Saintwood: Homecoming ✔️(Wattpad version)

You're getting old!

We returned from Hawaii after we found Frazier and Marissa sleeping on the beach. Since we were so busy searching for them, we almost missed our flight back. We scrambled to pack and rush to the airport.

After our return, I collapsed on my bed, not bothering to unpack, and fell asleep. The others must have had the same idea. They collapsed on their beds except for Ryan, who snuggled next to me. I woke up to find me on my stomach, and he uses my butt as a pillow; don't ask.

The new semester was in full swing, and I was still working at the bakery with Frazier and Kate. I must admit Frazier turned into a fantastic baker, and his designs were beautiful.

He was working on a special cake when I came back to get supplies. I looked over to see him focusing on the intricate parts of the flowers. "Wow, that's beautiful."

He made a slight error and looked at me with irritation. "Yeah, but now, I have to fix the one part I just messed up, thanks, Alex."

"Sorry," I blurted, grabbing some boxes and leaving. Never speak to Frazier when he's intensely focused on something. It never ends well.

I hurried out to the counter, placing the packages to the side so that I could wait on customers. Across the bar, I came face to face with none other than Max. He smirked at me, and I returned it with a glare.

"Well, aren't you going to take my order?" He asked in a snarky tone.

As much as I hated him and his whole stupid frat, I still needed to be professional and treat him like a customer. Although smashing a pie in his face would be cute right about now.

"I would like a dozen donuts, please," he ordered.

"What kind would you like, sir?" I asked through gritted teeth.

"Any kind just mixed them up," he said, pulling out his phone and waving me off. Wait, had he just treated me like hired help? What was I thinking? At least, he wasn't trying to hit on me or, better yet, attack me. I just shrugged, filling the box with donuts.

I placed them on the counter. "Anything else, sir?"

"Give me a dozen muffins and bagels," he responded, not looking up from his phone. I don't know what it was, but his demeanor was unnerving me. The way he was before was creepy, but this is just weird.

As I finished bagging the other stuff, he also ordered a coffee.

"That will be $33.50," I said, ringing up the order. Max pulled out the money, and instead of handing it to me, he set it on the counter.

"Wouldn't want to touch something that might give me a disease of some sort," he sneered. That made my blood boil. "You know because you are poor and all. Must be nice to sponge off of a rich boyfriend, being a gold digger and all." He smirked, and I couldn't take it anymore. His words cut deep, and I didn't bother with his money. I ran out of the bakery, pass Ryan and Cole as they walked up.

Ryan caught my wrist, and I was sobbing. "Alex? What's wrong?"

I couldn't form the words because I was so upset. Yes, my dad had a problem, and money had been tight for a while, but I was no gold digger.

"Alex, please baby, tell me," he pleaded.

I shook my head furiously, sobbing, looking at my feet. "Max."

"What about Max?" Cole asked, confused.

"He's inside the bakery. He said I was diseased, poor, and a gold digger," forcing the words out between sobs.

Ryan pulled me into his chest, holding me tightly and calmly. "None of that is true, Alex." He pulled back, looking into my eyes. "Look at me, Alex. You and I both know what he's saying is a lie. He's just pissed, and he's trying to get under your skin. You are the most generous, kind, intelligent, beautiful woman I have ever met, and those are the qualities I fell in love with."