Be Mine (Connor McDonough)

Ch. 13: Gone Wrong

❤ Connor's POV ❤

I don't know what's going on in my mind. Really. I keep thinking about Caitlyn, even if there's a huge possibility that she likes my brother.

That didn't stop me. Not today anyway. I decided to man up and finally ask her out...on a date. I texted her, and a few minutes later she replied.

Cait: Sure :)

Miracle. She texted back and agreed. I tossed my phone to my bed and got ready. I ran downstairs and informed my brothers. "Good luck." Toby chirped.

Riley chuckled. "You'll be fine."

"Thanks." I smiled.

I grabbed my car keys and drove to Starbucks. That was officially everyone's favorite hang out place. No doubt about it. I parked the car, but before getting down, I released a deep sigh. Relax, Con. You can do this.

I stepped out and finally went through the doors to paradise, already smelling the scent of coffee. I ordered a peppermint mocha frappe (yes it's the season for that) and sat down in my favorite spot by the window. Probably 10 minutes later, a really pretty girl sat in front of me. "Hey." Caitlyn smiled.

"Oh hey." I smiled back.

She took a sip of her caramel frappe. "What's up?"

I chuckled. "Nothing. Just wanted to hang out."

"Cool."

There came the awkward silence. Come on...say something! What should I say? Dang it. Caitlyn though, spoke first. "How's the music life?"

"Oh new stuff in the works...but you know. Secret stuff." I winked.

"Boo." she teased. "I'm sure Riley or Toby will tell me."

"Nope. It was Ri's idea to keep it secret." I pointed out.

Caitlyn snapped her fingers. "Dang it."

I laughed. "That's how it is."

Caitlyn shrugged and chuckled. "Fine. I'll just stalk your Twitter accounts."

"Please do." I smirked.

There. She giggled again. But then the awkward silence came back for about 5 minutes. I guess I should make a move...come on Connor. I gulped and started to speak. "Caitlyn..."

"Yeah?" she looked up from her phone.

I continued. "I know we've only known each other for like, 5 months..."

She just kept nodding. Here comes the hard part. "But I've come to...like you. Would you like to be my...you know."

I said it. I said it. I said it. What would her reaction be? She fell silent and looked down...everywhere but me. She looked out the window. "Oh look. Her hair's so pretty." Caitlyn just changed the topic.

"Cait...my question." I reminded her patiently.

"Oh. Right. Well..." She stuttered. "I'm not really sure-"

"Knew it." I cut her.

She looked at me cluelessly. "What?"

"You could just tell me straight you know? So I wouldn't expect too much." I said flatly.

"Tell you what? Expect what?"

"Stop lying, Cait. You know what I mean." Stop this, Connor. Chill.

Caitlyn looked surprised. "Really, Con. What are you saying?"

"Just tell me you don't want this."

"What?"

This isn't going well, Connor. Just shut up. "I asked if you wanted to be mine cause I liked you. You dodged my question." I sighed. "In other words, you're not interested."

"I never said that." Caitlyn defended herself.

"You're implying it." I mumbled.

Caitlyn looked confused. "I'm processing what you said."

"Why? Why would you need to? It's a simple question."

"I'm processing your words because I thought you liked Brooke and not me. So you know...I'm thinking, solving the puzzle."

"Really, Cait?" Just stop Connor.

"Y-yeah. You know...because of how close you guys were."

"We're close friends...sibling like." I defended.

"How was I supposed to know? I can't read minds, Connor. I just thought you had a thing for her..."

I raised an eyebrow and sharply said, "Then what about you and Riley?"

Caitlyn sighed. "What now?"

"You guys seem pretty close and mushy at times." Oh no.

Caitlyn looked more hurt than angry. "We tease each other, not flirt!"

"Doesn't look like it. You cling to him the most." I shrugged. "This isn't working. I shouldn't have..."

Cait didn't say a word. She looked shocked. "Next time, just tell me straight instead of making me guess." I said quietly. "So that I don't get my hopes high."

I stood up, but Caitlyn's voice stopped me. "Connor..."

"Just...enough. I need some time..." I said plainly.

I started walking away. No Connor, don't. Go back and clear things up. Go back! Too late...I was in my car already. I looked into the shop and saw Caitlyn still sitting in the same spot, her hand covering her mouth and nose as if holding back on crying.

I leaned back on the driver's seat and closed my eyes. I screwed up...big time.

❤ Caitlyn's POV ❤

I just sat there on the chair, holding back the urge to cry like a baby. A simple question turned into a battle...how? And why would Connor think I liked Riley? I liked him! I liked Connor!

Was I too careless? Was I too stubborn? Was I too uninterested? Was I too disappointing? Where'd I go wrong? Did I say something?

What did I do?