Trials {Editing}

Chapter 8

Harper's POV

Damon drove over to a nice Japanese restaurant on the other side of town. I forced myself to not think about Connie and Steve and just started asking Damon questions.

"So, are they meeting us there or something?" I asked.

"Yep," Damon answered. "Jennifer's mom didn't want me driving her until I got the okay from her brother." I suppressed an eye roll, but Damon made no such effort.

I couldn't help but feel slightly odd at being so casual with Damon. Just three days ago I was falling head over heels for him. Now, though, we're just like best friends. I guess Noah was right when he said something about me moving on really quick.

I followed Damon inside the restaurant. We waited inside the waiting room behind three other people, waiting to be told where our table is. I felt a slight buzz in my pocket. I pulled my phone out and looked and the text message I had received.

Noah: Hey. :) How was your day?

My heart swelled, and I couldn't help the smile that took over my lips. I was almost about to reply giddily when I remembered what Damon had said earlier. 'Either he is too chicken to admit he likes you or he really doesn't see how amazing you are.'

That was when my smile was crushed just as quickly as it came. Those words hurt a lot, and they replayed over and over in my mind. Then I thought of the words Damon had said before them, 'You should move on from him.'

I took the words to heart. I had been fawning over Noah for years. I even feel like I love him! Yet, except for those two moments we've shared this past week, he's never done anything to suggest that he feels the same way. For all I know, it could have been just hormones that caused those two instances.

I decided that now is when I would stop going crazy over him. He clearly wasn't interested, so I won't be anymore either. I need to actually take care of myself and finally let go. Knowing my plan, I texted him back words that practically killed me.

Harper: I'm sorry, but I can't talk right now. On a so-called 'double date'. I'll talk to you tomorrow.

I put my phone back in my pocket and took a deep breath. It was amazing how much willpower it took just to say that much. I just hope that whoever Jennifer's brother is, he won't be bad company.

"Let's go, Harper," Damon said, snapping me out of my reverie. I followed him and the seating hostess quietly. She led us through a small room into a big one, with red walls and gold trimming, filled with people sitting at polished oak tables eating. I was glad that it was a family friendly restaurant. I don't think I'd be comfortable in a fancy one.

In the corner, I could see Jennifer sitting at a square table with four seats, speaking in a hushed manner to the person across from her, whose back was turned. I knew immediately it was her brother, especially with the scowl implanted on her face. I could practically sense that she was telling him to be nice to Damon and I.

The hostess led us over to the table, and Jennifer smiled when she saw us. "Oh, goody! You're here! Damon, Harper, I'd like you to meet my brother Jeff."

Jeff turned around, entrancing me with his honey brown eyes. Damon certainly didn't do him any justice when describing him. Jeff's chestnut brown hair was short on the sides, but long and messy at the top of his head. He was wearing jeans, a white T-shirt, a jean jacket, and beat up old Nike's. He hadn't put much effort into his appearance, but he still was breathtaking.

His eyes widened slightly in surprise as Damon and I walked up to the table, but he recovered quickly and smiled, inclining his head in greeting. Damon sat next to Jennifer, putting his arm around her waist, while I sat next to Jeff, who seemed as uncomfortable as I was.

Jennifer and Damon went into a giddy and hushed conversation. I suppressed rolling my eyes at them. I turned to Jeff, who was watching them intently, as if trying to make out what they were saying.

"So," I started, capturing his attention. "Since it looks like we'll be stuck watching them all night, I guess we better get to know each other."

Cole smiled. "Guess so. I'd much rather not have to watch them be like... this." Jeff glanced at them with a look of playful disgust. I laughed and shook my head. I held my hand out to him. "I'm Harper Dowell."

Cole shook my hand goodnaturedly. "Jeff Harrington."

"It's nice to meet you," I said. "So, why did you have to come along?"

"My mom doesn't trust your friend there. So I'm playing chaperone. You?"

"To keep you distracted. Obviously it's working."

Jeff laughed and shook his head. "You must be a really good friend of Damon's to do this for him."

I shrugged. "Or a very well bribed friend. He bought me this jacket as payment, as well as agreeing to pay for my meal completely."

"Ah, I see. So what were you planning on doing with me?" He asked as he leaned back in his chair.

"I don't know. Maybe I'll get you drunk and leave you in a dark alley?" I suggested. I tapped my finger on my chin playfully. Jeff chuckled lightly and shook his head.

"No, actually I was planning on making you go for a walk with me or something after dinner. Just give the couple some space, but come back before they can do anything they'd later regret."

Jeff smiled and inclined his head. "Now that sounds like a much better plan."