“Thanks a lot.” I said punching his arm.
“You’re welcome.” Andy said smiling. “If you want, you can tell your boyfriend it was just a friendly peck.”
“First of all he’s not my boyfriend. Secondly stop being a smartass…” I said trying to stop myself from smiling. “You’re lucky I’m black.” I said.
Andy shook his head. “Doesn’t matter, you can still see it.” He said, his blue eyes twinkling the whole while.
“You’re not cute.” I whispered to him, but in all reality I wanted to go back to his truck and resume what we’d been doing. I know I should be feeling guilty…I mean come on Zeus is just a couple feet in front of us…but I didn’t…not a bit of guilty conscious in my body. We resumed walking to catch up with them and Zeus watched us carefully as we approached. Lark smirked as he crossed his arms across his chest. Nico leaned against the light post his attention on his phone, the little noise indicated he was playing a game.
“Hey guys wassup.” I said. I didn’t remove my arm from under Andy’s arm. Neither did he, when he put his hands calmly in his pockets.
“Coach let us out a little early…guess it’s almost over.” Zeus said motioning behind him.
I smiled at him. “Thanks for coming.” I blew him a kiss as I held on to Andy. “You missed all the fun.”
Zeus turned his gaze from Andy back to me. “Yeah…you still wanna come tomorrow?” He asked.
I nodded. “Of course!” I said excitedly.
Lark mumbled something to Zeus that nobody else caught, but Zeus looked Andy over again. They moved a little closer together and talked in hushed tones. What the hell?
“I should go.” Andy whispered to me.
I shook my head. “I’m hungry.” I said speaking up. “IHOP anybody?” I said turning to Andy.
“You always want IHOP.” Jazmine said groaning.
I shrugged. “Hash house?”
“Shit.” Nico said angrily to his phone. He looked up. “Fucking level sucks ass.” He said.
“Seriously you and this angry bird obsession needs to stop.” Jazmine said.
“Babe come here.” Zeus said stretching his arm out to me. For some odd reason I contemplated ignoring him, but I quickly shoved away the thought.
I slowly let go of Andy and went to Zeus. “I’m hungry.” I said letting him pull me into a hug. Zeus put his arm around my waist.
“Lark what are you whispering about?” I asked annoyed as I joined their huddle.
He smirked as he looked me up and down. I absolutely hated the way he looked at me, it made me feel dirty or something. Like he was imagining me without clothes. Lark shrugged. “Hi O.J.” I rolled my eyes at him and Zeus chuckled. I turned around to address Andy.
“Andy do you want to go to IHOP?” I asked.
“Yeah Perth…wanna come?” Zeus asked as he hugged me from behind.
“I’ll pass.” Andy said straightening up.
I pouted. “But you didn’t eat?” I said.
Zeus kissed my neck. “Leave him.” Good…not the side with the hickey. I looked up and met Andy’s gaze. If I wasn’t mistaken a small smirk appeared on his lips before being replaced by his usual indifferent look he always give.
“I had my share of um…yeah….” Andy said choosing his word carefully. He gave me a look and I smiled. “So I’ll just head home.”
I made a face at him.
“Well I guess we’ll see you later.” Jazmine said hugging him tightly.
“Sure.” He said.
“Aight man, see you in class.” Nico said dapping him up.
I moved out of Zeus’ hold and went to wrap my arms tightly around Andy. “Thanks for coming.” I said happily.
“Thanks for the invite.” He said staring down at me.
I smiled and leaned up and kissed the side of his mouth. “Drive safe.” Andy nodded. I gave him another hug and he turned around and left.
“Fag.” Lark said and Zeus snickered. “He’s such a loser.”
“Grow-up.” Jazmine said rolling her eyes.
I crossed my arms across my chest as I turned to them. “This is why I hate having you around.” I told Lark honestly. If one person annoyed the shit out of me it was this kid right here.
“Oh come on play nice.” Zeus said pulling me into a hug.
“Whatever.” I said pushing Zeus but he didn’t let go of me. “Stop encouraging him by laughing.”
“Yes ma’am.” Zeus said tapping my butt. “I’ll be nice to your creepy freaky friend Perth.”
I pulled away. “He’s not a freak…and you’re being an ass.” I said.
Jazmine smirked as Zeus looked me over. I didn’t care. He was starting to annoy me.
“Okay IHOP.” Zeus said wrapping his arms around my waist. “I’ll stop being an ass.” He said pulling me closer to him. I rolled my eyes but he tugged my arm. “Pancakes?” He whispered sweetly.
I hit his arm, but an involuntary smile crept up on my face. “Fine. But I’m only going cause I’m hungry…not because I wanna eat with you.” I said sternly pointing my finger in his face.
Zeus grinned.
“Let the games begin.” Nico said sarcastically.
*****
I waved goodbye eagerly at Candace as I grabbed my bag. I was about to head out the door when Dr. Honsu stepped up.
