Broken (Brown Eyed Boy book 2)

Wrong (Carlos POV)

“Somehow I doubt Phoebe is having this much trouble,” Alex said, struggling with his tie.

“She also probably has like three people who are trying to help her into that dress,” I replied, walking over and moving his hands to tie it myself. “Since when do you have a hard time with this?”

“Since I was getting married in an hour,” Alex laughed nervously.

“You’re not getting cold feet are you?” I asked. “Because Jessie and I missed classes to be here.”

“Wow, real nice Carlos,” he responded.

“I’m kidding,” I laughed. “Partially, anyway. Seriously though, you aren’t having second thoughts are you? Because you and Phoebe are great together.”

“You of all people are really trying to give me that lecture?” he raised one eyebrow. “The guy who can’t even tell his girlfriend he loves her?”

“We are not talking about that right now,” I said, turning to my tux jacket and putting it on. “We’re talking about your wedding.”

“You’re right,” Alex said. “And no, I’m not having second thoughts. I’m just amazed that this is really happening. I thought Phoebe would leave.”

“Well, if it makes you feel any better,” I said, looking at my watch. “We still have fifty minutes for her to decide to ditch you.”

“Thanks,” he laughed again. “That helps so much.”

“I’m glad,” I responded jokingly. “Now do you think you can live without me for a little while? I promised Jessie I would meet up with her and take her to her seat.”

“Go ahead,” he nodded. “I’ll live. Just make sure you’re standing up there with me on time.”

“I’ll be there,” I smiled and left the room. I made it about five feet before I ran into Liam and I tried to be friendly. When I thought about it, it made no sense for me to be worried about him flirting with Jessie. But with that feeling of hers nagging the back of my mind, I couldn’t help but feel suspicious of him.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey,” I said back, trying to edge past him.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” he asked.

“Sure,” I sighed. “What’s up?”

“I feel like we got off to the wrong start,” he answered. “Which is my own fault, I’m sure. I wasn’t expecting to see anyone else my age and my reaction wasn’t the most appropriate. I’ve been told I need to work on that.”

I nodded awkwardly, not sure of what to say. “You didn’t really offend Jessie, if that’s what you’re worried about,” I said. “She’s just not used to people talking to her like that unless it’s me.”

“Yeah I figured that,” he nodded. “You guys are pretty close huh?”

“Well we are dating,” I answered plainly.

“Yeah, but I mean it goes farther than that,” he said. “You were close even before you dated right?”

“She’s my best friend,” I answered honestly.

“It shows,” Liam said. “Which I guess is why I’m apologizing. Like I said, I can come on a little strong and as close as you two are, I’m sure she told you that.” He paused and I just stared at him, waiting for him to finish. “Anyway, I didn’t mean to come off that way and I hope you don’t hold that against me. I’m used to girls telling me they have a boyfriend when they don’t, so I naturally assumed that’s what Jessie was doing. Believe me, if I would have seen you in there with her when I first walked in, I wouldn’t have acted the way I did. I don’t want to start any problems.”