The Boys Next Door

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

I slammed my bags onto the kitchen counter. After I had seen Cayden, I had run to the movie section until he was gone, trying my hardest to keep my face from showing the hurt I was experiencing. The only thought running through my mind was, but what about last night. The same thought ran through my head now, as I pulled out two bags of popcorn, some movie candy, and a new purse out of the cheap plastic bags and threw them across the granite countertop.

"Woah," Anthony said from behind me. "Someone's on their pissy time of the month."

I scowled, "back off Anthony." At this point, I was more upset than anything. Reaching across the counter to gather my things, I glanced over my shoulder. Anthony stood there in his long sleeve white t-shirt and red swim trunks, a drawstring bag slung over one shoulder, and his keys dangling from a finger. He looked confused and hurt. I didn't have time to deal with this right now. "Look," I placed a hand on the cool granite to stead myself, "I'm just in a bad mood right now, okay? I've got to go, and from the looks of it, it seems like you do too."

He looked dubious, but nodded. "Great. I'm leaving, okay?" He nodded again. I grabbed the new purse, and after ripping the tags off it, I stuffed the candy, my wallet, and car keys in. Swinging it over my shoulder, I patted Anthony on the shoulder and left him standing there, alone on the kitchen.

I couldn't help but think how slumped his shoulders looked as I passed. I shook it off, pushing open the front door and kicking it shut behind me with my foot. I whistled to myself, the way I've seen the girls in movies do millions of times—the move that always got the men the whistle after her and beg desperately for her number. Too bad this was real life.

The place dreams don't come true.

Anthony was right. I was in a bad mood.

As I got in the car, I thought about what would come next. Tyler. The two of us at the movies alone. I suppose, I shouldn't be getting to mad at Cayden for flirting with the checkout girl, considering the fact that I was going out with his brother. Except it wasn't really a date. It was just two friends going out together instead of horseback riding. Nothing would happen between us. And nothing had since the golf course.

I was over thinking this. I needed to stop. Oh god, why did things have to be so complicated all the time?

I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel; my only sign of anxiousness. When the light turned green, I hit the gas hard and turned into the parking lot and slammed on the breaks. I took a deep breath, a desperate attempt to calm my nerves before going in. Only then, did I see the car parked next to me.

It was Melany's.

***

Shit.

I glanced around the parking lot, looking for her. When I couldn't find her, I scrambled out of the car, nearly sprinting into the building. I collided with someone on the way in. Without looking, I laid a hand on their chest, slightly pushing them away as I said, "Sorry." Just as I was about to keep searching, the person grabbed my hand.

"I didn't realize you were this eager to find me," the person whispered. I swallowed, glancing up. Tyler had a small grin on his face, obviously unable to ignore the fact that he saw me sprint in here right when we were supposed to meet for our "not a date".

I laughed nervously. "Yeah, I was really excited to see this spy movie." As I was talking, I was scanning the floor for Mel.

I caught sight of her leaving the bathroom. "I already bought the tickets," Tyler said, handing me mine. I grabbed the ticket with one hand, and his arm with another.

"Great! Let's go get good seats before they're all taken." I started to lead him away from Mel and to the theaters.

He frowned. "What about popcorn."

I pulled him harder. "I have candy."

He still sounded hesitant. "Fine."

I sighed in relief. Now if only Mel doesn't see the same movie. We entered the theater, picking seats in the very back, per my request. I slumped into the chair, pulling the hood of my sweatshirt up. "Hey are you okay?" Tyler asked, watching me curiously. I straightened.

"Yeah, I'm fine, just tired." At least it was true. I could barely keep my eyes open.

Suddenly, I heard someone gasp, "Tae!" I winced, looking over my shoulder to see Melany enter.

"Hey," I smiled grimly.

"What's up?" she called. Others gave her the stink eye.

I glanced over my shoulder to Tyler. He had a light frown on his face, his brow furrowed in concentration. Crap. "Just seeing a movie," I shrugged. She nodded, plopping down next to me.

"Who's that?" she asked playfully, looking over at Tyler.

"Oh, um that's Tyler, you know, my new neighbor."

She paled. "Oh yeah," she barely squeaked out.

We both watched him nervously. He had turned away from us, but his face was still set in concentration. A few minutes of silence passed, only the ads making a peep. It was five minutes before the movie started that Tyler exclaimed, "Son of a bitch. You're frickin MiMi." He rounded on us. "and you," he pointed a finger at me. "You're Amber." I bit my lip and nodded. He shook his head. Realization struck him. "Wait a second. You're the one nighties person too."

Melany picked up her drink and didn't respond.

"Son of a bitch," was all Tyler said.

A/N

Okay so guys, I know this is a really short chapter (and maybe a bit sickish), but I needed to update, and also,  wanted to introduce Melany to Tyler. lol.

OMG GUYS WE HIT 100 VIEW!!! AHHHH!!! I LOVE YOU ALL SO FRICKIN MUCH!!!

Also, now I'm really tired, but please vote, comment, share.

Love Always

Amanda

P.S. Now that we've hit 100, can someone make a new cover for me??