Hanging With The Bad Boys (Edited)

Chapter 54- New Years Party - Part 2

The party is going well; most adults are chatting, while Stacy clings to my dad's arm. I mostly avoid Nikki and Brandon, choosing instead to hang out with Brenda. Justin introduces his little cousin Jerry to her, and they hit it off immediately.

Jack ditched me earlier, and I'm grateful since he wasn't a good date—just flirting with other girls. I sit at a table, watching people dance and talk. Kyle and Arlene are dancing, as are Luke and Gabriella, both clearly in love.

Finally, Justin escapes from a girl who's been flirting with him all night. He approaches me, saying, "Hi Anne, I see Jack ditched you. He wasn't a good date anyway. Want to dance?"

I admit, "I only went with him to make Brandon jealous," pointing to Brandon at the buffet, with Nikki chatting with Stephanie. Justin takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor.

After two songs, Justin's dad approaches and says, "I wish you two would be together; our families are close." I blush. Justin replies, "We're already friends, Dad, and she's still getting over her heartbreak."

His dad raises his hands in surrender just as Jessica joins him. She smiles at me and says, "Hi Anne, you deserve someone better than your jerk ex-boyfriend."

I brought my camera to capture memories at midnight.

"Five."

"Four."

"Three."

"Two."

"One."

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Everyone cheers, couples kiss, and my friends and I take pictures while watching the fireworks.

Justin hugs me and says, "Happy New Year, Anne. I have a feeling this year will be great." I agree; we're graduating soon.

Brandon and Nikki embrace, watching the fireworks with her head on his shoulder. Greg reassures me, "Don't worry, you'll get over it eventually." I hope so.

Jacob adds, "It's a new year, Anne. Your resolution should be to get over your ex, go to prom, and learn to skateboard."

I respond, "Actually, I need to make my own resolution."

Jacob pouts, "What's the fun in that? You wouldn't want to go to prom anyway."

I counter, "Why not? It's not like I'll be prom queen."

After the party, we head home. Dad kisses my forehead and says, "Happy New Year, Anne. May this year be wonderful." I nod and go to my room to change and take a bath, hoping this year will be fun.

Today is my first day back at school, but I'm stuck at home with Freddie, who just returned from Miami. I text my friends to bring me the assignments later.

I spend most of the morning in my pajamas, watching Netflix. Freddie brings me breakfast and lunch.

I receive a text from Justin.

Jerk: I'm ditching school for the rest of the evening. Meet me at Starbucks in an hour.

Me: Okay, bad boy.

Jerk: Yeah, Ms. Goody Two-Shoes.

I chuckle at his teasing. We have a solid friendship and would defend it against anyone. After finishing my movie, I get ready.

****

Justin's POV

I stand outside Starbucks, waiting for Anne. I see her SUV pull up, and she steps out, bundled up for the cold.

"Hi Justin," she says, lightly punching me. Butterflies flutter in my stomach.

I smile and suggest, "Let's grab a bite and cause some trouble." She smirks, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. I open the door for her.

Inside, I spot my ex-girlfriend Lily at the cash register. We dated briefly in sophomore year, and I'm relieved I didn't fall for her.

She notices me and frowns, trying to recall who I am. "Hi Justin, how's it going?"

"Good, Li. Can I get two coffee combos, please?" I hand her the money.

She glances at Anne, who is watching the exchange.

"What do you want?" Lily asks, a bit too rudely.

Uh-oh, Anne doesn't hold back. "Nothing, especially from someone like you," she snaps. Lily gasps.

Lily whines, "Are you seriously going to let this bitch talk to me like that?"

"Yes, and don't call her that; she's my friend," I reply, taking Anne's hand and leading her to a table.

"That was Lily, my ex-girlfriend. She dated me for a bet," I explain. Anne just smiles.

After getting our order, I suggest, "Let's go to the grocery store and cause some trouble." She nods.

***

Two hours later, we find ourselves at the police station because someone couldn't run fast enough, and we got caught shoplifting snacks and cheap glasses. Anne looks scared, so I whisper, "Follow my lead."

A police officer enters and says, "Anastasia Montez and Justin James, you're getting off with a warning. I'll just ask Anastasia a few questions; Justin, you're free to go since your dad is loaded."

Anne stiffens.

"I'll wait for her; I got her into this mess," I say, relaxing in my chair.

The officer asks, "Where do you live?"

"With my parents," Anne replies, sounding unimpressed.

"And where do your parents live?"

"With me," she responds.

I smirk.

The officer continues, "And where do you all live?"

"In a house," Anne says, clearly enjoying the exchange.

The officer frowns, "And where is this house located?"

"Next to my neighbor. Seriously, how stupid are you?" she retorts.

I stifle a laugh.

The officer, frustrated, asks, "And where is this street?!"

"Somewhere in the country," Anne grins, and I chuckle.

The officer storms out, and another enters, saying, "You're free to go. Make sure this doesn't happen again."

We get up and leave.

________________________