by Rachel Jonas
Period.
8
Joss
“Cool if I take fifteen?”
My knee bounces beneath the table while Blue gets permission from her uncle, Dusty, to go on break a little early. They’re not super busy, so I’m hopeful. Heaven knows I need her advice right now.
Dusty glances up from the grill where he’s hard at work. “Sure thing. Fix you and Joss a milkshake first. On the house,” he adds with a nod.
I wave when he flashes a smile my way. Somehow, he’s not sick of seeing my face, despite how much time me and the guys spend here. Now that Blue and West have gotten things sorted out, Dusty’s Diner has kind of become our hang out, which Dusty doesn’t hate. According to him, people in this city look at our crew as local royalty, so business has been booming lately. If you ask me, we all have way too much baggage for anyone to envy us. I suppose they’re only considering what they assume is in our bank accounts, though, instead of the drama surrounding our actual lives.
Which is pretty damn shallow, but not a surprise.
Wonder what they’d think of me if they knew my father had completely cut me off? Would they still think it’s cool to be me?
Sighing, I go over all the shit I need to vent about. Blue makes two strawberry milkshakes, removes her apron, then joins me in the booth. She shoots me a grin and slides one of the tall glasses my way.
“Ok, so tell me what you think you screwed up,” she says, quoting the desperate text I sent a few hours ago.
Sighing, I stir the shake a bit, still getting my words together.
“Or we could start with something lighter,” I suggest, in no hurry to spill my guts.
“Oookay, what do you consider lighter?”
I shrug. “Anything. Tell me how Scar’s doing. She and your dad getting along okay without you?”
The first indicator that things have done a complete turnaround is that smile Blue’s wearing. Months ago, she’d been so hellbent on hating her father for the rest of her life. But now? She’s actually entrusted him with the one thing she loves on this planet as much as she loves West Golden.
Her sister, Scarlett.
“They’re good. She sent me a pic last night of their first homemade pizza together.”
“Did you go over for dinner?”
I know the answer before she even speaks, judging based on how her face is scrunched.
“Not exactly. I told them to get a bit more practice, then invite me,” she laughs. “I’d rather not be turned off from pizza for the rest of my life.”
A smile touches my lips, but there’s pain beneath it. Hearing how Scar is building a relationship with their once-estranged father is a reminder of how things with mine are falling apart.
“Enough about that stuff, though. What’s up with you?”
Hearing her ask, I accept that it’s time to get to the real reason I came seeking her advice today.
“I already know I did the right thing, but I guess I just need to tell someone,” I sigh. “Honestly, I’m not even sure why I texted you.”
“Is it about Dane?”
I nod. “Yeah.”
“…I’m listening,” she teases when I don’t elaborate.
I suck down some of the shake to buy myself a few more seconds, because I know how this is going to sound.
“Well, I’m managing Dane’s social accounts. Which, for now, just means I engage with his followers, respond to DMs, stuff like that. So, I officially started yesterday morning, and as I was wrapping things up, I came across a message from Rose’s daughter, Shawna. Apparently, Rose wants them to link up and—”
“Wait,” she cuts in. “When you say link up, what does that mean exactly?”
“It’s supposed to be a networking thing, but it seems kind of like a publicity stunt? Almost? Kind of?”
“So, Rose wants them to start dating—or at least look like they’re dating—to get people talking?” she asks.
“Yes, exactly. And when I mentioned to Dane that she’d reached out, he was casual about it, not all that interested. But then my dumb ass had to push,” I admit, hearing my own voice in my head from last night.
Blue pauses mid-sip to glare at me. “Joss, what the fuck did you do?”
I can’t even look her in the eyes, because more than anyone, she knows. Knows there’s a hidden layer to mine and Dane’s relationship. A layer that—if left unchecked—would turn into something it shouldn’t.
“I told him I’d set everything up.”
“As in, set up the date?” When she asks, her eyes nearly bug out of her skull.
“It was the right thing to do,” I say again, aware of how it sounds like I’m trying to convince myself.
Blue’s only response is to continue glaring at me.
“I know what you’re thinking, but you’re not there in that loft. It’s only been three days, and already I feel the pull,” I admit.
“Then don’t fight it!”
When I roll my eyes, she grabs my hand.
“Remember what you said to me when we were in Louisiana last Christmas?”
A deep breath fills my lungs and I hate that I do, in fact, know what she’s about to say.
“You told me there’s a type of love between you and Dane, even if it isn’t romantic love—which I’d beg to differ—but the point is that you like him. And you trust him. So, I fail to see the harm in, you know, getting a little closer,” she adds wiggling her shoulders until I laugh.
“I hate you.”
“You try.”
My gaze slips out the window and I know the damage is done. I’ve already backed myself into a corner with what I promised Dane over dinner. If I renege on my word now, he’ll know.
He’ll know I’m confused about my feelings for him about fifty percent of the time.
He’ll know I’ve considered throwing caution to the wind on many occasions, just to see what it’d be like to be with him. In every way imaginable.
