Room 241: A Josh Richards Story

40- Night Out

The girls drug the boys out to tour the campus and show Chase everything. He had no desire to go to college, but you were still holding out hope that he'd at least visit more often. You really missed having him around. Both boys seemed to be passively fighting for Charli's attention and you couldn't help but feel jealous. She already had Jaden following her every move, did she really need Chase's too?

There was absolutely NOTHING romantic between you and Chase. You'd been raised like siblings, but with Josh being so distant lately, you really needed your best friends and they were all too busy with each other. Even Jaden and you had gotten so much closer. It's so weird because you hooking up twice at the beginning of the school year seemed like a lifetime ago with two different people.

You really didn't want to see him get hurt and wished Charli would give him a chance. He was obviously completely falling for her. Finally Jaden turned around and realized you'd been left behind and grabbed your hand to pull you up to the group:
"Why don't you text Josh again and see if he's ready to meet us at the restaurant."

You sent him a text and had almost made it to the restaurant 30 minutes away before he finally answered.

Why was he blowing you off again? You just wanted to go back to your room and fall asleep, but you knew it wasn't fair to Chase and you'd regret it once he was gone. I guess it wasn't a total loss. He at least would be there in time for dessert. You smiled at the waitress as you put in your order then stared back at your phone wondering how long it'd be before he checked it again. He'd been so slow to answer lately. Just as you were about to send another message telling him to just meet you back at the dorm, Josh's head popped around the corner and he climbed into the booth next to you. He kissed you and ordered an appetizer so he could eat while you were having dessert.

You were so grateful to have him next to you again. You missed him more than you would ever admit to him. After food, the group decided to go mini-golfing across the street. You half expected Josh to bail but much to your delight, he grabbed your hand and led you over happily.

As soon as the game was over, Jaden ran across the street to grab the car. He'd lost a game of rock, paper, scissors and had to bring the car closer to pick everyone up. You and Josh were cuddled up on a bench and even though everything should have felt perfect, you just couldn't shake the text you'd seen before. It was probably nothing. If she was starting something he would have told you... right? He kissed you with a smile, but you couldn't help but pull back a little. It wasn't what you wanted to do, but you felt like you were getting dizzy from the thoughts swirling.

You tried to fight the urge to retreat back into your shell, but before you could kiss him back, his phone vibrated again. He obviously was trying to not let on that it'd gone off because he shoved it into his pocket without even looking at it. You didn't know if Jaden was outside or not, but you got up without saying a word and headed towards the entrance to watch for him.

*CHASE'S POV*

The moment Jaden left to get the car, Charli was noticeably flirting harder. He liked her a lot, but if her and Jaden were involved he wasn't about to get in the way. He wanted the group to like him. When she leaned over and put her head on his shoulder, he finally asked:
"So are you and Jaden, like, a thing?"

Charli: *lifting her head confused*
"No? Of course not."

Chase: "Does he know that?"

Charli: "I'm sure he does. Why would you think we were?"

Chase: "Just some friendly advice from the point of view of a dude: Make up your mind and make it clear to him either way because he wants to be more than friends."

Charli looked shocked and pulled back a little before noticing Josh waiving to them that the car was there.

*END CHASE'S POV*