THRUST

Chapter Fourteen

The Diner is lit up with people talking, laughing and eating as Edward and I stand outside on the sidewalk, in front of a row of parked cars... one waiting on the other to speak first.

He's so stubborn... so full of pride.

"Did you have a good time at your girlfriend's party the other night?"

"How do know that was my girlfriend?" He lifts one brow to suggest that maybe she wasn't his girlfriend. Or perhaps just one of them.

"I honestly didn't ask you out here for that."

"Mmm-hmm." He smirks at me and it makes me want to punch him in the face.

"I wanted to talk to you about my car."

He starts digging in his pocket for his keys, because he couldn't possibly stand still long enough to listen to me and give me his attention.

"What about your car?" He drives his fingers through his hair and finishes, "I brought it back to you in better condition than it was before you drunkenly railed me. What could you possibly need with it now?"

I eye him with disgust. "Why are you like this?" I ask him as calmly as possible but I'm sure he can sense my frustration.

"Like what?" He shakes his head and looks confused, spreading a sly smile. Playing games, always. He knows what I mean.

"I don't know... just... how you are." I toss my hand in his direction, pointing out his body language and his attitude. "Do you treat everyone like they're beneath you, or just me?"

"Beneath me, in what sense?" He cocks a brow and I'm definitely gonna kick him in the dick.

When I stand seething with no response he can sense my anger and he continues with an irritated tone, "Well, in my defense, you are the only drunk driver who's ever hit me from behind." He says it loud, and I'm embarrassed, hoping no one heard.

"Jesus, settle down?" I look up to him, shaking my head and continue "Like, ease up or something... I just want the bill. I don't want or need anything from you. I just want to pay what I owe ..." He starts nodding his head like he's going to speak but I hold up a finger and continue, "And when you dropped it off that morning I didn't get a chance to ask you and I never got a bill in the mail. I just wanna pay you."

"You didn't get one because you don't owe one. You don't owe anything."

His keys are in his hands and he's tight lipped. I hear the sounds of a bike in the distance as we step aside to let a rowdy bunch of kids by.

"How is that possible? I know you had to get parts and paint. I know your guys spent three days working on it. I know that stuff isn't free."

He leans into me, speaking slowly like he does sometimes, talking to me like I'm a kid. "Like I said, I took care of it. You don't owe me anything."

"I don't want your handouts. Just let me pay you."

"Can't you just thank me and get over it?" He has a mean look on his face, speaking quietly now.

I notice Jake pulling into the parking lot and I watch him as he rumbles by in front of us, not looking our way. My eyes trail him as he pulls to the back right corner of the lot but I turn back to Edward and reluctantly thank him.

"Thank you."

"Actually, you know what? Don't thank me. Thank Charlie."

I look up at him confused. "What does that mean?"

"Let's just say that I owe Charlie."

I'm stunned silent. Standing here staring at him with my mouth open.