Off-Limits

Chapter 2- Third Wheel

"Brrrrrinnnggggg!!"
Finally.
My favorite part of school. The end. I grab my bag and rush out of my AP Psychology class. Sarah had made a reservation at Wok and Roll. The hottest sushi joint in town. The reservation was at 5 which meant I had 2 hours to prepare. Although I'm not really sure what I'm preparing for. I'm just going out with my best friend and her boyfriend. What do I have to dress up for?
I walked into my house and slammed the door. I knew no one would be there to hear it. My mom travels a lot for work so she's never really here. As for my father, he walked out on me about 10 years ago. I walk to the kitchen and grab an apple.
Beep.
I take my phone out and glanced at the words that flashed on the screen.

SARAH: Jax will pick u up @ 4:45. League conference call. Will b a little late. Love you girl!

Great. What the heck am I supposed to do now? Almost instantly I get a text from an unknown number.

UNKNOWN ID: Hey b there in 10.

"Be there in 10"?  Oh. Jaxon. I quickly save the contact. Alright I have 10 minutes to get ready. I rush in my room and grab a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt that says "There's no WE in PIZZA" because who do I have to impress? I dash to the bathroom just to check and see if I don't look like a complete zombie. I added some mascara and fluffed my hair. Eh... it'll do. A knock on the door interrupted me from my primping. And then it hit me. It was 3:30. Surely Jax wouldn't already be here. Then who sent the text? I studied the number that sent the text. I had never seen it before. 

"Ding Dong!"

Startled, I almost dropped my phone. As I walked downstairs, I thought of the possibilities of the guest. It couldn't be Jax... could it? I reached the door and looked through the peephole anxiously. As I stared through the peephole, I simultaneously stared at my arch-enemy. I swung the door open.

"What do you want Crystal?" 

She smirked at me with that perfect, dumb little mouth. " Now Lexi, is that any way to treat your visitors? No wonder you have no friends."

I rolled my eyes at that remark. I have friends! I have my best friend. Sarah. "Can I help you?"

Crystal pushed passed me into the house. She observed my home and snorted. " No. But I'm helping you."

"How so?" I ask, glaring at her.

"I'm taking you to Wok and Roll. Jax was busy and didn't think you were worth his time. I'm doing you a favor, you know." Crystal drawled out. Wow. Jax was too busy? I mean I know he doesn't owe me anything but really? He can't even be bothered to do me a favor? That kind of stung. 

I must've zoned out for a while because as I started to refocus I noticed Crystal shouting at me. "Lexi! Omg! Hurry up. We have to leave now if we want to make it."

I shook my head. "But the reservation is made for 5. We have another hour and a half."

Crystal rolled her eyes. "4. The reservation is at 4. Now come on." She started towards the door.

"But, the text said the reservation was for-" I started.

"Ugh! I don't care what the text said! Or when you think the reservation is for! Either you are coming or you aren't. Decide now."

I contemplated my options. I know that text said five but Crystal seems to be telling the truth. I resolve my conflict and grab my purse following her out the door. Maybe I did read it wrong. What is going on?

*

"Would you like white or brown rice?" The perky waitress asked.

"White is fine for me." I replied. She nodded and glanced to Woods, my male best friend. She looked at him like he was her next meal. But I mean... who wouldn't? Woods was hot. Way too hot to be sitting in a booth with me in Wok and Roll. He was also 3 years older than me. Already in college. She tried desperately to get his attention in some way while he just nudged her away. Clearly upset with him for ignoring her, the waitress stomped off.