“What’re you doing?” Blue’s eyes are fixed on my phone when I pull it from my pocket.
I finish the task at hand before answering, knowing she’ll only try to talk me out of this. It isn’t until I hit ‘send’ that I finally meet her gaze.
“I messaged Shawna back. Like I said I would.”
I’m getting that look again but turn away from it because I hear Blue’s thoughts now, too.
She thinks I’m being stubborn, thinks I’m digging myself in a deeper hole, thinks I’m doing something I’ll regret later.
How do I know this?
Because I’m thinking the same thing.
My phone sounds off in my hand and my heart sinks.
“That her?”
“It is,” I nod, trying to hold to the notion that this was all done in the name of preserving me and Dane’s friendship.
“Well? What’d she say?” Blue asks.
I meet her gaze and feel nauseated, knowing it’s now a done deal.
“She said what I expected her to. It’s a date.”
9
Dane
Well, I definitely didn’t see this coming. Not from a mile away.
If Joss wanted me to see she’s hellbent on keeping me in the friendzone forever, message received.
Nothing screams ‘it’s never happening’ louder than the girl you want appointing herself as your wingman.
Point taken.
Shawna’s late and I’m half a second from leaving when a light touch squeezes my shoulder.
“Hey.”
I turn and we lock eyes, recognizing her from her profile. I honestly hadn’t glanced at it before tonight. Figured I’d need to know what she looks like, so I don’t end up approaching a stranger by accident.
“I was just starting to think you wouldn’t show,” I say, lightheartedly enough that she knows I’m not upset.
“Yeah, sorry about that. My cat, GG, slipped out of my apartment when I was leaving. Which means I had to chase after her for like ten minutes before finally wrangl
ing her in. It was just… a whole thing,” she adds, sighing as she relives the stress of it.
When she looks up, she finds me smiling.
“What?”
“Your excuse is that you had to go chase your cat?”
She shrugs, grinning. “Well, what excuse would you accept? That I was washing my hair and lost track of time?”
A laugh slips and we’re moving now, taking slow steps down the sidewalk. Meeting up downtown—not too far from my place—seemed like the best idea.
Glancing over, I actually look at her now, instead of just scanning her features through the barrage of selfies on her IG.
She’s good-looking, definitely fuckable, and bears no physical resemblance to her mother. Thank God for small favors. Long hair stretches almost to her waist, the dark color contrasting her stark-blue eyes. I’m six-foot-three and, with the yellow heels she’s wearing, she nearly matches my height. Tight jeans hug the length of her legs and she’s curvier than expected. Another plus. Her hips and ass complement the nice rack her crop top’s showing off.
All-in-all, I’m not disappointed.
“Your messages were a little vague. I kind of thought the same thing you did, that you might not show.”
I push a hand through my hair, preparing to confess something. “Actually, I’m not the one who hit you up, so I’m not really sure how the conversation went.”
She grabs her chest, feigning offense. “I’m gutted! You mean to tell me I had a whole conversation thread with your secretary or some shit? That burns,” she adds with a laugh.
Okay, so she’s chill. Another plus.
“It wasn’t like that. Your mom suggested that I hire someone I trust to manage my accounts, so I tend to not do much on them myself anymore. You know, aside from posting pics and updates.”
“Ah, Rose,” she sighs. “She’s just the right amount of pushy to make me resent her, but good enough at her job that I don’t fire her ass. Blood or not.”
“I see you’re on a first-name basis with one of your parents, too.”
Shawna shrugs. “It was her idea, not mine. I turned ten, and she said being called Mom gave people the impression that she’s old, so she’s been Rose to me ever since.”
I flash Shawna a look, weighing my words carefully. “She’s… different.”
“Are you kidding me? The woman’s batshit crazy. I grew up with her, so I should know! Not to mention all the pressure to uphold this damn picture-perfect image she expects us to adhere to. Plus, on top of all the social pressure, she wants us physically perfect, too. I got so fed up with her last month, telling me I needed to find my way into the gym one extra day a week, I bought a double fudge sundae and vegged out on the couch in protest. It was the only way I could steal back that last bit of my soul she tried to take from me. Thank God I have my own place and can shut her out when I need to.”
Shaking my head, I have an epiphany. “You’re officially the only person who understands this side of my life. My brothers think I’m in the gym so much because I’m vain, and my friend, Joss, thinks it’s to stave off depression, but the truth of it is, I’d rather not have your mom rip me a new one if I don’t go.”
“Exactly! The woman either needs a stiff drink, or a stiff cock. I’m betting either one would chill her the fuck out. It becomes clearer every day why my dad bailed.”
On that note, it’s time to change the subject. I know better than to involve myself in other people’s family drama.
“Ice cream?”
Shawna’s gaze follows when I point across the street to the shop on the corner.
“You teasing me because of the story I just told you?”
I laugh a bit. “Total coincidence. This was part of the plan even before you shared.”
“We can go, but if you tell Rose I ate this, I’ll hunt you down.”
I raise my hands in surrender. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
She eyes me playfully, then nods.
