Raw [#Wattys2015]

Chapter 18

Matthew dumps me into the passenger seat of his car, knocking my head against the back of the seat. I grunt from the force of him literally dropping me off his shoulder, then turn to complain about not being able to change my clothes first.

He slams the door in my face with a huge smile, then walks around the front of the car and slides into the driver seat.

"Matthew, I am wearing house clothes. Let me change."

He starts the car and immediately puts it in gear. "You won't need clothes where we're going."

My eyes widen, "What do you mean I don't need clothes? Where the hell are you taking me?"

He looks over at me and grins as he pulls away from the house. "You'll just have to wait and see."

Defeated, I put on my seatbelt and relax against the seat with crossed arms. Now that I'm not being tickled and am not in front of somebody I'm trying to make jealous, I am feeling the weight of my sadness again. The only thing I can manage to feel positive about right now is the fact that I do believe I succeeded in making James jealous. Not knowing what he will do about it is what is currently driving me insane.

Will he try to come after me? Will he call me? Or will he pretend not to be jealous and ignore the situation entirely?

Honestly, I think this means that the ball is either completely in or at least halfway in his court. Sure, I haven't actually spoken to him, but the look we exchanged said enough I think. After he watched me be carried away by another man, he should feel as though he is left with two choices: To ignore it and let me move on like he said he wanted me to or to realize that he does want me even though he is afraid.

I hope with all my heart he chooses the second scenario. My heart can't take any additional rejection from him at this point.

After a half hour, we pull up to one of my favorite places in the world – the lake. This place is where Maggie and I spent most of our summers as a child and even now that we're adults, we still find time to come out here with our friends.

The lake is freshwater and has volleyball nets situated in waist deep water, as well as up on the sand. There is a place where you can rent jet skis, inner tubes and even small boats for the day. A pavilion with a concession stand, pool tables and an arcade is positioned near the water and has a dock with small tables and benches on it.

This place is always nostalgic and makes me feel happy, so I immediately know why Matty brought me here. I look over at him in the driver seat as he parks the car along the tree line. "Thank you."

He shuts off the car, "For what?"

I roll my eyes. "You know what."

Smiling, he gives me a subtle nod then opens his door. "Maggie is at the pavilion and has your bathing suit. Go change and then meet us at the net. We're about to play an epic game of water volleyball!"

I open my door too and slide out, letting the humid late summer air coat my skin. Inhaling a deep breath through my nose, reveling in the smell of suntan lotion and concession stand food, I release it through my mouth with a smile.

This is exactly what I need.

I spot Maggie at the air hockey tables with some of Matty's band members as I reach the pavilion. Corey, Adam and Josh are all hovered around the table, oblivious to anything else going on around them. Maggie sees me standing in the large, bay-sized doorway and waves me over.

"Hey Rory! I'm glad Matty convinced you to come out here."

I laugh out a sound that sounds more like a scoff. "Convinced? Took me against my will is more like it."