tomorrow - j.k.

fourteen

Lennie's POV

I rode in the passenger seat of Jay's car. We decided it would just be easier to take his car. We were going to work on our project before we went out.

I was already thinking about Josh. I felt guilty the more I thought about hanging out with Jay.

"Wanna go to Tiffany's?" Jay asked.

"Sounds fine." I shrugged. I had no idea what Tiffany's was. Jay talked as we rode, him going on and on. It was different from Josh's chatter. I zoned out as Jay talked. Josh kept me interested, he engaged me.

I hadn't noticed how I didn't enjoy Jay talking as much. I didn't mind it, just not nearly as enjoyable.

The Tiffany's place was decent, we had spent the time visiting. Jay was being rather touchy, which made me feel awkward. Josh was touchy, but I loved how he was touchy. I knew I shouldn't have said yes, but I really wanted Josh to be jealous.

"What music are you into?" I asked, trying my best to make conversation.

"Oh, everything I guess. I don't like a specific type. What about you?"

"I like lots of folk, indie, anything like that." I said.

"Like, that weird old country?" He asked. I cocked my head, slightly confused by his words.

"Like, John Denver."

"Oh." He said, his voice not sounding enthused. Soon after, we left the restaurant for the parking lot.

"Lennie?" Jay asked. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Shoot." I responded.

"I've seen and heard that you and Josh are like...you know." He awkwardly moved his hands around. "Are you?"

"Me and Josh?" I repeated. "No, no. We're just...we're friends."

"Really?" He asked. "I thought you were something."

"No." I answered, trying to hide the disappointment in my tone. He nodded and climbed in the car. I was so messed up about Josh. I wish I knew how he felt about, as long as it's good.

We drove around, Jay didn't say nearly as much. I was responding to my mother when we slowed into a parking lot. I looked around, confused.

"What are we doing?" I asked.

"Just stopping." He shrugged. I was trying not freak out about this. I put my phone down, observing the spot we were in. There was a light drizzle outside, distorting the window pane. Jay moved around in his seat, his arm moving closer to me. I tried to ignore his arm, and looked out the window.

My heart dropped when I felt Jay's hand slide on my thigh. My breathe halted, not speaking as I looked at his hand.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Hm?" He hummed, acting oblivious.

"Jay." I said, not wanting to act dumb. He finally looked to me, his hand still resting there.

"C'mon Lennie, I'm not stupid." He said.

"What?" I retorted, so confused.

"You don't think I've noticed the signs?"

"Wha—what signs?" I said.

"Why did you agree to come with me tonight?" He asked.

"To do something fun, instead of studying so much." I explained, praying to god he wouldn't push this.

"You've been giving me hints." He said. "Talking with me in class, being all sweet to me, spending extra time with me." He was leaning closer and closer to me, nearly breathing on me.