Not a Night for Clowning Around

𝕊𝕀𝕏

"I HAVE TO get going. My mom wants me home for dinner." I put a couple bills on the table for my food and packed my bag.

"I can walk you home," Jake offered almost instantly. I didn't miss the smug smile on Aaliyah's face.

"Sure."

"Have fun you two," Aaliyah cooed.

I whipped out my phone and sent her a text message.

Say another word and I'll kill you

Aaliyah burst into laughter, but she quickly sobered up when she saw my unamused expression.

"See you guys tomorrow," Jake said as we left.

"You really don't have to walk me home," I told him as we left the diner.

"I know, but I want to."

"I feel like I'm taking away from your fun," I admitted guiltily.

Jake shot me a grin. "Lucky for me I have fun when I'm with you."

I rolled my eyes and playfully shoved him. "You know what I mean, idiot."

"Why did you and Matt break up?" Jack asked out of nowhere. I stopped in my tracks, taken aback by his question. "Sorry, that was intrusive."

I shook my head. "No, it's fine. He just wasn't the guy I originally thought he was."

"Meaning?"

I shoved my hands in my coat pockets. "I don't know. The longer we dated the more he started to change. He just grew so suspicious of me and tried dictating every part of my life." I paused. "He didn't want me to be friends with you boys."

Jake placed a hand over his heart. "Wow, you chose us over a boy? I'm touched."

"Shut up. I'm happy it's over." Partly because I was developing feelings for Jake and because Matt was possessive and crazy.

"Me too."

I chomped on my lower lip to suppress the full fledged smile threatening to appear. We continued to walk in silence, though I couldn't help but notice our arms brush each other's every once in a while. I could've just been looking too much into nothing, but lately Jake had been the only thought on my mind... when I wasn't thinking about my stalker.

"Here we are." We stopped in front of my porch. I was somewhat saddened that our walk ended so quickly.

"Thanks again," I told him.

He flashed his pearly whites. "Stop thanking me. I just want to make sure you get home safe."

I figured now was my opportunity to take a chance and move our relationship a step forward. "Did you want to, uh, maybe hang out or something tomorrow?"

"No," he answered immediately, making my heart sink to the bottom of my stomach. His eyes widened when he realized how that sounded. "I mean I would, but I have a lacrosse game tomorrow. You should come watch."

"Sure, I'll come."

"Who knows, maybe you're my secret good luck charm."

"I guess we'll find out tomorrow."

"I'll see you around, Carter."

As soon as he was out of sight, I released the ecstatic grin I had been holding in. I had to call Aaliyah and tell her what happened.

~*~

"I told you he likes you!" she exclaimed.

"I can't go alone. Come with me tomorrow?"

"Of course I'm coming. Don't you remember who the idiot captain is?"

"We need a code word," I devised. "In case things go south."

"Carter, you've known Jake forever. Why are you acting so weird?"

I flopped on my bed, my cell phone in hand. "I just really want things to work out."

"If it's meant to be, then it will," she promised.

"I guess you're right."

"So..." She stretched out the word. "Have you gotten any more notes?"

"Don't jinx it. I've been spared for the day."

"I have to get going, but be ready for six tomorrow night and I'll pick you up."

"I'll see you then."

"Bye, girl." Aaliyah giggled. "Try not to think about Jake too much."

"Shut up."