The Rude Awakening of Love

5 - Coffee Shop

Emerson's POV

I swear I'm going to kill Dakota Johnson! Last night him and Bentley were up super late playing video games and blaring music.

 I don't know if he was trying to get back at me for hanging out with him and his friend last night or what, but I'm over it!

"So you think he's mad at you because you're meeting his friends?" Savannah questioned. I filled her in on what's been going on the past few days as we sat in our psychology class.

"Yeah, basically." I nod.

"So, what are you going to do?"

I shrug, unsure of what I should do.

"Savannah, what do you think about this video?" Our professor asks, gaining our attention back.

I laughed at Savannah getting calling out, which caused her to get even more embarrassed.

After class, Savannah drug me to the 'Sip & Savor Cafe' to hangout with her and Cole. She claims that I need to actually get to know her boyfriend so I can shut up about how she's always preoccupied with him.

We arrived at the coffee shop and ordered our drinks. Savannah tried to reassure me that Cole wasn't as bad as I thought as we waited for him.

I nervously fidgeted with my phone until I heard a familiar voice.

I turned around to see Cole and Bentley.

"What are you doing here?" Bentley asked me as Cole hugged Savannah. I noticed Sav beaming and the undeniable twinkle in Cole's eye. I knew then that he was the real deal.

"Being forced to get to know him" I said pointing at the happy couple. "What are you doing here?"

"Cole invited me to come with him. He said his girlfriend has a cute friend" He smirked at me.

I blushed at his comment. "How do you guys know each other?"

"We play hockey together and we're roommates" Cole chimed in as he took a seat at the table.

I nodded my head curiously at the boys in front of me. I had never been the best at making new friends, and the thought of meeting these two at once was enough to make my palms sweat.

It didn't take long for me to warm up to Cole, maybe Savannah was right. He was warm and friendly, with a great sense of humor. But it was Bentley who caught me off guard.

As soon as he sat down, I couldn't help but stare at the boy I met last night. Bentley had a quiet confidence about him that was both intriguing and intimidating. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but there was something about him that drew me in.

As we all chatted and got to know each other, I found myself laughing and joking with Bentley more and more. It was like we had an instant connection, and I couldn't remember the last time I had felt so comfortable around someone I had just met.

As the minutes passed, we were completely lost in their own little world and I found myself enjoying every minute of it.

"OMG!" I hear another familiar voice, this one overly happy. Ellie. She was with Sophia and Dakota.

Dakota rolled his eyes at the sight of me.

I watched as she sat down and greeted the boys at the table. Cole and Bentley dabbed Dakota up.

He know's Cole too?

"Why's everyone here?" Dakota asked.

"Coincidence" I shrug. "I would've been happy to see anyone but you" he glared.

I sat quietly and watched as Dakota's group of friends laughed and joked around. I couldn't help, but feel a twinge of jealousy as I watched them interact so effortlessly.

I looked over at Savannah who looked just as confused as I did. Ellie must have noticed and started introducing everyone to Savannah and I.

"Cole's my boyfriend" Savannah responded, annoyed at the girl in front of her. Ellie didn't seem to notice and continued to ask questions about Savannah and Cole.

I was taken aback by how friendly and welcoming they all were, especially considering Dakota's own behavior towards me.

Dakota didn't stay long. He said goodbye to his friends and made his way of out the cafe without looking at me once.

The next hour was nice as we all made small talk. I found myself laughing along with them. At points it felt like I had known them for years.

I got into the passenger seat of Ellie's car as I waved goodbye to Savannah, Cole, and Bentley.

"Are you busy tomorrow night?" Sophia asked catching me off guard.

"Um, no." I replied curiously.

"Do you want to go to the hockey game with us tomorrow?" She asked catching me off guard again.

"Oh sure! Is it okay if Savannah comes?" I hesitantly asked.

All though these girls were very welcoming, I was nervous to hangout with them alone. Besides, Savannah's boyfriend is on the team so I'm sure she was already planning on going.

"Of course!"

I smiled to myself. It felt nice to be invited to something. Maybe I actually was making new friends.

I said goodbye to Sophia and Ellie and made my way up to my apartment, unsure of whether or not Dakota was there.

I opened my door and to my luck, he was standing in the kitchen making dinner.

He turned around to face me, a scowl on his face. "What was that all about?" he asked angrily, referring to the cafe.

"What do you mean?" I replied, confused.

"I don't like you getting too friendly with my friends. They're mine, not yours," Dakota snapped.

I was taken aback by his possessiveness. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to overstep. They're just really nice and I had a good time with them," I explained.

"Well, just remember that they're my friends and I don't want you getting too involved with them," Dakota warned.

"I don't understand why you're so threatened by me being friends with them. Can't we all just get along?" I asked, trying to reason with him.

Dakota refused to listen and went back to cooking his food.

I made my way to my room as I thought about what just happened. I couldn't shake off the uncomfortable feeling of Dakota's disapproval. He's not only a rude roommate but also possessive and controlling.

I couldn't help but feel guilty about hanging out with Sophia and Ellie tomorrow, but I didn't want to give up these newfound friendships.