The Lies I Believed

He Got Jokes

"Hermana!" Jade yells across the yard at me. "Everyone's here!"

I glanced at Sha'Kera to see her smile drop just a bit. Was she worried that Alexander would be here? I would be, too. The last time she saw him, she'd keyed his car. I had helped.

"Come on." I took her wrist and began dragging her over to the rest of our crew. "They'll be ecstatic to see you again."

Even though we'd seen Jade and the other girls just yesterday, I could tell that Sha'Kera wasn't that excited to see Jade again. I knew there was some bad blood between them, but I always chose to ignore it. They're not going to ruin tonight for me. They need to sort out their own problems.

"Hey, hey!" I pulled Jade into a hug. "It doesn't feel like we just saw you yesterday. How's Quentin?"

"He's doing good. Kinda embarrassed about what happened." Jade rested her chin on my shoulder. "Where's the birthday boy?"

"Asher took him out to do something, but they'll be back after I confirm everyone is here."

"What'd you get him?" Sha'Kera asked suddenly.

Jade pulled away from me and stared at her like they were really enemies. I can never decipher their friendship. Sometimes I think they share more secrets than I'm keeping from them.

"Why do you want to know?"

"Just asking. I thought maybe it'd get you to say a couple of words to me, so I wouldn't feel like you were ignoring me."

I let out a little laugh, but I knew Kera wasn't kidding. Jade does have a little problem with people who get close to me. I can't help that I can trust Sha'Kera. She's like a sister to me. I've been through a lot with her. I don't think I can say she's ruined my life in any way.

"Guys, I'll be right back, okay?" I grinned slyly and scuttled away. If I can keep Derek away long enough, Kera will get to see Alex again. I swear he's an overprotective friend. I'm not like that with Isabella. Not anymore.

It's a good thing I left them when I did. Derek was coming their way with his head buried in his phone. I had to think of something quick to get his attention. I'm sure he knows I don't like him as much as he probably hates me. Ever since I was introduced to him, I never really liked him. There was always something about him that made me want to kick him in the nuts.

"Derek," I called out over the noise. His head snapped in my direction. "I need to speak to you."

"Now?" he asked.

"Yes, it can't wait."

I decided that I was going to tell him thanks for helping me out at the office. I doubt Sha'Kera even said anything to him. He probably forgot it happened. We entered the house and I led him down the back hall. No one was allowed back here. We could speak freely.

"I want to thank you for helping me out that day." I couldn't look him in the eye. "He isn't usually so aggressive with any of us."

"...He does that to everyone?" Derek's jaw ticked.

"Not everyone. Just the women he thinks are pushovers."

"So...you're a pushover?"

"Apparently. I can never say no to someone unless provoked. I try not to blame my past, but...it's proving harder to turn from my old ways and actually live the life I deserve to live."

"Lexi, you don't have to worry about me telling Asher."

"Really?"

"If you don't like me, he doesn't like me. For good reason, too. I know you like where you work."