Love to Hate You

Chapter 22

EZRA'S POV
I opened my eyes, immediately greeted with the gorgeous sight of my sleeping boyfriend's face. He went to sleep all grumpy but right now he looks peaceful. The morning sun has daylight streaming through the blinds on the window. I want to get up and make coffee but staring at Jasper for a moment longer while he's unaware to protest my admiration seems like better use of my time. His words are still ringing in my ears. Why is he acting all jealous all the time?? He knows I love him. Isn't that enough?? And what the hell does he mean by I've changed?? I haven't changed. I still feel like the same guy I've always been. My phone vibrates on the night stand. I turn around and pick it up. Liam sent me a text message.
Liam: coffee??
Me: sure, dude. Just woke up.
Liam: cool. See you soon.
I put my phone down and look at Jasper again. It's just coffee. Not a big deal. I get out of bed and borrow some of Jasper's clothes. A pair of dark blue jeans and a white shirt. I head out the door and walk to the cafe around the block. I smile to myself, remembering how I met Jasper for the first time here. I look around for Liam and spot him in the back. His blue hair braided intricately like some sort of viking, making him stick out of the crowd.
"Hey, man. How's it going??" I said. He looks up and grins at my arrival.
"Hey, Ezra. Took you long enough. I took the liberty of ordering your coffee ahead." He said, sliding over a cup of the delicious coffee towards me. I took a seat across from him.
"Yeeesssss!! Thank you." I said before taking a sip. His hazel eyes watch me with happiness and his lips curve into a smile, knowing I appreciated the gesture.
"Am I the best or am I the best?!" He joked.
I laughed and shook my head.
"Ok. Ok. Liam is the best. There I said it." I took a few sips from my coffee and hummed with satisfaction. Liam just grinned, amused with my coffee obsession.
"So, what are your plans for today?? I got invited to a party and I definitely don't want to go alone." He said. I scrunched up my face, the idea of going to a party sounding like the opposite of fun.
"No way. I'm not going to a party. Getting drunk and being surrounded by a bunch of horn dogs sounds boring."
"Aww, come on, Ezra!! I'll be there and we don't even have to get drunk. We can just have a few drinks and play games or even dance!! You've gotta come!!" He pleaded. I didn't want to disappoint him. So I reluctantly agreed to go to this stupid party.
"Alright. Alright. I'll go but you so owe me." I said. Liam smiled but suddenly his eyes were looking at something behind me and his smile faded.
"Um, isn't that your boyfriend with that chick??"
I looked over my shoulder and there was Jasper, walking in with an attractive woman. I immediately furrow my brows and frown in their direction. Without thinking, I stood up from my chair and walked over to where they were.
"Jasper." I called out. He looked up from his seat and seemed surprised to see me.
"E, baby. I thought you left." He said.
"Who's this??" I pointed at the female sitting across from him. Her brown eyes wide like she was trying to figure out what was happening.
"This is Emmie. A new friend." He explained calmly. I'm not normally the jealous type but this girl made me feel inadequate in some way. Couldn't explain it.
"Hi, I'm Emilia. Emmie is my nickname. You must be the boyfriend." She said with a friendly smile. I gathered that Jasper must have told her about me because there's no way that she could have guessed that.
"Yeah, I'm Ezra. The boyfriend. Nice to meet you, Emilia." I faked the biggest smile I could offer, still feeling uncomfortable with her.
Just then Liam walks over. I had completely forgotten he was here.
"Dude, your coffee is getting cold." He said. I quickly glance over at Jasper and he is absolutely livid. His jaw clenched and his hands fisted. I needed to diffuse the situation before shit went down.
"Forget the coffee." I told Liam.
"Jas, I know what you're thinking. Please, relax. Enjoy your time with Miss Emilia. I'll talk to you later, ok??" I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. Mostly because he turned his face so I couldn't kiss his lips. Tell tale signs that he's pissed off. I'm assuming he's trying to keep his cool for the sake of his new friend. Whatever the reason, I was happy a fight didn't break out.
"Let's go, Ezra. Shit is getting weird now." Liam said. I walked out the coffee shop with him. I was feeling uneasy though. I knew I was in for another argument with my man again. I really hate to argue. I sighed, feeling stressed.
"What time is the party??" I asked as I walked across the street, heading towards my bike.
"It's an all day thing. Technically, we could go now but I feel like it's too damn early to drink. I was thinking about heading over around 5pm."
"Who throws a party all day long?? That's overkill." I scoffed. Liam laughed and agreed.
"Rich kids know no limits. Hopefully, that works out to our benefit."
I finally reached my motorcycle and hopped on but I don't start it up.
"Hey, Liam...You're doing ok, right??"
He gets quiet and just looks at me.
I stare back, waiting for a reply.
"I don't want to ruin your fun but I'm concerned you're coping negatively." I added. Liam smiles. "You don't have to worry about me, Ezra. I'm not coping with alcohol. My mental health is fine. I literally am just going for the fun of it. Plus, you'll be there. No way I can go overboard with you there." He said. I believed him. I have no reason not to believe him. He's been honest with me so far.
"Alright. Cool. Then I'll see you at 5pm. Now I have to get home. See you later." I said, while putting my helmet on and starting up my bike.
"Later, dude."