I lead the way, stretching my arm in front of her when some asshole on a motorcycle runs a light and almost hits us. Once we finally make it to the window to order, I get yet another shock tonight.
“Hey, Shawna. The usual?”
Shawna glances at me and I hold in a laugh. “The usual?”
“Ok, so maybe I come here a lot. Sue me,” she whispers, and then gives her order to the cashier. I tell them to make it a double, then we stand off to the side while we wait.
“If you’re a regular, I take it you live close.”
Her gaze meets mine when she points. “Just up the street, actually. You far?”
I point in the opposite direction. “A few blocks and a couple turns that way.”
“That’s right. You just moved into a loft, didn’t you?”
My brow quirks. “You stalking me?”
Laughing, she shrugs. “Only on days Rose doesn’t have me busting my ass in the gym. But in my defense, social media makes it super easy to unearth shit about, well… anyone.”
Our order comes up before I can respond, but I don’t disagree with her.
We’re on the move again, both with fudge sundaes.
“I know your mom’s been here a few years, but what about you?”
“Just moved to CP about six months ago, actually. Speaking of, how the hell do you guys deal with Pandora? Thank God I’m not on her radar. That bitch is relentless!”
I shoot her a look when we near the front of the theater. The plan is to catch a movie, but first I need to burst her fucking bubble. When I smirk, she seems confused.
“You mean you weren’t on her radar. Because after tonight, she’ll definitely know who you are.”
Shawna’s steps halt with the realization. “Shit.”
“Yep, welcome to the dark side.”
“Gee, thanks.”
We finish the sundaes, take a few obligatory photos in front of the fountain so Rose stays off our backs. Then, once those are posted, we get in line to buy tickets.
“Ok, I have a confession,” Shawna pipes up.
“I’m listening.”
“So, we both know Rose makes a lot of overbearing, over-the-top suggestions, but… hanging out with you is one I wasn’t opposed to.”
She flashes me a blue stare and I don’t hate that I’m here with her either. The night could definitely be going worse.
“Who knows? That woman might have actually gotten something right this time.”
I feel when she glances at me again and I meet her stare.
“Yeah. Maybe she did.”
@QweenPandora: Well, what have we here, lovelies? PrettyBoyD’s been spotted with a brunette beauty on his arm and the two look cozy AF if you ask me. Eating ice cream. Turning the sidewalks of Downtown Cypress into their runway.
We all know our boy gets around, which is why I’ve come to think of him as the king of random hookups, but a date? Not quite his style, is it? Until now, the only girl he’s seen with in public, actually enjoying her company, is VirginVixen.
Could it be we jumped the gun thinking the roomies would make a quick love connection?
I’ll put a pin in this post until we get confirmation, but we’ve got our eyes on you PrettyBoyD and… let’s just call this busty babe NotJoss for now. Yeah, I think I like that.
Later, Peeps.
—P
10
Dane
“I’ll call you back in a few. Dane’s home,” Joss says in a rush just as I hear movement coming from her room.
“Can’t you two talk when we’re done?” a guy asks through her speakerphone. I can only assume it’s Carlos.
“He’s coming back from a… work thing, so I need to check in and see how it went,” Joss reasons, which is I guess how she sums up me being out with Shawna.
I slide off my sneakers and walk away, but then double back to put them on the rack when her request that I don’t leave them in the doorway rings in my ears. By the time I make it to the hall, she’s ended her call and the door t
o her bedroom flies open.
She’s smiling, but I know her. It’s not a real smile. It’s the kind she puts on to save face.
Something’s up.
“So, how was it?”
I pause, trying to find the right words. “It was… nice. Definitely went better than expected.”
A long, awkward silence fills the space between us, and Joss slips her hands into the pockets of her shorts.
“Oh, cool. I hoped you’d have fun.”
Real fucking nice. What I want is you, and what you want is for me to have fun with another girl.
Just what I wanted to hear.
“Well, I should turn in. I have a photoshoot tomorrow afternoon and I need to hit the gym before that, so…”
“Oh, right.” She laughs and I don’t miss that it’s almost as forced as that smile from a moment ago.
I take three steps before a breathy, “Wait,” makes me pause, then I glance over my shoulder. “Can’t you hang out for a few?” she asks. “I’d like to hear more about your night.”
I let that sink in, her wanting more details about the date. If the shoe were on the other foot, the last damn thing I’d want is to hear about her and some other guy. That’s where we’re different, though. I know she feels something, but she’s determined to suffocate the hell out of it until it dies. My guess? Convincing herself that I’m even half as interested in Shawna as I am in her will only help her believe that lie.
So, no fucking way. I won’t indulge her just to ease her damn conscience.
“I’m beat. Maybe tomorrow.”
I turn my back to her like before, after seeing proof that she’s visibly disappointed from having been shot down. Still, no one’s more disappointed than I am.
“I’m sorry.”
Those words hit me and despite myself, I stop again. And this time, I hear her take steps toward me.
“I know I fucked up,” she admits. “I should’ve… I should’ve asked if you were okay with this, going out with her.”