“Excellent work this afternoon, Ms. Jones.” Dr. Honsu said clasping his hands behind his back.
I froze, in awe at the compliment. “Th-th-Thank you.” I said smiling broadly.
“Next time try to focus a little more on your subject’s facial expression.” He said smiling.
I nodded quickly. “Yes, sir.” Shit…I was getting advice from Dr. Honsu…I’m about to pee my pants.
He gave me a simple nod and turned back around to head for his chair. I smiled at his back and tucked my hair behind my ear as I floated out the classroom.
“I’m guessing class was good.” A calm voice said to my right.
I turned to find Andy leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets watching me. I smiled as I focused on him. “It was more than good….it was gr-rr-reat!” I said imitating tony the tiger. I walked over to him and gave him a big hug. “What are you doing here?” I asked leaning against the wall with him.
Andy shrugged and rubbed his neck. “I’m about to go get something to eat…I don’t know if…” He moved his lip ring and shrugged again. He pushed his bangs out of his face and sunk further against the wall. He looked down at the ground.
“You wanna have lunch with me?” I teased as I nudged him mischievously with my elbow.
“No.” He said. He brought his hand up and bit the nail of his thumb and looked up at me. “You hungry?” he asked.
“Obviously you are.” I said bringing his hand down. “Stop biting your nails.”
He smiled as his thumb ran over my palm.
“I’m in the mood for a quesadilla.” I said. “What about you?” I fixed my bag and held my portfolio.
“Grilled cheese?”
“Noooo.” I said shaking my head at him. Andy reached over and took my portfolio, relieving me of a heavy load. “I’m feeding you a big hearty quesadilla…grilled cheese is so third grade.”
“Okay.” Andy said calmly as he followed me out my hallway and out to the courtyard. I chatted Andy up about the class I just came from and how amazing Dr. Honsu was. He patiently listened to me and I was in awe. It wasn’t like he pretended to listen, he answered correctly to the questions I threw into the conversation. I took my folder out my bag and smiled as Andy came back with our food. He sat across from me and handed me my bag.
“Thanks…what did you get?” I asked, taking out the quesadilla.
“Same as you…except I have onions.” He said taking his food out.
“Eeewww.” I said scrunching my nose at him.
He laughed as he bit into his food.
I watched him chew and smile and without further ado I bit into my quesadilla. For the n
ext hour I had one of the funniest lunch date in a long time. Andy and I talked about my family, mostly Fleur and he did manage to tease me about Celine. I was surprised. I never knew Andy to talk this much, it was like a whole new world for me and I was loving it.
I covered my face as I unsuccessfully tried to hold back the laughter. “You’re so dumb.” I said covering my mouth.
“It’s true.” He said innocently as he gazed those gorgeous eyes my way.
I cleaned up my space and shook my head.
“Fine don’t believe me.” Andy said shrugging as he drank his Dr. Pepper. I sipped the remains of my smoothie and giggled.
I reached across the booth and placed my hands over his. “Whatever.” I said playfully. Andy moved his hand slightly so his thumb was gently caressing my hand. That same awkward sensation in my left breast returned and I didn’t like it. I playfully slapped his hand and removed my own and fumbled with my purse.
“So what are you doing after?” I asked sounding more casual than I was feeling.
“I’m going to practice…they have rehearsal for their gig on Friday so…yeah.” Andy said. He took his hands off the table and slouched in the booth as he put them in his pocket.
I wanted to grab his hand again but stopped myself. I looked down at my hand. It looked so lonely. What was wrong with me? I was going to beat myself up when I sensed a presence. I didn’t need to turn around. I already knew who it was, and by Andy’s subtle annoyed look, I knew I was going to want the intrusion.
“Typical Ornelia…” Jeanie said coming around the booth like a vulture. Her long red finger nail scraped the table. I sighed and leaned back against the booth.
“Hey Jeanie.” I said while forcing a smile on my face.
Jeanie gave me an annoyed look and turned to Andy. “I guess you still have a weakness for the wrong girls huh?” she asked sounding a bit hurt.
I watched Andy to see his reaction. He didn’t answer but he seemed annoyed and slightly pissed. He ignored Jeanie as he grabbed his can and took a long gulp. He put it down and turned his head aside no response, no acknowledgment…nothing.
“Actually…nobody called you here.” I said sitting up. “We were doing fine without you.” I motioned my hand in the opposite direction. “So you can go.” My voice dripped with false sweetness.
Jeanie smiled and rested her hand against the table. Her smile turned into a smirk. “Let me tell you something about Andy…Ornelia…” she sneered my name. “Whatever you’re trying to do…Stop, it won’t work on him…he’s damaged…believe me we’ve all been down your path…some of us more than others...”
He’s damaged? I stared at Andy but he was looking at his soda can.
Jeanie turned to Andy casually. “Let me tell you something about Ornelia.” She said. “She’s exactly who you think she is…don’t attempt to go deeper…that’s what fucked you up the first time isn’t it?” she asked bitterly.
