It Started With Lake (Book 1)

Chapter 4: Lake

I glanced over my shoulder and recognized Gunner's best friend, Jason, coming our way. He was tall and slim, his skin an olive color. He had the coldest green eyes I'd ever seen. That probably explained why some of the freshmen feared him in the halls at school. Yet, his bad-boy act didn't scare me, and I found myself smirking at him.

"Jason, what's your problem?" Emani asked, trying to keep her voice even.

Jason brought his face a little too close to Emani's for my liking. "The whole school is talking about both of you, and I had to see it to believe it." Emani and I exchanged a long look, then Jason frowned. "Gunner doesn't deserve that, Emani."

"I didn't do anything, Jason, not that it's any of your business, but Lake is my friend."

"It is my business when it concerns Gunner. He is in love with you. Who else would stay with a girl that hasn't put out yet?" Jason hissed, scowling at Emani.

I gently moved Emani behind me and got into Jason's face. "That's enough, man. Emani doesn't have to explain herself to anybody."

Jason's hard gaze settled on me, and he poked me hard in the chest. "I wasn't talking to you."

"Jason, stop!" Emani sandwiched herself between us, and her vanilla perfume wafted through the cold autumn air.

I laughed. "You clearly have a problem with me, and now you're taking it out on her."

"What's going on here?" Gunner asked as he approached us, eating a taco.

Great. Now I have to deal with two assholes.

"He was all over her, bro," Jason informed Gunner.

Gunner's face became very still. "Is that true, Emani?"

"He's exaggerating. We were talking, and nothing else," Emani pleaded, forcing Gunner to look at her.

"I knew this was a bad idea, Emani," he replied, nostrils flaring. He looked me in the eyes, and I could tell he didn't like me. He thought I made a move on his girl, but I respected Emani too much for that.

"Gunner, let's go, man. They are about to announce homecoming court," Jason said before heading back to the cafeteria.

Gunner put his arm around Emani and planted a kiss on her cheek. "She's mine. Don't ever forget that."

"Ok tough guy," I mumbled, sick of him and Jason's shit.

"Are you coming, Emani" Gunner demanded, looking down at his expensive watch.

Emani shot me an apologetic look. "Lake, I promised Gunner I would be there when they announced homecoming court. I'll meet you here later."

I waved her off. "I can manage, don't worry about me."

I could tell that I hurt her feelings, but I was annoyed. She'd chosen Gunner over me, and for some reason, it hurt. A lot. I don't know what she sees in that jerk, and I'm done trying to fit into her perfect world. It wasn't worth my dignity.

Before she could say anything, I walked away, not bothering to look back. I felt her grab my arm.

"Wait, Lake-

"Emani, are you coming or not?" Gunner asked in an impatient tone.

I looked down in Emani's eyes and plastered a fake smile on my face. "We are good, Emani. I have things to do anyway."

I left both of them and made my way to my locker to get my things. Once I'm back outside, a drop of rain hits my arm. Then two, then three. Soon rain pours from the sky, soaking my shirt.