Jumping Bases ((EDITING))

Chapter 51

Tuesday

After I had finished my classes for the day, I smiled to myself, glad that the day way over.  Earlier Ryan had mentioned that he had practice for the day, so my evening was cleared from plans.

As I sat in my car, I was already thinking of what I was going to eat and which assignment I should do first. I then instantly remembered that I had no food in my apartment, therefore making dinner would take up more time than I thought since I now needed to go grocery shopping. While I pulled up into the plaza, grocery shopping didn't seem as entertaining as getting some pizza; instead I pulled up to the small local Italian pizza shop.

I opened the door and stepped inside of the small shop, causing the small bell to ring.

"Large pepperoni please," I said before watching the man behind the counter slowly turn around and head towards the kitchen.

I pulled my phone out and continued the game of Bejeweled as I did at every red light. The faint sound of music within the small shop was relaxing as I patiently waited for my food. Suddenly, the bell above the door rang, signaling someone had entered the shop.

"Kristen, hey!"

I turned to my side and saw Ryan's friend Tyler standing next to me. A RedSox baseball cap covered his blonde hair and he seemed a bit dirtier to the usual.

"What are you doing here; I thought there was practice today?" My reaction to seeing Tyler without Ryan by my side has caught me by surprise. I had always felt a bit weird with Tyler beside me, even since the beginning. Maybe because that day Ryan drove me to class, Tyler tried hitting on me.

He chuckled and walked towards the corner of the shop. He then spit out the piece of gum he was chewing which made me feel disgusted. "I got suspended. My grades aren't great and let’s just say I rather be home recovering from a hangover than attending a fucking class,"

"Oh," I nodded my head and silently prayed my pizza was ready. His presence made me feel uncomfortable since I have never really understood how Ryan could be friends with someone like Tyler. I wasn’t judging Tyler, I just felt like there was something about him...

"What are you doing here?" He said, continuing the unwanted conversation.

I turned to face him as before, "getting a bite to eat," I mumbled, "should be ready any second."

The man reappeared and placed the pizza box onto the counter. After asking how much I needed to pay, I pulled out my wallet and began to pull out the amount.

"I got it," Tyler smirked down at me.

"No, it-"

He ignored my protest and quickly paid for my food. His gesture was awkward and left me with a confused expression. "You didn't have to do that," I said I grabbed the box.

He leaned against the counter and crossed his arms, "I know,"

I looked around the small Italian themed shop in search for words, "well, thanks. I'll see you later," I said before giving him a small smile and pushing the entrance door. The bell rung as I exited and walked towards my car.

After placing the pizza box in the passenger seat and turning on the car, I looked up and watched as Tyler handed the man behind the counter a small bag. Before Tyler could catch me staring, I pulled out of the parking spot.

"Hello?" I said while picking out my pajamas out of my drawer.

"Hey babe. What are you doing?" Even his voice through the phone caused tingles through my spine.