Around in a Circle

Chapter 7

Leah Cranston

"Are you honestly all good, like I feel like something's going on and you're trying really hard to avoid the conversation." I say, as we were sitting by the pool of our hotel with our feet in the water.

"What are you talking about? There's nothing wrong with me." Chloe says as she just looks into the water.

"When Austin asked me out for a private dinner I said no and then suggested that you go instead and you said no. Why did you do that? I said no because I wanted you to go."

"Yeah, I know. I just wasn't in the mood."

"You weren't in the mood? How were you not in the mood? You are never not in the mood for Austin!"

"Yeah I know, but I just wasn't feeling that great, so can we please just drop this?"

"Chloe, listen to me. I know something's up and you do too! I thought you said that you could tell me everything! Well that's what I do to you!" I say. Why isn't she telling me? It's probably not even that big of a deal. We've been best friends for so long and we literally know everything about each other. This is the first time she hasn't told me something when I know that she's definitely hiding something.

"Leah, I don't have anything to tell! If you thought we were friends, then you should believe me when I tell you that!" Chloe says and I sigh. I just wish she'd just tell me because I know that she's a really bad liar.

"Okay." I shrug as I get up and turn around and walk away from her.

***

After the argument basically over nothing, me and Chloe barely talked unless we really needed to. Like yesterday all she said to me was 'can you please pass the milk.' I don't think we've ever had a fight like this before where we didn't talk for days. We'd normally sort things out quickly.

And I've been noticing that Austin and Chloe have been hanging out a bit more recently which is good I guess but Chloe still doesn't seem like her normal self yet. I'm still working on trying to figure that one out.

"What's happening between you and Chloe?" Maddox asks as I play with the cereal in my bowl. I 'slept' in. I was just on social media in my room, breakfast just gets really awkward. I look up at a shirtless Maddox.

"Don't even ask." I say, as I look back down at my cereal. I am not going to check him out. Or worse, he isn't going to catch me checking him out.

"I won't then." He says as he gets a bowl and starts eating some cereal.

"Did you not have breakfast?"

"Nah, do you know how awkward it is? I kinda feel like I'm third wheeling or something with those two. They've been hanging out together a lot recently."

"You've noticed that too?"

"I'm not stupid you know." He says.

"Whatever." I say as I pop some more cereal into my mouth. "Ugh, this isn't really feeling like what I expected it to be like."

"What?"

"The holiday. Well, it is a holiday but it hardly feels like one recently."

"Well, at least you have me."

"You're the last person I need." I say. But I know that's not true, he's the one that I have been talking to a lot lately because the other two are always hanging out together. He's actually quite..... Nice?

"Well you're the one that I need baby."

"Weirdo." I laugh it off.

"Well you're the one that dated me." He says. Why does he keep bringing that up?

"Whatever."

"You know you love me."

"Do you ever shut up?" I say as I look up at him again, and my eyes trail down from his eyes down to his gorgeous abs.....

"Are you finished?"

"What? I wasn't checking you out."

"Uh, I meant your cereal, but if you were checking me out, I mean I'm not complaining."

"Shut up Maddox." I roll my eyes as I feel my cheeks redden. I'm so stupid around him and I hate it.

"You're so cute when you try to cover up things."

"Um thanks? I'm not used to taking compliments from you." I say. Back when we used to go out, he would always compliment me but I never knew how to take them. He'd always make me stutter like an idiot. And now that he's complimenting me again, I don't really know how to take it.

"Well you better get used to it cuz I'll be saying more." He says as he gives me a smirk as he takes my cereal bowl away. I just smile to myself as I get up and go to my room that I'm sharing with Chloe. I hear the water running which probably means that Maddox was cleaning up the dishes from this morning. I walk up to my suitcase and get my white bikini out. I first take off my singlet that I had on, revealing my loose bra. I take my bra off and I hear snickering behind me. Without thinking, I turn around, and see a snickering Maddox. I immediately turn around and use my hair and arms to try cover myself up.

"You pervet!"

"Man, you're fit."

"Shut up." I say as I continue to put my bikini top on. Suddenly I sense someone behind me.

"Do you want some help?" He says and I open my mouth to reply but I feel his hands adjusting the straps of my bikini top and then he ties my bikini top up. Don't ask why, but for some reason I don't pull away. "Now, time to get those pants off." He says jokingly, but doesn't reach for my pants.

"Go away while I get changed."

"Only if I can come to the beach with you."

"Fine." I huff. "Now get out."

"Feisty. That's my girl." He gives me a wink as he walks out of the room, closing the door behind him. Ugh. He's so annoying but I kinda like it.

Wait what am I saying? I don't like him. I can't like him!

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Hey guys! So this is a slightly quicker update than the last chapter, I tried to squeeze in some writing during my exams, I hope you liked it!

This chapter was dedicated to @goldenlaria for starting to follow me! Thank you so much! x