Situations Are Irrelevant Now

Secret Lover

Chapter 8: Secret Lover 

I can’t begin to explain how disorienting it feels to go from elated to deflated within minutes. After Max left, I remained on the couch, replaying that conversation painful time after painful time.

What the hell was I thinking? He was just trying to be my friend and then I say something as terrible as that?

Although I really have always wanted a new look, I should have done it for myself, not for Ronnie or any other guy. Maybe I should just call off this stupid mission and stay here with Max…attempt to save our friendship.

Even though that’s probably the right thing to do, I couldn’t back down after a day’s worth of preparation. I went into the kitchen to grab a quick snack upon realizing that I hadn’t eaten yet today. As I was eating, Omar came into the kitchen.

“Oh hey, stranger. Where have you been all day?” he asked. Then, he stopped in his tracks and did a double take. “Never mind, I can see you’ve been very busy today,” he laughed. 

Not wanting to get into the drama all over again, I modified the story. “Yeah, I hung out with my cousin and she convinced me to try something new.” 

“She did a good job. Is she hot?”

“Uh, I guess…?” I said, laughing. “But sorry, she’s not single.”

“The good ones never are,” he sighed.

“So…is Ronnie home yet?”

“He came back earlier today, spent the night at some chick’s house. But I think he went to the grocery store.”

“What? I don’t think he’s ever been grocery shopping,” I teased.

+++

As I drove to the store, I laughed despite myself. This wasn’t how I pictured this happening – meeting him at a grocery store of all places. Not sure where to begin looking for him, I just walked down each aisle, ultimately finding him in the candy aisle.

It took all my willpower to keep myself cool and collected. I pretended to look for something specific. Ronnie was standing by the M&M’s, apparently struggling to choose between Peanut and Peanut Butter flavored. He casually glanced up upon sensing someone else in the aisle. It was brief, but turned into a double take before he shamelessly stared me down.   

I smirked, knowing that I captured his attention. I stretched for the Dark Chocolate M&M’s and “accidentally” bumped into him. “Oh, I’m sorry. That was a bit of a stretch.”

By now I had expected him to say something about how different I looked. He just continued checking me out before replying. “You’re totally fine. Are you new around here or something? I think I’d remember seeing your gorgeous face before.” 

Surely, he must be joking. I was about to tell him to cut the crap, but then I realized this could be fun. “You caught me,” I said, flirtatiously smiling. “Just moved here four days ago. I’m…Jen.”  

He mirrored my smile. “Nice to meet you. I’m Ronnie. Since you’re new, you might not have heard about us yet, but I’m the singer of Escape the Fate.”

“Wait…was that the band that got to play with MCR? I heard about you guys.”

I could practically see his ego shoot through the roof. “And what do you think?”

“You’re amazing. And you have a unique sound, which is always a bonus.”

“I think you and I should get more acquainted,” he said, moving closer.