Following My Sister's Rules

Chapter 7

 

"So then he accused me of trying to sabotage her tryouts, and for hitting on her all week, neither of which is true."  I explained to Audrey as we sat on the edge of her pool with our feet dangling in the water as the sun set over her backyard.  She had gracefully given me a chance to explain my side of the story and fill her in on what was going on.  It was the least she deserved, since I had been the jerk who pretty much trashed her while she was sitting next to me.  "I just hate that she's trying to come between us.  I thought she was such a cool girl, and it turns out she's nothing but a snake in the grass."  I let out a big sigh.  "And I hate that he was so quick to assume that I would even do that.  It's just not me. My friends are the most important things in my life and I would never betray them like that."

Audrey nodded as she listened to me vent.  "Well, she's clearly jealous, Max.  You'd have to be blind to miss that."

"There's nothing to be jealous of."  I argued.

"There is, cause she wants you."  She stated simply.  "She has a giant crush on you, follows you around like a puppy, and is just using Jimmy because you're not available to her."

"But I was, so that doesn't make sense."

"It does."  She corrected.  "You said Bianca ran interference, right?"  I nodded.  "Andrea was definitely wrong about you getting around, though.  Every girl in school knows you've been unattainable.  Andrea likes you, but went to Jimmy because you ditched her to check on Melissa the second Bianca said something.  She obviously thought that you seeing her with him would make you fight for her, but what she didn't realize was that she chose the absolute worst person ever because you value your friendship with Jimmy far too much."

I ran my hand through the water as I thought about what she said.  "I guess you're right.  The worst thing is that I did actually kind of like her.  I was totally ready to go for her, but I guess it doesn't matter now.  I'll try calling Jimmy tomorrow to work things out.  Surely he won't stay mad at me forever, but I wish there was some way to make him see that she's lying."

Audrey stood and held her hand out for me to help me up, which was nice and a friendly gesture I was not expecting.  "It'll work out, Max.  So she didn't work out and you won’t date her, oh well.  Life moves on, and Jimmy will come around once he gets bored with her, which will probably happen before we know it."

I stood next to her and gave her a hug.  "Thanks, Aud.  I appreciate you hearing me out, and I'm sorry I got you tangled up in this."

She just shrugged against me.  "It's alright.  It's okay that we didn't quite work out.  I just had a crush on you for so long, I got a little too excited in thinking we would be a good match. We could make good friends though."

I pushed her out of the hug and held her at arm's length.  "No, Aud, absolutely not.  I may not have seen it right away, but I think you're awesome.  I don't regret asking you out one bit.  You're sweet, smart, adorable.  What's not to like?  I'm sorry I hurt you with what I said earlier, but I don't want you to think for one second that I don't like you too."

Her face lot up.  "Really?"  I nodded.  "Wow."  She breathed out.  "I never thought I'd be good enough for you."