Broken Hearts And Bruised Egos -Book 1

Chapter 18- Blaise

Today is finally the day I ask out the girl next door. After admiring her from a distance for a little over a year, I'm finally doing this. I know she won't say no but i'm still nervous. Will she say yes just to be polite or maybe because  she really does want to go out with me. I needed to distract myself before I talked myself out of it.

I went downstairs to get something to eat, walking River to her Kickboxing class. I made myself a sandwich and sat at the table. I heard the back door open and my dad walked in grabbing a soda from the fridge.

"It's nice to see you up before 1 pm." He said opening his soda and taking a drink.

" I have to walk River to her kickboxing class."

" I can drive you if you want."

" Nah, I need to talk to her about Saturday. Thanks though."

He smiled. " You  nervous?" he asked pointing to my leg bouncing under the table.

"Completely." I steadied my leg.

"She won't say no." He assured me.

" I know, I'm nervous anyway though. Have you talked to Savannah yet?"

"Yeah. I texted her last night.  She's on board. I'm pretty sure she was drunk last night though." He said laughing.

"Why do you say that?"

" Because I was out there burning stuff last night and her and River were dancing around their living room. They forgot to close the curtains, She's got some moves." He laughed.

"Oh man, why didn't you come get me?!"

"They had their music on full blast. I don't know how you didn't hear it."

" I was watching Sixteen candles with my headphones on."

He gave me a funny look.

"Research." I said putting my plate in the sink. "I'll be back later." I said and headed out the door before he could ask anymore questions.

River was sitting on her front porch waiting for me. She was wearing Nike Pro spandex shorts and a tight red tank top with a pair of vans. God she's gorgeous, even in workout clothes.

"Hey." I said smiling.

" Hey."

"How was your night?" 

" Good. Just watched a movie with my mom." She said as she started walking.

"Did the movie involve any dance numbers?" I smiled at her.

"Huh? OH GOD! Where you outside last night?!"

I laughed, " No, but my dad was. You know, you guys should really close your curtains at night."

She covered her face with her hands. " I am so embarrassed."

" Don't be. I only wished I could have seen it. Maybe you can show me some of your sick moves later." I said laughing.

" Shut up!" She punched my arm.

" It's a good thing you have class today, because you still hit like a girl."

" Are you going to pick on me the whole way there?" She asked smiling up at me.

" No. Okay I'm done. sorry."

"Have you heard from Trevor?" She asked , kicking a rock.

" Not since Tuesday. You?"

" Nope."

I studied her for a minute. " Do you miss him?"

She gave me an apologetic look. " A little."

We walked in silence for a few minutes.

"Did he tell you why he went to Alabama?" She asked

" Yeah. He said he was helping Spears move."

" He his, but he told me that he was going so that I could have some space to figure out my feelings for you."

"Interesting."

"How so?"

"He's either really smart or really stupid and I'm not sure which one."

She seemed to consider that for a moment but didn't reply. We walked the rest of the way in silence, which completely freaked me out. I decided not to ask her out until on our way home. It just doesn't feel like a good time.

When we got to the kickboxing studio a guy not much older then us greeted us and introduced himself to us as Elijah. I'm wasn't particularly fond of the way he was eyeing River. Part of me wanted to stay just to make sure he didn't touch her inappropriately but jealous and possessive is Trevor's way... not mine. Still something about this guy was just rubbing me the wrong way.  I decided to try and find out a little about him before leaving her here with him.

"Elijah, are you new to the area?"

" Yeah. I just moved here from California to live with my dad."

" Are you a senior?" I asked Trying not to sound like I was interrogating him.

" Nah, Junior. I'll be going to Fulton High."

" We go there too!" River said smiling.

Now that I know a little bit more info on this kid I feel better about leaving her here.

" River, I'm going to head across the street and go to the gym. Text me if you need anything."

" Oh. You aren't staying?" She asked confused.

" I can if you want me to." Maybe she's getting weird vibes from this dude too.

" Um. No. It's okay, I'll be fine."

" You sure?"

She nodded and smiled.

"I'll be back before you are done."