It's Alright to be Together

Chapter 14

“So what do you think?” His smile wasn't nearly as sparkling or dazzling as what you were used to, but what could you expect? No one could ever compare to…

“I don't know,” you replied, “I think the plot was a little boring. I've seen better.” Jason had taken you out to dinner at a formal restaurant. It made you question how he could afford it with just a part-time job at a café. Maybe he worked somewhere else, but you didn't ask nor did you care. You only really went on this date to prove you were over Zane.

Jason laughed some. “No, I mean what do you think of our first date? Hope this place wasn't too much.”

You shook your head, “It was nice. I needed some time out with a friend so this was great for me. Though, you didn't need to take me someplace so expensive.”

Jason clearly was a little upset you still called him “friend” but quickly got over it. “Nonsense, only the best for someone as beautiful as you.” He gave his most flirtatious smile, and you couldn't help but blush just the tiniest bit. A smirk spread across the male’s face as he caught it.

The light brunet stood and held out his hand. “May I escort you home?”.

~Meanwhile~

“I just don't understand it. Doesn't she care still? It's been 24 god-awful days. She can't be over us that quick… can she?” Zane sat slumped forward on the couch. His three friends gathered around him, trying to comfort the dark-haired man in utter anguish.

“She cares. I know she's hurting inside-I can see it. But you know Y/n, she's tough and independent. She's probably struggling through it silently.” Zoey sat on his right and rubbed his back gently, trying to soothe him and his heartache. Even Ty felt the seriousness of the moment and held back any and all witty comebacks he could make. Charisse was on Zane's left, holding his hand. She knew to stay silent because her abrasive tendencies only tended to cause more pain.

“Silently? You mean alone. I don't know if I feel better or worse by that.” Zane took his hand from Charisse and gripped his black locks tightly.

~*~

You took his hand. Maybe it was the wine speaking, but all you said was, “Maybe you can just escort me to your place.” Jason's smile widened as you stood.

~*~

“God, what a mess I've made. I guess you guys were right. I should have told her before we left. I just really wanted her to stay. I just don't know-” his voice broke off as he felt himself about to cry. Charisse and Zoey instantly hug and console him while Ty stands back, watching with a somber look. He might've been thinking of how to help the broken male or imagining a threesome of the three and sad it wasn't about to happen. With him, one could never be certain.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself Zane,” Zoey said. There was no comment negating what he said. All three knew he should've told her before. They warned him this might happen. But Zane too was scared you would leave him.

After a few moments of silence, Charisse spoke, “Well, I say good riddance.” Everyone else looked at her in shock as she explained herself. “She was probably going to leave at some point anyways. Better sooner than later. That way-”

“Charisse.” Ty said sternly. He used his dominant voice that sent shivers down the other's spines; however, Zane was too distraught to react this time. “Just because your girlfriend left because she couldn't handle our relationship does not mean Y/n is the same way.”

“So you think she would've accepted if I asked her earlier?” Zane's eyes, already brimmed with tears, now started to let a few drops down his tan cheeks. Ty watched, upset with himself for his inability to comfort the male. Zoey waved them both away. Ty took Charisse’s hand and pulled her away. Zoey and Zane were the comforters in the group. Ty was more of the peacemaker and, in a way, the unofficial leader. Charisse was the skeptic and nurse. Ty wasn't very good at handling feelings and Charisse was too abrasive. Zoey loved them both, but it was up to only her to comfort Zane.