The Girlfriend Experience

Chapter 22: Acceptance or denial

Rhiannon

__________________________________________________________

There comes a time in every person's life when they must make a decision. I'm talking hardcore life changing decisions. These decisions shouldn't be taken lightly, they're the kind of decisions where one must think deeply before making it because they can potentially impact the rest of your life. For example doing homework or catching up on the latest Pretty Little Liars episode. To eat or to not eat that last piece of chocolate cake. Staying up on the phone all night with a guy or getting your beauty rest.

In my case it's whether I should get a ride home with Brandon or wait for Ethan.

"Are you in or out?" He asks. The passenger door is already open. The familiar leather exterior is so inviting. I miss this car, it used to smell just like him, it still does. Even when I'm standing outside his aroma fill my nostrils.

"I really want you to come in," he says, eyes practically begging.

In or out? Yes or no? Brandon or Ethan?

"I don't know...." I trail looking behind me. It's not like Ethan is just going to show up. He's at that Unity for Purity meeting and who knows how long these things last.

"Come on, I won't hurt you." He smiles cunningly.

You already have. I think to myself. Despite all the shit he's put me through I get in the car. He's only taking me home. Nothing more, nothing less. I'll just catch up with Ethan later.

"Do you still live in the same house?" He asks. When I don't respond a wave of laughter unleashes from his throat. "I'm joking."

"Haha," I fake laugh. "Not very funny."

"You used to think I was funny."

"Yeah," I say. "Used to."

Silence immediately crash in between us. This is definitely the beginning of the most awkward ride of my life.

He restarts the car revving it to life. As he pulls out of the parking lot, I watch familiar faces staring at us as he drives by. They're probably thinking that we're back together or at least trying to work it out. And I know by tomorrow rumors are going to be spread like wildfire at Windsor.

"Want some tunes?"

I nod. "Sure."

He turns on the radio. The John Mayer cover of XO by Beyoncé is playing. Great, a slow romantic song to make this drive more awkward. I'm trying to not pay attention to the words as he croons over the acoustic guitar but it's hard when you hear words like; "in the darkest night hour, I'll search through the crowd, your face is all that I see." Did he purposely choose this song? How could he? He didn't know I'd be getting in his car today so there's no way this could be planned. Brandon is full of tricks though, so I'll never know.

"Where's that kid you're always hanging around with?" He asks, merging into the road that'll lead to my street. He's already inquiring about Ethan, I wonder how long it'd take him before he made Ethan the main topic of this ride. He's purposely trying to intensify things.

I run my thumb across my lips. A few hours ago his lips were on mine, claiming me. He was so gentle and caring and inexperienced. It was exactly the kind of kiss I needed, not some savaged idiot shoving his tongue down my throat. I could have kissed him for the rest of the day, I really could but we were rudely interrupted by the Death Queen herself. Crystal Mills. I'm not sure what she wants from Ethan but her constant presence is starting to annoy me.