything you still—you know."

"It wasn't your fault..." She takes a short breath. "I get that it may be weird for you that you kissed Benny at one point and that I have these serious feelings for him—but I just want to continue being friends with you again. What he did was—so uncalled for and he's a damn jerk for it. I can't believe he grabbed you like that and—are you okay by the way?"

"I'm good." I mumble. I lean back in my seat feeling upset about getting fired over this. "Why doesn't she like me?"

"Who? Alicia?" She frowns at my question, and I nod to answer. "Girl, why do you think that?"

"Landon basically told me she blames me for the tension between him and Benny and she doesn't want me around when it's the two of them."

"I think you're reading too far into this." She tilts her head to the side.

"She fired me because they fought do not tell me that." I get annoyed at her trying to give her the benefit of the doubt. I'd seen her looks whenever Landon gave me affection in front of Benny, and I thought I was overthinking at first but being fired is what helped me realize I was right about her not liking me.

"I can't see her not liking you but maybe I'm just in denial—she usually loves everybody."

"Yeah, well not me." I snort. "It's fine though it'll pass by." I shrug it off.

"So, what are you going to do now that you don't work? I could find you another place." She offers. I give her a small smile at her effort.

"I'm good for now—I won't beg for help just yet. Right now, I have to keep faking like I have a job so thanks for taking me to work." I wink at her and she chuckles at my humor in the crazy situation.

"Let's keep shopping." She stands up grabbing her bag and we put away the food court trays.

"You're right, retail therapy is helping a lot." I chirp as we walk through the mall. I hold my fingers out wiggling them. "Also, getting a manicure and my nails painted is more peaceful than I expected. I usually do them myself but going into a shop is nice too." Jasmine holds her hand out wiggling her fingers with mine.

"I know right, maybe next time I'll be able to talk you into dipping powder" She laughs.

"Not my thing." I shake my head.

"Fair—oh let's go here." She walks to another store, and I follow. I like this store.

"It's this college party I've been thinking about hitting up and I think this would be the perfect top to wear, whatchu think?" She holds it out to me, and I nod in approval.

"I like it—it's definitely your style." I smile as she holds it up to her face in the mirror seeing if it matches well with her amazing complexion I suppose.

"What do you know about style scum bag?" Jasmine turns her head frowning at the voice. We turn to see Zoey with a new girl who always follows her around being her yes-woman.

"Who are you talking to?"

"Zoey go away." I grumble not even in the mood to hear her talk.

"Oh, so you know this girl?" Jasmine points to her. Everyone that works at the restaurant knows Zoey, but Jasmine probably did not want to give her satisfaction. "What's her deal?" She asks not acknowledging her.