Just friends? Pfft. Yeah, right.

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

I stared at my toenails poking out from the end of my blanket. My hair was still damp from the warm shower i just had. The nail polish that Dave had painted onto my toes was starting to peel. They looked bad and i knew i should put on a fresh coat but i could not bring myself to. It felt like i was going to erase a memory. I wriggled my toes, watching the light reflect off it.

A vibration from my phone caught my attention. I turned to my bedside table and saw Jeff’s name flicker on the screen. What was he doing calling me at 11 pm on a Friday night? Doesn’t he have some raging party to be at? I groaned when it did not stop vibrating. I decided to just pick it up and see what he wanted.

“Hello?” i asked.

“Julie! It’s Jefffff,” he said, dragging the ‘f’s. I frowned. He sounded drunk. “Jules? Are you there? Hello?”

“Are you drunk?” i asked, slightly concerned now.

“Pfft. No,” he protested, slurring his words. I heard a loud clang, some scattering and his panicked voice again. “Julia? Are you still there? The phone jumped out of my hand. It just jumped out.”

I groaned. Oh god. He was drunk. “Where are you?”

“Why? Are you going to bring me home? I’m not leaving. I’m staying,” he stated firmly. I heard some scuttling behind him. “Oh man, the floor is moving!”

“I’m coming to get you. Stay there,” i ordered, jumping out of my bed and snatching my jacket. It was late but Jeff needed me.

I hung up the phone and took Sean’s keys. He was fast asleep since he had to get up early for work. Glancing around quickly, i made sure that no one saw me. I would have a lot of explaining to do if my parents caught me sneaking off in Sean’s car.

It did not take me long to find Jeff. Apparently, the bartender got his phone and called the last number that appeared on his call list, which was me. He was at a nearby bar, totally wasted. When i arrived, he was cradling his head in his hands and reeking of alcohol. I had to hold my breath while getting him to the car.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, voice low. He suddenly laughed softly. “You smell like vanilla. Tasty.”

I had managed to drag him to the car, arm around his waist while his arm was slung around my shoulder. I had thought of calling Dave for help but i knew that somehow a fight might start between them even though they were on somewhat good terms.

“You stink, man,” i remarked, opening the car door.

I pushed him in, making sure his head did not hit the top of the car. He groaned when his back fell on the car seat. I reached out to close the door but he grabbed my hand. With one strong tug, he managed to pull me on top of him. I yelped as my hands fell on his hard chest. Jeff’s handsome face stared at me, blue eyes glassy and unfocused. He wrapped an arm around my waist, holding me in place.

“Let me go, Jeff,” i demanded, pushing away with all my might.

“Aw, come on, Julia,” he teased, sneering.

I grimaced when he pressed his lips to my cheek. I pulled away and tried to avoid his advances. He was pretty drunk and i knew he was not aware of what was going on. He tried to kiss me on the lips this time but i was faster since i did not have alcohol to slow me down.

“Stop it. You have Cass,” i reminded him, struggling.

Jeff looked at me, his arms weakening around me. “I don’t love her.”

I pushed off him, standing a safe distance. “Then, don’t play with her heart.”

“I love you,” he blurted out, eyes honest. “I still do.”