Stupidly Hot || Jackie Taylor || No crash AU || Present Time AU ||

Chapter Three || Restaurant

As we make our way down the stairs alongside Van, Nat, and Jackie, an intriguing mix of emotions swirls within me as I walk beside Jackie. The familiarity of her presence, despite the odd circumstances, adds an unspoken layer to our interaction. Once we step off the stairs and onto solid ground, Jackie's attention immediately drifts ahead as she embarks on a quest to locate Shauna.

"How's the whole room-sharing arrangement with Jackie going?" Nat's voice breaks through my thoughts, bringing me back to the present moment. "She tends to ask the most stupid questions," I respond with a half-smile, trying to brush off the unusual feeling that her presence invokes.

"You two haven't shared a dramatic, movie-like kiss yet?" Van's playful tone prompts me to halt in my tracks, a bewildered expression plastered across my face. "Wait, what?"

Nat's laughter is infectious as she shares a knowing glance with Van. "The tension between you and Jackie practically crackles in the air," she quips. "Oh come on, that's just ridiculous," I protest, rolling my eyes as I continue walking. "I can assure you, nothing will ever happen between us."

"So, you're trying to convince us that you definitely don't like her?" Van raises an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"I can't stand her. Her voice pierces through my eardrums like a drill, she's the definition of obnoxious, and don't even get me started on that stupid hand gesture she does when she's nervous," I retort, my words laced with a mix of exasperation and bemusement.

Nat and Van share a knowing look, their lips curling into identical smirks. "It's interesting how closely you seem to be watching her, considering you don't like her," Nat remarks, her tone dripping with amusement.

I release an exasperated sigh. "Clearly, you've never grasped the concept of gathering leverage. I need to be attentive to everything so I can have the upper hand when the time comes."

Van chuckles softly. "Oh, so you're saying you don't secretly pay attention to every detail of her likes and dislikes, just in case you might want to plan a surprise date for her?"

My hand pushes the door open, granting us passage. "A surprise date? With Jackie? You've got to be joking," I scoff, my words tinged with a mixture of disbelief and incredulity. "I'll take that idea back to my room and have a good laugh about it."

As we enter the restaurant, a sense of opulence washes over me, prompting a quiet mumble to escape my lips, "God, this place is quite fancy."

Tai and Lottie's enthusiastic voices cut through the ambiance, guiding us to their table. We navigate the elegant surroundings and take our seats, anticipation building as I scan the menu before me.

My gaze lifts from the menu, only to be met with a curious sight – Jackie, seated at the adjacent table, her eyes seemingly fixed on me. A mischievous idea takes root, and I can't resist the urge to tease, "No need to take it all in now, you get to look as this pretty face as much as you'd like tonight." Her response, an eye roll followed by engagement in conversation with Shauna, amuses me.

Awareness dawns on me as I notice the collective attention directed my way. My words evidently weren't as discreet as I thought. "Oh, come on, that was just a joke," I interject, placing my menu back on the table in a sheepish attempt to shift the focus.

Lottie's arched eyebrow speaks volumes, her bemused expression almost audible. "Honestly, if someone told me you two were an item, I'd buy it without question," she remarks, her tone a blend of amusement and teasing.

Tai chimes in, agreement dancing in her voice. "Literally."

I can't help but react with exasperation, my earlier statement coming back to haunt me. "For gods sake, guys, let me clarify – I would never date someone like her."