the reason | 13rw

f o r t y - t w o

that following saturday was the valentine's formal dance. i hadn't planned to go but mr. porter asked if i could help since they were short staffed for the concessions. i agreed considering i really had no plans for the night. 

i was dressed in an over sized sweatshirt and leggings. when i got to the concessions, i saw mr. porter and courtney crimson already there.

"hey," i announced, dropping my purse. 

"woah, nicolette is there other girl you got?" courtney asked. 

"is that going to be a problem?" i asked. 

"no, not at all." she smiled. 

"if you girls have this, i have to go and watch the children." 

"go ahead," we both said. he walked off as i looked to courtney. 

"you pull off the messy look really well." she said. 

"thanks," i said as i pulled my hair up. "i have no one to impress so why try." 

she looked down at her dress, "i just love dressing up." 

i smiled, "you look great." 

"nicolette james, working at a dance?" ryan asked as he approached. 

i let out a chuckle, "it was this or watching both seasons of stranger things again." 

"i think it's great you're here," he said. "show monty what he lost." 

"i don't give two shits about monty." 

"speak of the devil." courtney said as we all looked over, seeing him walk towards us. he had the same girl with him. 

"what can we get for you guys?" courtney asked. 

"we just want some punch." the girl smiled. 

courtney got them cups, pouring in the punch. i looked over to ryan as he made retarded faces. i let out a small laugh which made monty and the girl look at me. 

"sorry," i said, shooting ryan a look. 

"here you go guys." courtney handed them their drinks. 

"hey, i'll be right there." monty told her. 

"okay," she said and kissed him. 

monty looked at me. 

"are you like stalking me?" he asked. 

i bursted into a fit of laughter. 

"what?" i asked. 

"well first, your car is next to hers." 

"i parked their first." 

"then you're at monet's." 

"i work there." 

"then you're here." 

"i'm working here as well." 

"could you just back off a little bit?" 

"i need to back off?" i asked. "you're the one who's always around my house. you broke into my bedroom, followed me into my kitchen, blocked me from leaving the kitchen. and you think i don't notice you watching me in the hallways?" 

he stayed quiet as i heard ryan cleared this throat. 

"i think she just owned you montgomery." he said. 

"you're such a bitch nicolette." 

i shrugged, "at least i'm honest with myself." 

he shook his head and walked off.