Lonely Together II (Sequel)

Chapter 23

My birthday was tomorrow.

It made me nervous, considering the only real friend I had left was Justin, and he's probably going to blow things way out of proportion.

I really didn't need much. Justin doesn't seem to understand.

"I'm heading over to work on the shop soon," I called out to Justin who was changing in our room. "Can I meet you over there?"

The door flew open. "No, no, no," Justin rushed over to me and put out his hands in front of him like I was doing something wrong.

"I wanted to do something else with you today," he smiled. His smile killed me.

"Justin-"

"I know, I know, you want to get the shop done, but I promise we'll work on it later," he gently grabbed my fingers. "Please?"

I gave him the most annoyed look I could muster. He knew I couldn't say no to him. "Right after, we're going to the shop. I don't care how late it is."

He put his hands up. "Whatever you want," he smiled again. "Get dressed."
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"This is what you wanted to do with me today?"

I stood on the beach with the ocean water rushing up to my toes, then drifting back. I had a surfboard in one hand, a life jacket in the other, and a beaming Justin next to me. "It'll be fun Jess-"

"No," I stepped back. "Do you know how much we have to get done? We don't have to time to-"

"We have plenty of time," he grabbed my upper arm so I couldn't walk away. "Live a little."

I glared at him. He didn't seem to realize though, because he picked me up, tossing me over his shoulder, and carried me out to the water.

"Justin!" I screeched. "Don't!"

He just laughed. "Jess, you're fine."

"No," I pushed on him. "I'm not!"

I somehow managed to get off of him, Justin reaching out to grab me once I was on my feet. I pushed him back, crossing my arms over my chest.

"This isn't funny!" I shouted; Justin's smile fading.

"Jess, I just want to have fun-"

"Do you know how stressed I am?" I raised my voice. "We don't have time for this!"

"I just-"

"I know, you 'just wanted to have fun', but I don't. Not right now."

He raised his eyebrows, then looked at the ground, licking his lips. "Fine," he shook his head. "Do what you want."

"Justin-"

"I wanted to take you here so I could lighten you up a bit before I gave you the bad news, but you beat me too it," he laughed sarcastically, "you're already in a bad mood."

I stood with my mouth partially hung open. "Bad news?" I whispered. "What bad news?"

He clenched his jaw. "I want to do something for the both of us. I think it's a good idea, but I know you won't."

"You're not making any sense," I shook my head. "I'm going to change, I'll meet you at the house-"

"Jess," he stressed. "This could help us, but I need you to promise you'll help me."

"With what?"

He let out a breath. "I told Brad we'd come visit him today."
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