Falling For You

-LII-

If you are enjoying this book feel free to vote on it! I'll just be over here admiring this girl's smouldering gaze. 

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Harley

"No way!" Ally exclaims angrily. "Wait till I get my hands on that pathetic excuse of an asshole douchebag!" 

"I just," I pause collecting my thoughts. "I thought we were actually getting along. He shared a lot deep things with me about his personal life, I guess it was just a ploy." 

"You know we're going to have to tell Drew?" 

"No!" I immediately respond. "We both know how he's going to react. He already hates Cody enough as it is." 

She studies me with slight curiosity as well as suspicion. "You almost sound like you're defending him. Do you not hate him?" 

I fiddle with the corner of my fluffy comforter. "I mean, I'm pissed with him yeah. But hate him? I don't think I do." 

"He cheated on you Harley!" She exasperates like I don't know. 

"I know! But," I pause. "I guess in a way I knew we weren't going to last. We get along great but it never felt like we had real chemistry, the type with fireworks." 

"Oh Harley," Ally senses that my mind is in a messy turmoil and embraces me into a comforting hug. 

Whenever Cody had planned an activity our more romantic actions always felt a little bit more forced. I guess far back in my mind I knew we'd only ever be friends. There's no sparks or excitement between us, just comfortable companionship. 

For some reason a wave of loneliness seems to hit. I lost Cody. I seem to be slowly losing my mom. Is my dad going to be next? Or Ally and Drew? 

"You need to tell Drew sooner rather than later." Ally says firmly. 

I sigh knowing that she's right. Hiding important information just blows up in your face if you try to hide it. "I think I want to talk with Cody first, sort things out between us." 

Ally fake sniffles dramatically wiping a tear away. "Wow! So mature, so grown up." 

"Haha very funny," I sniffle one last time and shake away any negatives thoughts before pulling myself off of Ally's lap and stand on the ground. 

"Wanna binge on some brownies I bought?" And just like that, while consuming large amounts of sugar, the not-so-lovely memory is less prominent. 

Tomorrow comes faster than I wished. The day I would confront Cody about cheating on me. 

Slinging the black leather jacket- which I'm totally using as an excuse to stage this interrogation- over my arm I step out the door; with as much confidence as a girl who's just been cheated on can muster. 

Ally had previously let herself out after we ate breakfast. Her parting words were words of encouragement and how powerful women are. Also not to mess with them. 

Luckily Cody is able to meet at a quaint cafe, neutral territory if things go bad. 

I take a deep breath as I sit parked in front of the coffee shop. I'm not going to cry at all about feeling useless and used. I'm going to walk in there, and show him a piece of my mind. I am a strong independent woman, who doesn't need a man beside me to feel accomplished. Piece of pie, easy peasy. 

Hah, easier said than done. 

When I get a bolt of bravery I finally exit the safety of my dad's car. Scanning the peaceful caffeinated environment I breath a sigh of relief when I realize that he's not here yet. Maybe he won't show. 

I order myself a hot chocolate with mini marshmallows to keep myself occupied. Just when I'm starting to think Cody is going to be a no show, ten minutes later than we agreed, he arrives. 

"Hey sorry I'm late," he immediately spots where I'm sitting. A window booth that sits far in the back with decent privacy. "Is it okay if I just grab a quick drink?" 

I wave my hand nonchalantly. "Yeah sure, I don't mind." 

It only takes a minute before the barista hands him a hot chocolate identical to mine. We're both not the biggest coffee drinkers. 

Setting his cup down on the table separating us he slides into the seat across from me. 

His warm inviting smile fades when he notices my blank one. 

"What were you doing yesterday?" If it were a different situation I may have found it comical. Confusion, guilt, fear, and then confusion once again passes through Cody Spear's face. 

"Uh," he gulps trying to retain his slipping composure. 

"Don't you dare try lying to me." I don't like being so cold and rude to a person but desperate times calls for desperate needs. 

"I was with a friend." He replies. 

I snort. "A friend?" 

Gaining more confidence he twists it around. "Were you stalking me?" 

"What?" I question incredulously at his accusation. "No! I was buying groceries." 

"Which just so happened to be where we were?" He stops abruptly, realizing what he just revealed. 

"We?" I hiss as quietly as I can, trying to keep the cheerful atmosphere of the outside world. When I don't answer I press more. "Cody?" 

He exhales seeming exasperated. Rubbing his face with his palms any sign of confidence he had has now vanished, leaving behind nothing but a worn out teenage boy . "I-I'm sorry." Without so much as another word he stands up and leaves. The only indicator that he's affected at all are his eyes. There is a slight glassiness to them, along with being rimmed the lightest pink. 

But before I can blink he's already dashing out the door and into his awaiting black mustang. Pulling out so quickly you can see faint tire marks where he parked. Now more confused than ever I also retreat to the solace of my vehicle. 

Arriving to the wonderful abode most people would call a home I dial Ally once again. 

Without waiting for the other line I speak. "Can you come over again?" 

"Harley?" I freeze so quickly the weather outside would be jealous. Trying to backpedal through my mistake I muster a more normal happy voice. 

"Hey Drew," even to my ears my attempt to be cheerful is unsuccessful. 

Before I'm given the chance to say anything the line goes dead. 

After all this, the black leather jacket still remains in my care.