More Than His Rival || Lab Rats

Chapter 17

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Chapter 17

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She hated this. She hated being back in her home town. Or her home city, for that matter. Being home, meant trouble for both she and Blake. Everyone who was anyone in business knew what had happened to Greenberg Japan. Anyone with a brain would also be able to piece together the fact that Blake and Clarity had just returned from Japan themselves. It was all too obvious what part they had played in this mess.

What was Clarity more worried about, you may ask? It wasn't all about the fear of being caught in a corporate scandal. No. Clarity was scared for her relationship with Blake. Her mother had been okay with the idea of the two together. But what about her father? Her brother? What sort of backlash would Marcus have planned once finding out of the two's vacation?

Japan had been amazing. Blake and Clarity, together. No interruptions. She couldn't be happier with how the two had been able to rejoin. But there were so many problems still lying outside for the two. Just driving back from the airport had her feeling uncomfortable, unwanted here. That feeling, was stemming from one place in particular. She was almost positive she could handle her family. She wasn't so sure she could handle this, however.

"Blake?" Clarity started, her fingers fumbling together in her lap. She could feel her stomach flipping over and over again with her nerves. Never once had her heart even tried to slow down since the though had popped into her mind. She couldn't push it aside this time, though. She needed to face this head on.

"Hmm?" Blake hummed, his fingers gently tapping against the wheel of the car. The two had flown in from Japan the night before, neither seeing any reason to stay longer in the exotic land after the incident at Greenberg Japan. They'd gotten in at around eleven in the morning Californian time. This, meaning everyone else would already be at work. Including Clarity's family, and Marcus.

Clarity paused, trying to find the right linking of the words that were jumping around in her head. She could barely think straight. Everything had been happening so quickly, and she knew this would, as well. But she couldn't help how she felt. "Will you drop me off at Zander's apartment, instead?" Clarity screwed her eyes shut the second she started speaking. She could feel Blake's eyes bounce over to get along with her words.

"Why?" Blake asked, his suspicion rising as he watched Clarity slowly open her eyes.

"I need to pick up my things." Clarity affirmed as she finally found the courage to look over at the man in the driver's seat. "I really only have a duffle bag over there but I think it would be best-"

"Say no more." Blake teased, a small smirk playing out on his face as he turned on the GPS. "Where does the guy live?" Clarity rolled her eyes, pushing herself to the edge of her seat, the girl clicking in the correct directions on the GPS. Blake nodded, the man staying silent as the machine spelled out ever turn for him. The ride was silent, and short. It was merely four blocks from where the two had been minutes ago. Blake pulled up next to the sidewalk carefully, the man swiftly pulling the keys out and placing them in his lap. "I didn't know Zander lived this close to the airport." Blake whispered, his eyes scanning the streets in search of the man that lived here. Blake had never really come in contact with Zander. This was Clarity's territory, and he wasn't planning on invading it.

"Okay." Clarity sighed, her cheeks burning red at the lack of oxygen hitting her lungs. "You go get your things from your dad's-"

"Marcus'." Blake corrected quickly, getting a sheepish smile back from Clarity.