FIRE | H.S.

Chapter 33

"Did you like the movie, babe?" Evan asks me.

"I did, it was really good. Very scary, though."

"You think? I thought it could've been scarier. However, I did enjoy it. We should go to the movies more often."

I nod. "Yeah, I'd like that. We've just been swamped these weeks." I open the door to my house and we step inside.

"I know. I think I'm gonna be even busier these upcoming weeks."

"How come?"

"Finals are coming up and I have to study. Then I have practice with the boys, then school starts and it'll be hectic for about a month."

I offer him a bottle of water and he takes it. "I'm sorry. I hope you get enough rest in between all that."

"Thank you, babe." He leaves his bottle on the counter and takes my face between his hands. "You're so hot, you know that?" I smile, my cheeks heating up. He leans in and presses our lips together. Right away, his tongue seeks entrance, which I grant, a bit reluctantly. His tongue plays with mine, his breathing becomes heavier, and he lowers his hands down my body, resting them on the curve of my ass. He squeezes, his fingers digging into me through the fabric of my jeans and I wince a little into the kiss.

I'm grateful for the sound of the doorbell, it gives me a chance to break the kiss.

"I should get that."

"Ignore it," Evan whispers, moving hi slips to my neck.

I grab his wrists, trying to gently pry them off me. "What if it's a package? They've been stealing packages from people's front doors." I know it's a weak excuse, but, technically, I'm not lying. I don't want to make him feel like I'm rejecting him, which has brought us problems before, but I just... can't.

He sighs and follows me to the door. I open it and see Harry holding a container. "Hi, Ava," he smiles. "Evan," he greets him with a nod. "Erm... sorry for bothering you. I'm trying to bake with Leilani and we ran out of flour. I was wondering if you had an extra cup of flour we could borrow?" He flashes an apologetic smile.

"Yeah, of course!" I take the container from him, heading to the kitchen. I open the pantry and start adding flour into Harry's container. I can hear their voices as they exchange words but can't make out what they say.

I walk back to the entrance and immediately feel the tension. Harry's jaw is clenched, his arms crossed. Evan's neck is flushed and his chest puffed. They stare each other down. "Um... here!" I break the silence. "It's about five cups, just in case you need more." He takes the container, dragging his eyes away from Evan, and meeting mine.

"Thank you, Ava," he smiles, visibly relaxing. "You're great," he leans forward to give me a quick hug, then starts walking toward his house.

Evan slams the door shut, making me jump. "Fucking asshole," he mutters.

"What happened?"

"Nothing, babe, he just..." he takes a deep breath. "Aggravates me."

"Evan, please, not this again."

"I know, I'm sorry. I just don't like other assholes hugging my girl." He kisses me. "Hey, I gotta go do some studying. I'll text you later, okay?"

I nod, giving him a hug and closing the door after seeing him leave.

At least we didn't fight this time.

***

Evan: hey, babe! Nick is having a barbecue at his house, and he invited us. I'll pick you up at 6:30?

Me: I don't know, I think I'll pass. You go and have fun, though!

Evan: oh, come on! I can't show up without my girl! All the other girls will be there.

Me: I don't really feel comfortable around Nick, remember?

I wait for his reply but it doesn't come, so I decide to do some work. I go over my appointments for the week and the upcoming orders I need to make.

I get a text notification and see Evan's name.

Evan: I'm outside!

What!? Did I not tell him I wasn't going?

Me: Babe, I told you I wasn't going.

Evan: And I told you I couldn't show up alone. Let's go.

Me: I'm doing some work, I can't.

Evan: Do it after, we'll just be there for 1.5 hours max. Promise. LET'S GO.

I roll my eyes and close my laptop. Grabbing my phone and purse, I lock my door and walk to Evan's car. I pull on the handle and it's locked so I knock on the window. Once I hear a click, I try the handle again and get in his car.

When we get to Nick's house, I immediately regret coming.

"You said the girls would be here," I quietly tell Evan.

"Well, I thought so, too. They're probably getting here later, don't stress over it."

We approach Nick and the other guys, standing around the grill with beers in their hands.

Evan walks closer to them and they do their guy handshake. I stand awkwardly a few feet back.

"Hi, Ava!" Some of the guys wave at me and I wave back, with a small smile.

My eyes meet Nick's, and he smirks, lifting his beer in a way of greeting. I look away.

"You want a beer or something?" Evan asks me.

"Um... water."

"Oops, we only have beer or tequila," Nick chimes in.

"I'm good," I tell Evan.

"Look, you can sit over there while the food is ready." He points to a garden table with cushiony chairs. "I'll call you over when it's time to eat."

I walk away from him, sitting at the table he pointed at with a huff and fighting back tears.

An hour goes by and no other women show up. Evan and his friends are tipsy, some are drunk, and they're laughing loudly.

I shouldn't have come at all. I should've just stayed home.

I feel someone's hand on my shoulder and I get goosebumps, not in a good way. "Take a shot with me, sweetie," Nick whispers in my ear. He's standing behind me.

"No, thank you," I say, tightly.

"Come on." His hand starts sliding down my shoulder, slowly, fingertips nearing my breast.

I shove his hand away and stand up, making him stumble back. "Don't ever touch me again." My voice shakes and I start walking towards the backyard door.

"I remember you, Ava! Very well!" He calls out loud enough for me to hear him. I don't turn back to look at him. From my peripheral I see a drunk Evan laughing with the other guys. As I walk out of Nick's yard, I get an Uber and wait for it three houses down.

***