Italian Obsession

Chapter 123

Jayden

"Girl, you've always liked him!"

"Kayla, it's easier said than done."

"Oh, please! You've had a crush on him for like ever."

"I can't like him, it would ruin our friendship."

Kayla smiled. "You don't have to tell him now, just see how it goes. You know? If you guys hang out more and more for a while, the time will come."

"You're right."

"When am I not?"

"I'm just scared to tell him, Kayla."

"You don't have to now. But you have to eventually."

"But what if he doesn't like me that way? It would ruin our friendship."

"I'm sure that's not the case."

"He's still married, Kayla. I can't just tell him I like him."

"Well, just focus on your friendship and go with the flow, Jay."

"You're right. Thanks, Kay."

"Of course! Go have fun!"

I went to my room and grabbed a pair of tight ripped jeans and a black and gray flannel. The smirk on Kayla's face when she saw me made me feel confident. "How do I look?"

"Great! Those boots top off the outfit nicely, Mav will LOVE it."

"I sure hope so."

I felt myself getting more and more nervous, the closer I got to his house. By the time I got there, I saw his truck in the driveway and the moment I laid eyes on him, I couldn't help but to think how hot he was. God, he has no idea how I really feel about him. He is so attractive, and it seems like he's gotten even more handsome over the years.

"You look nice."

I was hoping that he would say more than that. "You clean up well too."

He nodded. "Thanks. Let's go, shall we?"

"Yes."

The whole drive to Applebee's was pure silence and I suddenly felt like I shouldn't have gone with him. "We're here."

"Are you sure it's a good idea that I came here with you?"

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"I don't know. I'm just wondering is all."

He nodded. "If you say so."

Maverick

Jayden remained mostly silent all night, looking uncomfortable being around Tyler and Dale. "Hey. Are you okay?"

She looked up from her phone and nodded. "I'm okay."

"Jay..."

"Mav, I'm fine."

"I've known you for 25 years now. You can't fool me."

"I just... I don't know if it was a good idea for me to come with you."

"Why?"

"Because you're supposed to be hanging out with them."

"I am. I just brought you with me."

"Okay."

"Hey." I placed my hand on her knee and smiled. "Don't apologize for joining us. I've enjoyed your company."

She looked at my wedding band briefly and shook her head. "It really doesn't seem that way."

"Jay..."

"God, I... I'm sorry. That came out wrong."

"It's okay."

She shook her head and stood up. "I'm going to call Kayla. She'll take me home. Have fun with the boys."

"Jay, wait!"

Before I could say anything else, she left the restaurant. "What's her problem?"

"I have no idea."

"She's acting like a bitch right now."

"I don't know why, I have not done anything wrong."

"Well, let's just enjoy the rest of our night."

Nodding, I took a sip of my beer, and wondered what had just gotten into Jayden right now.