Lottery Love Series- What We Never Were (book 2) **SLOW UPDATES**

Chapter 9

Abby's POV

Two weeks later and nothing seemed to be going back to normal. I never grew the confidence to bring up the situation with Cody, but he wasn't stupid enough not to see there was something going on. I didn't invite him over- he just showed up some days and left not too long after the awkward silence or his many attempts at flirting which I quickly shot down. He was now perched on a glittery bean bag chair near my closet doors in my room, as I put forward my best effort to ignore him. I think Clay was doing something in his room. The air was heavy and I could tell he was picking out the awkward anger directed at him. Yet, this boy never gives up.

"Hey, we should go to a movie." he says. Yeah, I wasn't into that.

"Um ya sure. I'll call the gang!" I say quickly, darting towards my phone. Even though I'm not so pleased with Tessa right now, I would do anything to have some of the awkwardness go away.

"Oh, I thought it could be just the two-" Cody started, but I cut him off.

"Not in the mood." I snapped, and he looked taken aback. "Sorry, I just meant... The more the merrier?"

He raised his eyebrows, not convinced. He lowered them and sighed.

"Alright. Whatever you want. I don't even care anymore." he said flatly.

I walked over to where he was sitting and began to wrap my arms around his neck, but he just pushed me away. Now it was my turn to sigh.

"Codes, you know I didn't mean it like that. Of course I want your company, but you gotta understand-"

"This has to do with another guy, doesn't it? Am I not good enough for you?" He started to raise his voice.

"Well, yes. But no. Urg, I don't know! Can we just let this go and have some fun with our friends?" I said, giving the best puppy dog eyes. "Pwease?" Cody finally cracked a small smile.

"Fine."

"Yay!" I grabbed my phone and began to dial Tessa's number. That was a close one.

***

Tessa's POV

Carson and I walked hand in hand down the street, lined with all kinds of cute boutiques and cafes. He had called me up earlier this morning to see if I wanted to do something with him today. With all the drama I caused between Abby and I, and the thought of losing my best friend, let's just say I've been a bit miserable the past couple weeks. That day when Abby stormed out of the pool room, I ended up leaving right away, and called Carson to pick me up. Ever since then, we've been together most of the time, and he's been very comforting about the whole situation. He's just the absolute sweetest boyfriend.

That's why I instantly took him up on his offer this morning. It's nice to be able to escape from reality ever once in a while.

A cold breeze swept through, and I began to shiver violently. On instinct, Carson took off his jacket and wrapped it around my shoulders.

"Thanks Car" I said.

"Anything for you, babe" he said, smiling down at me. See? Sweetest boyfriend ever.

"You want a drink, Tess?" Carson asked.

"Mm yeah. A hot chocolate sounds pretty good right now." I replied.

"Alright then." he said, giving a small chuckle.

He lead me into small coffee shop that just smelt amazing! We walked up to the counter and Carson ordered hot chocolates for the both of us, and after getting our drinks, we sat down at a two-person table next to a window. He took my hands in his and looked directly into my eyes.