The Million Mile Hallway

Chapter 22 - Jason

Wow. That hurt. A lot.

In a way I was glad to see that Louise was getting over me but it was so unexpected to see it play out right in front of me. I couldn't take my eyes of her and this guy; it was like I was strapped into an electric chair as I looked on.

Once she got her lips away from the guy, who looked just as freaked out as me by the way, she cast another glance in my direction before running inside. Her new boyfriend or whoever he was turned to me, said hi, and then left. It was a surreal moment for everyone I'm sure, and not just me.

I'm not proud to admit this but I stalked Louise's online profile that night. Looked at every guy on there or at least the ones that had liked her recent posts. That's what people do when they like someone right? They send likes out as if it's gift aid. Couples are worse. They just like things for the sake of it, probably not even reading it. If the other half posted it, it must be glorious right?

Anyway, I couldn't find this guy. They either hadn't been together long, he didn't have a Facebook page or they weren't together at all. That was all the thought that I put into it. I didn't want Louise taking up any more of my mind then she already was, especially if she was dating someone else. Instead, I sent Ashley a message and began talking to her instead. She was pretty pissed off at me for bailing on her in the club but I just told her that I felt sick and didn't want to embarrass myself. It's amazing how quickly people change that subject.

I went running again every night after work. I wouldn't consider myself a fit guy by any means but I can at least go for half an hour before I get desperate for my bed. I was on my way back home one night when I heard someone calling my name. I turned round to see Brandon Lane chasing me down. Wasn't it supposed to be the other way round, with me chasing the celebrity? I slowed down for him, even though I probably didn't need to. He was on me in seconds. Like I said, I'm not exactly fit but this guy is in top shape for a job.

"Hey where you going?" Louise's brother asked me.

"Home" I shrugged, figuring that it was pretty obvious.

"Same. I'll walk with you" He replied. I was confused as to why he wanted this, but wasn't going to argue with him. I fell into step alongside him and asked where he'd been, even though I assumed I already knew the answer. "I've just been at practice" He confirmed my suspicions. "But look I was thinking of heading out tonight for a few drinks. I need to blow off some steam. You in?"

"Sorry man I'm working tomorrow" I sighed. Again, I wasn't sure why he wanted to hang out with me but I wasn't lying to him. It was a Thursday night and unlike him, I had a real job to do in the morning.

"Aw come on Jason, it's only going to be a couple of drinks, nothing too heavy. I need to keep all that shit out of my body remember?"

"Right" I muttered. "But why me? Don't you have other friends you'd rather hang out with?" I couldn't help thinking that I sounded a lot like Lyn then.

"I do. But they're all tennis, all hours. I need a fucking break man!" Brandon cried. "You hate tennis right?"

"Well . . . I wouldn't say hate, I just –"

"That'll do for me!" He interrupted. "Let's go home and get changed and go have some fun.

After discovering that stubbornness seemed to be a trait that the whole Lane family shared, I ended up in Ray's bar with Brandon. I told Ray to keep his distance so that we didn't attract too much attention to my companion. He'd used the word "incognito" so much that I firmly got the point.

"So look Brandon. I hope you don't mind me asking, but why me. I know what you said before but aren't your parents going to be kind of annoyed that you're out with me?"