Not Over You // j.g. (wattys 2015)

Three.

Lia Conrad

Jack and I walked up to the 4 star hotel and I immediately thought, how on earth did they afford this hotel? I can barely afford a fast food meal. We walked into the lobby and my mouth dropped at the sight of the huge lobby. I stared in awe at the beautiful breakfast bar and dining area. Everything was so organized and clean. Just how I liked it. But, the boys would like it more messy.
Jack looked over at me and laughed at me staring at the beautiful features of the hotel. "Hey, close your mouth. Don't want bugs to fly in and nest." He reached over and placed his hand under my chin to close my mouth. I giggled. "The boys want us to meet them in Matt's room. They're really excited to meet you."
I stood awkwardly while shifting my weight from one foot to the other. "Do they um, you know," I hesitated. "Do they know about Jack and I?"
"No. Nobody knows. And no one will know as long as you don't mention it." He paused before seeing the look on my face. He grabs my hands in his own. "Look, I know it's hard but just try to forget about him okay? He's," He hesitated for a moment. "He's stupid. Just ignore him. It's all about self control." I nod my head fully comprehending the friendly words flowing from his mouth. He releases my hands from his and walks towards the elevator. I stand there still, looking down at my feet and playing with my fingers. Jack stopped and turned back to look at me.
"You comin'?" He said with a half smile. I looked up and smiled kindly. He held out his hand for me. I grabbed it, my hand sinking into the warmness of his own. He gently rubbed his thumb on my knuckles. We stepped into the elevator, hand in hand. When the doors closed we were left alone, away from the snobby rich looking people in the lobby. Jack leaned over to my ear and whispered, "Don't worry. Everything will be fine." he pulled back and smiled at me.
The elevator doors opened and we stepped out.
"What room are they in?"
"Um..." Jack released my hand and pulled out his phone and checked his text messages from Gilinsky. "Room 225." We searched along the floor for the room number. We finally found the room at the end of the hallway. Loud noises coming from it. The boys are very rowdy.
As Jack lifted his arm to knock on the door, I drew in a sharp breath. He hesitated and looked over at me before pulling me into a hug.
"Lia, you'll be fine. I'll be here. I promise." He mumbled into my hair. I nodded. He released me and knocked on the door. A tall boy with curly brown hair answered the door and as soon as he did, he became very pale and I immediately recognized this boy as my ex- boyfriend, Jack Gilinsky.
The boy who doesn't love me anymore.
Johnson noticed the change in the atmosphere and cut in. "Jack! Did you keep everyone in line while I was gone?" Gilinsky nodded slowly while his eyes traced my body. He gulped. "Uh, hi Lia."

Jack Gilinsky

I waved awkwardly at her. What could she possibly be doing here? Wow Jack. What wouldn't she be doing here? She lives in Cali and Jack and her are best friends. I thought to myself. Seeing her again is just going to make this act of not loving her anymore even harder. I need to tell Jack about this, but I don't know when.
I kept looking at her while Jack kept talking. I know what he was doing. He can tell when he needs to cut in and this was definitely the time. But, I just couldn't take my eyes off of her. She was beautiful as ever. Her long brown hair tied tightly in a high pony tail. I remember she would tell me that preferred high pony tails because her hair was too long for a regular one.
Her bright blue eyes shining more than ever. Her flowing black skirt and red Magcon shirt fitting her perfectly. Matching with her tattered white converse. I wanted to hug her. No, kiss her. But, I had to refuse. I had to keep playing the act that I didn't love her.

Lia Conrad

I looked down at my feet, avoiding his eye contact but feeling his eyes on me. I looked back up and noticed that he started to have a conversation with Johnson, but I still felt like he was looking at me with his peripherals. Johnson turned back to me. "Come in and I'll introduce you to everyone." He said with a big smile. The room was loud and noisy. The boys going crazy. "Hey everybody!" Johnson yelled over the raucous. Everyone stopped, eyes on me while Johnson pointed and announced my name.
"Hi Lia!" The boys all called to me. I smiled awkwardly and waved. Everyone introduced themselves to me.
"Alright guys, let's go get some food!" Cameron yelled and everyone yelled along. The guys all left the room and went down to the lobby.

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We walked into the iHop and everyone took their seats. I hesitated, waiting for a seat next to Johnson but that seat had quickly been filled by Cam. The only spot that was left was next to Gilinsky but across from Johnson. I took in a deep breath and look to Johnson. He gave me a kind smile and nodded his head and mouthing: "It'll be fine. I promise." I nodded my head and took my seat next to Jack. I didn't dare look up at him and only kept my eyes forward to look at Johnson. I could feel Gilinsky's eyes on me. Surprised that I sat here.

Jack Gilinsky

I felt the booth sink down next to me, just a tiny bit of weight on the seat. I looked down,expecting to see Hayes. But it was Lia. Lia was sitting right next to me. But she wasn't saying anything. Just staring straight ahead of her. She was ignoring me. I mean, just because I'm acting like I don't love her doesn't mean she can't talk to me. I miss her. I miss everything about her and it's not fair that she isn't mine anymore.