My Better Half

Chapter 7- Fast Food Frustrations

Jack Third Person POV

Josh, complaining: "I'm hungry again. Let's grab lunch now."

Jack, shaking his head: "You're insatiable, I swear. We ate such a heavy breakfast not three hours ago."

Josh: "Come on, I feel better now, let's go out somewhere, I'm bored."

Jack, sighing: "Okay okay fine, where do you wanna go?"

Josh, rubbing his chin: "hmm... how about McDonald's?"

Jack: "Are you serious? We already ate so unhealthily this morning."

Josh, pouting: "Please? I'm really craving it, and we're both broke right now so it's not like we can afford much better."

Jack, finally giving up: "Okay fine, let me get dressed first and we'll leave."

Jack quickly put on jeans, a t-shirt, and a pullover hoodie. He walked up to the door where Josh was waiting.

Josh, stopping in his tracks: "Wait, I forgot to ask, let me see your new tattoo!"

Jack pulled up the sleeve of his hoodie to reveal a small geometric design. It wasn't really anything special compared to his other stuff, he had just sort of felt like it.

Josh, looking at the tattoo with awe: "Woah, what does it mean?"

Jack, shrugging: "Nothing man, I just felt like getting it."

Josh: "Oh come on, tattoos have to mean something."

Jack, bemused: "Oh? And what does that little flame on your neck mean?"

Josh, completely serious: "That does have a meaning. It means 'I lost a bet a couple years ago and got screwed over.'"

Jack, laughing: "You really are unbelievable, you were even worse a few years back."

Josh, also grinning: "So were you, hotshot, so get off that high horse. You were lucky you didn't pierce anything worse than your tongue."

Jack, cringing at the memory: "You know I took that out after it got infected anyway. I don't think any piercings but the ones in my ears suit me."

After Jack pulled his sleeve down again, they headed out the door. They walked along the street, and Jack absentmindedly checked his phone.

Maria... blocked him? What? Why? He attempted to push down the sinking feeling in his stomach. Sure, he'd joked a bit, but was she really that uptight? It was her who sent the weird text in the first place! Whatever, Jack knew how to take a hint. Clearly, their relationship would never be closer than reluctant colleagues, and he could accept that. But blocking him? With no explanation? That was just uncalled for.

If she wanted to be a bitch, that was fine. He had no obligation to deal with her. Well, except at work. And if Rachel and Josh stayed together, it could be more than that. Dammit.

Jack put his phone away, shook his head, and set his jaw. They were at McDonald's. He looked over to Josh, who seemed like an excited puppy who just pushed his way into the restaurant. Rolling his eyes, Jack followed him in, dreading the evening to come.

Maria Third Person POV

Maria was deep in her own world... doing something very important, calmly, nicely... when suddenly...

Rachel, jumping in out of nowhere: "HEYA, girl! What you doin' by the window all by yourself?"

Maria was really shocked and got really irritated as her friend's sudden approach ruined her concentration and peace of mind.