nothing is temporary

four | slow & steady

"You're burning the pancakes, dipshit." Chase grumbled at Topher, wiping his eyes.

"You wanna slave over this hot stove?" Topher put a hand on his hip and swung the spatula in the other. He exaggeratedly moved his eyes down to his "Kiss the Chef" apron, and I giggled.

"See that? It says the chef. Now get out of my kitchen!" He chased Chase out and they both laughed as they ran like little boys.

"Babe, where did you sleep last ni–" Mia started, before a very loud yawn erupted from the kitchen entrance with another very loud "Good morning ladies!" from Jack.

I didn't know how to talk to him or act around him in front of the others after last night, I just smiled and gave a small wave.

Which seemed like the right move, because he made no moves to at least pretend like anything had changed. I won't lie, it hurt my heart a little.

He sat on the other side of the kitchen island than me, even though there was a seat open.

"Pancakes first, for the host." Topher said, clapping Jack on the back and handing him a plate of three pancakes, heavy on the syrup. "Thanks man!" Jack beamed.

"Cass? How many you want?" Topher asked me.

I looked at him. "Oh, uh. Not hungry. Thanks though." I gave him a small smile.

Jack crinkled an eyebrow at me. Chase startled me as he put his hand on my shoulder. "She's lying. Make her two, Toph."

"I–" I started, but Jack interjected. "So you read her mind now, huh?" He grumbled.

Chase glowered. "No, just–"

"I gotta go check on the puppies." I gave Mia and Sunny side hugs. "I'll see you guys later!" I smiled as I walked towards the front door.

Chase jogged up behind me. "Let me drive you home." He offered.

"It's a ten minute walk, I'll be fine." I waved a hand away.

"I'll help with the puppies. There's five of them, you shouldn't do it all by yourself."

I leaned in and whispered. "Chase, Jack isn't gonna like that."

"Absolutely right I won't." Jack spoke up from behind us. "I got it, Chase. Why don't you help Topher in the kitchen?" Jack offered condescendingly. Chase gave a quick nod before walking back to the kitchen.

Jack opened my car door before jumping in on his side and started the engine. We drove in silence for a minute before he finally spoke.

"What's up with you?" He asked me.

"Me?" I laughed.

"You and I both know Trish would've fed the puppies this morning. But you were quick to run out. Why?"

I sat in silence. Tears pricked at my eyes, but I refused to let them fall in front of Jack. That is, til he put his hand on my thigh and whispered, "Talk to me, Cassidy."

The first one fell and I knew I was done. If there was one thing I hated most in this world, it was crying, especially in front of other people. Especially in front of boys I like.

"You acted like nothing happened." I said, sniffing my nose. We pulled in front of my house and I opened the car door to let myself out before he could.

"Cassidy. Cassidy, wait!" Jack yelled behind me as I unlocked the back gate to get to the puppy shed.

"I told you I didn't want to date this summer. But you did everything you could to make me want you anyway. And when I act on it, you act like nothing happened." I mixed the wet food with the dry food for the dogs in a big bowl. "That was shitty, Jack."