I opened my mouth to speak.
“Fuck you Jeanie.” Andy said calmly before I could speak up. I shut my mouth in shock. Andy grabbed his book bag and stood up. “You ready?” he asked casually.
I couldn’t speak so I nodded and stood up too.
“I’m just trying to help you.” Jeanie said defensively.
“I didn’t need it then and I don’t need it now.” Andy said sharply. I bit my lip and grabbed my purse. I tried not to smile at Jeanie’s hurt expression.
“Let’s go.” Andy said. I quickly nodded and followed him out the booth. Without looking back Andy walked past Jeanie. I smirked at her and walked away.
“You’re making a mistake with Ornelia, just like you did with Christina.” Jeanie said.
Fuck, she always had to have the last word. I followed Andy through the doors. “She’s really bitter, you sure you two just fucked or were you going out?” I asked jogging slightly to catch up with him.
“Ignore her.” Andy said, not looking in my direction.
“I always do.” I said shrugging. I reached out and grabbed his hand. “Who’s Christi---”
“Don’t.” Andy said coldly snatching his hand away from my hold.
I stopped walking, shocked at his response. I think I knew exactly who Christina was…I put my hands up in surrender and gave a big smile. “I won’t bring it up again.” I said sweetly.
Andy stared at me and looked away slightly bothered. “Thanks.” He said his voice barely above a whisper.
I walked up next to him. “So what are you---?”
“I gotta go.” Andy said cutting me off again. He took two steps back and I could see his jaws were clenched tightly. “I’ll see you around.” He said briskly, and with that he turned and walked away, leaving me in the middle of the courtyard. I had clearly been dismissed.
“Fuck!” I whispered passionately. What was it with this guy, every time we took a step forward in our friendship, it seemed the next day we took 5 steps backwards. It was like I was right back where I started. I sighed and put my hands on my hips. This shit was harder than it was supposed to be.
My phone vibrated and I reached into my pocket and answered with an annoyed tone. “Yeah?”
“Okay what the fuck is going on between you and Perth?” Zeus asked impatiently on the other line.
I threw my hand in the air. “First of all don’t curse at me…second of all, what the fuck are you talking about?” I asked. I turned around and sat on one of the stone benches.
“William just called me talking about he saw you having lunch with Andy and smiling all looking like a date and stuff.” He said.
“Wait so you’re gonna try and tell me who I can and cannot eat with?” I said with a more than exaggerated tone. This guy was tripping.
Zeus paused for a minute. “No but he said Jeanie was talking to you guys and said some stuff like y’all were a couple or something.”
Fucking spies, news travels fast around here. “So what’s it to you?” I asked. I was about to go into full bitch mode.
“O.J. we’re---”
“You’re not my boyfriend Zeus.” I said cutting him off. “I have the freedom to talk and eat with whoever the fuck I want, whenever I want…it doesn’t concern you.”
“Are you fucking serious right now?” Zeus said.
“You’re starting to annoy me.” I said, I took the phone from my ear and hung up. I took a deep breath. I knew he was going to call back in 5-4-3-2-1….
“What?” I asked answering the phone.
“Look sweetheart…I know we’re not official yet…but we’re talking right.” Zeus said in a calmer voice.
“You’re talking.” I responded.
“I’m not trying to tell you what to do…I’m just looking out for you.” He said.
I stayed silent.
“Look I love you okay…I just don’t want you to get hurt…Perth’s bad news.” Zeus said.
“Why?” I asked. “Because you think he’s your competition?”
“Is he?” Zeus asked.
“I don’t know…is he?” I asked him.
Zeus stayed silent on the other line for a moment. I let the question sink in.
“Look Perth isn’t on my level O.J., I’m ten times better than he’ll ever be. You’re amazing, you’re funny and sweet and sexy…you’re way too good for him.”
I hated when guys called my sexy for some reason…it creeped me out. “So I’m perfect for you?” I asked.
“You can’t get any better than me.” Zeus responded confidently. “Look Perth’s fucked up okay…high school he was fine and then he went through some shit and met that bitch, I don’t even remember her name but yeah after that he changed and Perth isn’t worth it.”
Christina. “Well I guess it’s up to me to decide.” I said casually.
I guess Zeus stopped walking wherever he was because the background was silent and his voice was still. “What are you saying?” he asked.
“I’m saying I’m gonna do whatever I want Zeus…I told you that from the beginning
…if you don’t like it…then it’s whatever.” I said calmly. “And right now I don’t think I’m all for sitting back and playing your bitch.” I hung up my phone and tossed it in my bag, not bothering to wait for his response.
I liked Zeus…I really did, don’t get me wrong, he’s sweet and funny and cute…but certain things he did just ticked me off…just like right now. And I wasn’t in the mood for him. It didn’t matter, he could bitch now but I knew by the end of the night he would call…then I’ll apologize…if I’m feeling up to it, but as for now, I had bigger fish to fry. By the name of a certain Andy Perth.
O.J. Page 31
