Jess looks at me, aghast.
"You're obviously not fine. That was Hayden!" she accuses, her voice rising with every word. With the boys gone, the yelling is much more noticeable, and a couple passerby turn to look at us.
"Shhh," I beg, feeling the slight threat of tears. "Okay. I'm not fine, but I will be. Happy?" I look at her, pleading her silently not to pursue this here. In front of Shawn. In front of everyone.
"Fine," she says reluctantly. "Can we talk about this later, though?"
"Sure, sure," I answer hurriedly. "Can we just move on from him?" I don't know who I'm talking to anymore, her or myself. "I just want to be done with all this drama." She nods and Shawn pipes up quietly.
"That roller coaster doesn't have much of a line..."
I throw him a grateful look. "Jess, are you sure you don't wanna go on one? Look, this one's not even that scary." I'm hoping her leftover Hayden pity will maker her agree, and it does.
I'm just about to fall asleep later that night when my phone buzzes. Unable to resist the urge, I pick it up from my nightstand.
Jess: Meet me at Starbucks right now
Bailey: As in, right now right now? It's 12:30
Jess: Yes, right now!! Or as soon as you can, but hurry the fuck up
Bailey: I was just about to sleep. Can we do this tomorrow? Lunch?
Jess: No, Bailey! Get over here. I promise you won't regret it tomorrow
Bailey: I'm going to get in trouble. My parents won't let me out of the house...
Jess: Just sneak out. I promise you won't regret it tomorrow
Bailey: Doubtful. I'm on my way. But you owe me one
I groan, forcing myself to throw off the covers and shivering as the cold air hits me. I check myself in the mirror - I'm wearing a men's XL shirt and cotton shorts, and my hair looks like a rat nest. I shrug and just slip on flip flops. It's not like Jess will care what I look like. Suppressing a yawn, I walk downstairs and open the front door. I'd overexaggerated how hard it is to sneak out-both my parents slept like the dead and my brother wouldn't care.
At least, I thought he wouldn't. As I fumbled with the front door's lock, I heard his bedroom door open. He stood at the top of the stairs, smiling sleepily.
"Going somewhere?"
"None of your business," I hissed. "But yeah. I'm going to meet Jess at Starbucks." His smile wilted a little, clearly disappointed.
"You still haven't made up with Hayden? I miss seeing him around."
It's suddenly hard to swallow, and I bite my lip. "Yeah, me too, kid."
"Don't call me-" he starts before I disappear out the front door.
It's a short drive, and within five minutes, I'm standing outside the Starbucks. Why is it even 24/7? Who comes to get coffee this late? What was Jess thinking?
As soon as I push open the door, blinking my eyes blearily, I know. And I hate it.
Sitting in our booth, tapping his fingers in a way that's so familiar my heart hurts, is Hayden. He runs a hand through his dark hair, and the pain is so overwhelming I actually have to close my eyes for a second. Before he gets a chance to see me, I'm yanked backwards out of sight. I turn and see Jess, and I cross my arms.
YOU ARE READING
beauty & her beast
RomanceHayden's been Bailey's best friend since she was eleven. He's been with her through thick and thin. Hayden's her home, and she's never felt anything romantic towards him. Until now. And then everything changes.
