Summer

Chapter 7

I barley slept last night. How could I when all I could think about was my confrontation with Noah. It sucks because the prick doesn't deserve to consume my mind as much as he does, but I can't seem to stop it. On top of that, I'm really behind on my summer reading assignment, which means I'm also really behind on my writing assignment. That's why I decide to skip lunch with my brothers so that I can work on both.

Howard drops me off at Val's, which is pretty empty. I opt for a booth in the back, connect my laptop to the Wi-Fi, and get to work. I realize that I should've chosen a larger table to sit at when the waitress struggles to find space for the plate of fries. Between my laptop, book, journal, and several pens and highlighters, there's a lot going in.

Two hours pass, and I've made some progress, which makes me feel better about myself. I grab my phone to call Howard when I spot Noah walk in with...is his name Justin?

Justin looks too formal to be sitting in a diner with his dirty blonde hair gelled back. He's wearing dock shorts, a button-down shirt, and a sweater that's wrapped around his shoulders. Noah, on the other hand, is in black jeans and a long-sleeve white Henley. He's also wearing a backwards black hat, which gives me a better look at his gorgeous face.

How can someone be so good-looking? How?

Justin is cute, but Noah's hot and carries this bad-boy, rebel vibe, which lends even more sex-appeal to his already desirable presence.

I feel my eyes follow Noah from the front door to his table. I wish I could hate him for how obnoxious he was last night, but there's something about him that just pulls me in.

Before he sits, he takes a good look around the restaurant, finally stopping when he notices me.

I don't smirk. I don't blink. I don't give him any sort of indication that tells him he makes me nervous. I want him to know that his actions last night put a bad taste in my mouth. I'm also not trying to fall for his mind games. Yeah, Cassie told me about those, too. Apparently, Noah's number one skill is ghosting girls after he hooks up with them. Why am I not surprised?

I spend a few more seconds studying him, but he's not looking my way this time. Instead, he's joking with Justin. Ugh, that laugh is everything. Especially the way his mouth curves up and his dimples appear.

Okay, time to leave, I tell myself. I search my phone for Howard's number and hold it up to my ear as it dials.

"Sophia, hello," Howard picks up, but before I can respond, I'm interrupted by an-all-too familiar voice.

"Nice to see you writing. Would've been a damn shame if something happened to that precious journal."