Bad Boy?

London

To Jai
What are we going to do tonight?

From Jai
Sry babe, I'll be busy 2night. Mary is comin over w/her fam. Ily x

"UGH!" I throw my phone but it lands on the bed, thankfully.
Funny how he's using abbreviations. I think I'll be bored to death tonight.
My phone suddenly beeps and I have to check it again.
"He probably changed his mind." I smile.

From Riley
Do you wanna go out for dinner?

My smile does fade, but at least someone is thinking of me.
I have to go out. I feel I'll explode here.

To Riley
Sure. Text me the address and I'll meet you there :)

Yes. A smiley face always makes everything better. 

I choose a red crop top with high waisted shorts. I lift my hair up in a messy bun. I look at the mirror.

I'm not even close to Mary's beauty.

Stop overthinking, Amanda.
Jai loves you.

"Mom, I'm going out with Riley," I say leaving the house, not giving her time to question me.
I turn around to see a luxurious limousine parked at the Brooks house.
Mary's parents I suppose.
"It's fine," I tell myself. 

I get in the cab and make my way to the restaurant Riley had texted me.

I spot her in the back.
"Mary!" I smile and approach for a hug.
"Mary?" She questions confused.
"Oh," I feel my cheeks burn, "It, uh, I'm so obsessed with my new cat -"
"Your new cat?" She laughs, "What are we? 8-year-old little girls hiding the fact that we peed on the bed? You've always been a bad liar. I want everything with details, now."

We spend hours chatting and gossiping. I describe Mary leaving absolutely nothing behind. I even mention how Jai was glued to her today.

"He just misses her, Mandy. And protecting you, if she's really selfish like he mentioned. He loves you. Don't exaggerate." She finally says, taking a sip of her juice.
I know he does, I just-
"I don't know how it feels to have an ex. Should I be concerned?"
"No, you shouldn't. He himself explained there's nothing going on between them. You changed him and there's no way he'd lie to you. You're making an ocean out of a drip. There should be trust and communication if you want to be with him again."
She is absolutely right. That's why I eat my chicken wings in silence. Isn't it just amazing to have a best friend?

"Hey Mandy?", she says as we get on the car.
"Mhm?"
"When do you plan on going back to him? I mean, he's been waiting for so long."
I don't answer. I honestly don't know. But she's right. I should make up my mind as soon as possible. I want us sneaking out late at night, I want him to kiss me and call me 'babe' again. I-
"I'll be going back to London by next week. I figured out you'd like to come with me. Jai can come too. It'll be fun. It's just a trip and my dad's boss will pay."
I do miss London, really. It's where I grew up.
I can remember Riley and me sneaking out at night to go to that candy store at the corner of the street, then getting punished after.
Good old memories back there.
School break is approaching, so there's no way mum would refuse.
"Riles, this is a great idea. Actually, I'll go speak to him tomorrow. He'd love to come and maybe we'll get back together again." I smile at the thought of it.
"Perfect!", she claps ecstatically. And this is pretty much what happened that night.