Before You

Chapter Twenty Six.

I'm always running late to parties.

Half of it is intentional, I'm never in too big of a hurry to go to one of Aaron's house parties. Some of his friends are cool, but then others are borderline intolerable and immature. The last time I went, after he begged relentlessly, both of Hunter's old girl pals Jen and Chloe were there. It had been one of the most awkward nights of my life and Chloe had stared daggers at me the whole time.

Tonight though was not so much my fault as it was Jessica's.

I'd been very clear when I called what time I was going to be picking her up, yet still, when I arrived and texted to tell her to come out, she responded for me to come in. When I got to her room, after exchanging pleasantries with her parents, I found her still trying to pick out what to wear.

"Oh come on, Jess." I sighed. "Really?"

She smiled, swatting her hand my way. "Hush." She scolded, turning back to her giant walk-in closet. "I need the perfect dress tonight."

"What's so special about tonight?" I asked, typing out a quick text to Aaron to let him know we were running late.

"It's Ben's birthday, duh." She replied. "I've got to look hot."

"You always look hot, dummy." I shook my head.

I scrolled mindlessly through Facebook, getting caught up a few times in reading the comments under funny memes while I waited. After finally settling on a red and black block strapped dress and combat boots Jess joined me on her bed, her lips turned up at the edges.

"You know what?" She asked and I put my phone down to look at her, raising an eyebrow. "It's so crazy, you know?" She bit her lip. "Like a year and a half ago I was so into that guy in the army, and now I can't imagine being happier with anyone other than Ben." I had to admire the way her eyes always lit up when she mentioned him.

"I love that you two are so happy." I told her honestly. "You guys are perfect and he is so good to you, Jess. I totally approve."

Whenever they're together, it's like they have got to be touching at all times and I've seen the way that Ben looks down at Jess when she isn't paying attention and the love in his eyes is so obvious and moving. One of the best feelings in the world is seeing your best friend finally end up with a person who deserves them.

Jess turned towards me, putting her hand on my leg. "Can I ask you something and you promise not to get mad?"

My face got hot as I nodded, then shrugged. "I guess it depends on what it is, but I'll try."

She narrowed her eyes a little, like she was nervous, but she took a breath and plowed through anyway. "I know you and Aaron have been together for a while, but are you happy, Tayler?"

"What do you mean?" I asked a little more defensively than I meant to.

"It's just that...and please don't get mad, but I just feel like you two are so strange together." She said then shook her head quickly and help up her hands. "I don't mean strange, more like just oddly paired." She rephrased. "I know you guys hang out a lot, but sometimes I forget that you're even a couple."

I pursed my lips, thinking over what she'd said, trying to keep my reaction neutral. I could honestly see where she'd be coming from since a couple like her and Ben are way different than me and Aaron. She and Ben are touchy and cuddly and romantic, whereas me and Aaron are just more relaxed. "He's a really good guy." I said quietly. "We get along great, he's handsome, and..."

Jessica waited for me to go on, but when I couldn't think of anything else she frowned. "You know that isn't what builds a relationship, right?" She asked carefully. "I mean, are you even all that into him?"