Instigators

Chapter T E N

Tiana's POV

There was tension amongst us. I was upset with Grace and it seemed like Miley and Grace were upset with each other. We didn't speak much and if we did, someone would shoot the other a cold glare.

"Whoa, what happened to you guys?" Tario joked as he took a seat next to me. At least I wasn't the only one who noticed it.

"Grace stole my crush." I said immediately.

Grace rolled her eyes, "You know I like someone else and that it was a friendly thing."

"It doesn't change the fact that you still went out with him." I shook my head.

"Grace won't listen to me. The guy she likes isn't who he seems." Miley said.

So we were both upset with Grace.

"Okay, then." Tario let out a low whistle.

"I've been trying too long to give up now. And, Tiana, screw you!" Grace crossed her arms.

"I bet Landon is screwing you." I spat.

"Isn't girl code to never fight over a guy? And yet, you guys are here fighting over two guys." Tario shrugged. He was right. I didn't want to fight over Landon, but I couldn't let Grace get away with this. In reality, I couldn't change how Landon felt. We'd only been on one date.

"When Grace learns to keep her hands to herself, that rule will remain in place." I said.

"You know Landon tried to kiss me and I rejected him because of you. Next time, I won't do that." She threw her water bottle on the table and stomped away.

"Screw this Landon guy. I'll take you out on a date." Tario smirked.

"It's also against girl code to date your best friend's brother." I shrugged.

"Damn. The roast was too strong. I can barely breathe." Miley hid her nose in her jacket. She was always joking around and being funny. It lightened my mood.

"I'm just gonna walk away because I could cook you in five seconds." Tario surrendered and walked to where the basketball team was sitting.

I liked the way Tario's eyes sparkled when he laughed. Ok, you guys can stop thinking I like Tario. I do not like him in any way, shape, or form. He's hot and all, but he is my best friend's brother. I can't do that, even if I am mad at her.

"Are you really going to take that?" Miley smirked. I knew what she doing. She was trying to instigate something between Tario and I.

I didn't respond, but smiled to myself instead.

"Go on. Tiana Ross does not lose a roast battle ever." She pushed me up.

I playfully rolled my eyes and walked over to Tario's table. My hands were sweaty. I was really nervous because I'd never talked to him in front of his team.

I casually took a seat between two muscular players.

"Hey, guys. Have you ever wondered why Tario is always wearing his thot band," I coughed, "I mean headband?"

I glanced around the table. All the guys looked amused.

"Why?" the brown haired boy on my left asked.

"He lost his hairline about two years ago. It was all over the news." I said.

I could tell Tario was enjoying this. He licked his lips and rubbed his hands together, an obvious sign that he was about to roast. Whatever he was about to say would probably end my social life here, but he wouldn't possibly be that cruel? Not to me at least.