THE HAPPIEST GIRL | JENLISA

Chapter 44

Jennie

By the next morning, photos of Lisa and Kendall have spread like wildfire all over social media and the tabloids. They're being called the new 'it' couple, and of course, why wouldn't the world's biggest popstar and supermodel be titled anything less?

The bus rolls into the next city early and I'm more than eager to get up and get off, out of closed corridors. I'm thankful today is Bob's birthday, giving me an excuse to leave. He invited me and some of the sound techs he works with, out to breakfast. Being the simple man he is, that's all he wanted for his birthday and I'm happy to oblige.

Walking into the diner, Bob beams at me, instantly pulling me in for a hug. It's in this moment I feel a bit guilty for not seeing him as often as I thought I would. I've known the man for most of my life, him being one of my dad's closest friends, and I honestly thought I would be hanging out with him for most of the tour, thinking Lisa wouldn't want anything to do with me. I still see him every night working at the sound booth, but I always thought I'd be more dependent on him.

Sitting at the table, I quickly shoot Jessi a text asking if she can make sure that Lisa gets up on time, but knowing her she'll sleep through my text and Lisa will get up before her anyway. I know it's childish and pathetic, but I can't face her yet. I know I'll have to eventually... just not now.

Surprisingly, my phone buzzes shortly after I send my text, Jessi's contact popping up.

Jessi: She's already up. She came and woke me up to ask where you are.

I instantly panic, hoping she didn't tell Lisa where I am. I don't want to see her. Not yet. I just want another hour to collect myself and put on my big girl pants before I have to see her.

Jennie: You didn't tell her, did you?

Jessi: No. But I do think I overheard Hyun-suk say something about a diner...

Just like sirens sounding that a tornados coming, the bell attached to the diner door rings out and in walks Lisa with Hyun-suk and Don trailing behind. Quite honestly, my initial instinct is to get up and run, but I know I can't do that. I just sit in my seat frozen.

Lisa's penetrating eyes find mine, immediately softening as she walks up to me, seemingly ignoring everyone and everything else around her. She's wearing a fitted grey t-shirt that hugs her chest and arms nicely, paired with black jeans and white sneakers. I never thought such a simple outfit could look so good on someone, but here she is proving me wrong. Again.

I mentally smack myself for having these thoughts right now. You can't dig yourself into a deeper hole, Jennie. She doesn't want you, remember? I remind myself.

"Hey." Lisa says softly, taking the conveniently open chair next to mine.

"Hey." I manage to choke out.

"How are you feeling?" she asks, leaning closer to me in her chair and slinging her arm over the back of my chair. Her concerned eyes give me a quick once over, only making me self-conscious.

"Um, a little bit better." I lie, hugging my arms around myself as if it will protect me from the feelings I have for her.

"Thanks for inviting us, Bob." Hyun-suk smiles as he and Don take a seat across from me and Lisa.

"No problem. I didn't even think you guys would show up." Bob laughs, being brutally honest.

"Wouldn't miss it." Hyun-suk grins, stare fixing on me for a second before wishing Bob a happy birthday.

It isn't long before a waitress comes to take our orders and we get our food. The whole time I keep my head turned, pretending to be engrossed in the conversation at the other end of the table to avoid Lisa.