Player's Guide To Catfishing (PLAYBOOK #1)

CHAPTER 59: A plan crazy enough to work

ODESSA

"Come in." John B answers after I knock a few times.

"Hey." I'm holding a plate of food in my hand. "You missed dinner so I brought you a plate."

I look around his art wall covered room and a chill runs down my back because this is the scene of the crime. He is sitting on the bed that he and Jessica has sex in, the same one filled with the sheets America bought him.

Nevertheless, it's a nice room. It's not as big as Liam's but the large mirror on one side of the wall that I assume is the wardrobe door gives the illusion its big. I glance at his glass bedside tables and they are filled with polaroids of him and America.

He even has a dreamcatcher similar to hers hanging on his wire headboard. They are fragments of her everywhere, how did he manage to cheat seeing it all.

"Thanks Vecker," John B manages to smile as he removes his headphones. "That's very wifely of you," I glare at him which in turn makes him laugh a little.

"Everyone says you've been down." I sit at his feet when he picks up the fork. "I'm guessing it's because of Mecca?"

When she broke up with John B in Vegas, America told him never to speak to her again and though he has tried numerous times to explain, she has shut him out completely.

"Ding-ding," John B bites a chicken strip and dramatically swoons. "This is good. I haven't had a home cooked meal in a while but this is by far the best."

I highly doubt that because Liam's cooking is five-star which doesn't matter because,

"It's a bribe," I clarify. "I don't usually cook unless for a motive," my hands are for playing instruments not pots.

But my mama made sure I knew both.

"Bribe? What for?" He's really digging into his plate which makes me feel like a proud caregiver.

When Tommy went for seconds, I thought he was being dramatic but maybe my food is that good or they are all craving a woman's homely touch which makes more sense because 4men, one house—yikes.

"I need you to move in with us," he stops chewing. "By the end of the week Jessica will be out so it'll be just America and I, we need someone to move in."

Now especially since the Choi's are sniffing around me. I can't protect America and I know John B will never leave her side if given the opportunity to be close to her again.

"And you want me to do it?" He points a fork at his chest. "You know she won't go for it, she won't even speak to me and I think she blocked me."

She actually got a new number entirely but we don't really have a choice. The semester is almost over, there is no way I am calling for back up now, my grandfather won't let me return if I do.

"Look, I don't usually get involved in my friends lives but with this one, I have to." I look at my fingers. "We'll be seniors in the fall then after that we're graduating where we will f*ck off to who knows where."

"But America—"

"Has already agreed." I gave her no choice since Liam and the boys are letting Jessica move in till the semester ends. "So has Liam, Tommy and Jonathan."

Who are in support of John B and America getting back together because he has been a quote on quote, "downer" since Vegas.

"I still don't get it." He resumes eating, "what's the plan here?"

"I'm about to let you in on a secret that not even Liam or America knows." I clear my throat to get his attention. "I own the house we're currently living in. My friends' think we're leasing it out but it's mine."

A gift from the Hidalgo's who didn't want me living alone or in a shoe box on campus. I always planned to sell it because it's too big for 3girls let alone one but now, I finally have a reason to because Kai has been there.

"Okay?" He is still confused.

"It will all make sense with time and I don't want you there permanently, just for a while." Till summer starts and junior year ends to precise.

"Will I have to pay rent?" His question surprises me but I shake my head.

"We take turns buying groceries and paying for utilities. No one gets to sleep on the couch or hook up there, so are you in?"

I offer a small smile and to my disbelief, he puts the plate down and throws his hands around me like I usually do to Tommy and them.

"I'm in," he whispers because his voice breaks. "Thank you, Vecker. I think you just saved my life."

Usually I'd say he's being dramatic but America is just as miserable so I know what he is talking about.

"Oh, Banner." I give him the hug he has clearly been craving.

Jessica is gone. She is occupying John B's old room while she looks for an apartment for next semester but good news is, she decided to stay in Oakwood.

Exams are over in 17 days which means the semester will be done for everyone. My last one was my end of year show with Kai which we killed, despite the new revelations.

I just made sure Tiffany and his instructor were at every practice so he wouldn't be tempted to pull any stunts and it worked. But I don't think I'll be able to ever work with a singer again.

Good news is, I'm technically done for the semester and John B and America still have a few papers left.

Speaking of John B, he moved in immediately after my 2day stay at their house and to say it was awkward at first would be understatement which is why I called a house meeting that changed everything.

I knew my plan was crazy enough to work.

(2 weeks ago)

"First house meeting, yay!" I tap my hands together and they look at me like I'm crazy.

My plan is simple, get them back together because they are in love with each other and then sell the house and get a new one for senior year while they move in together. I have 3 months before basketball season starts so I don't have a lot of time.

"I know you guys are exes but please no boning in the general areas." They both fight a smile as I add, "especially not the sofas. Mecca your mother will kill us if you stain them."

She gave us a long lecture about these stupid sofas that she made us get.

"Two, John B you are free to have the boys over but check in with her first," I point at America.

I go on to talk about useless rules and prolong the meeting longer than needed. They barely look at each other but I hear John B's door open around 1AM just like I predicted.

America has a big heart, before Jess moved out they had a heart to heart and she forgave her but still terminated their friendship because she loves John B.

I know what you're thinking but her asking Jessica to open the door was America choosing their friendship over him but she screwed it up so she's choosing the man.

I know right, so much drama!