Chapter 10
JESSI
My heart sinks as I snap the last meal-prep container and the garage door opens. Austin’s home, and I hope he’s alone. He terrorizes me even when it’s just us, but it’s even worse when his asshole friends tag along.
“Jessi, you home? Of course you are. You never do anything!” He lumbers over to me, leans against the wall, and sniffs. “What’s for dinner?”
“Nothing. These are my meals for the week. They are for me, not you. Got it?” I say with as much confidence as I can muster. “Have one of the many girls who throw themselves at you make you dinner, or better yet, take one of them out to dinner. You know, on a real date.”
“Funny, Jessi. I don’t need to spend my money on these girls. They’ll do whatever I say to be seen with me.”
I make a gagging noise. “For real, those are my lunches this week. Don’t eat them.”
He smacks the wall. “Fiiiiine. I’ll leave them alone. I’m having some of the guys over tonight, so we’ll probably get pizza. If you are going to be here, try not to be a bitch to David.”
I barely pay attention as I head upstairs to my room.
It’s after four o’clock and I want to leave the house for a bit, especially if David is coming over.
I consider texting Rachel. She and I haven’t been the same after my birthday party.
I’ve held a bit of a grudge that she didn’t see the big deal in what David said.
She thinks that I’m crazy for not wanting to sleep with him.
Since that party, she hasn’t gotten any closer to Austin and blames me.
It was my fault that David didn’t want to be around me, so they both stayed away.
I’ll never figure out what makes Rachel so stuck on a guy who treats her like she doesn’t exist.
I retrieve my phone and give in to temptation to have my one friend like me again.
Me
Hey Rachel. Long time no talk. Movie tonight?
Rachel
Hey! Where you been, girl? And sure, what time?
Me
It’s Flashback Friday. They are playing Reservoir Dogs—starts at 9pm.
Rachel
Yuck. What about My First Kiss? It’s a new romcom!
Me
Sure.
As always, I do whatever she wants. For once it would be nice to get my way, but whatever.
Rachel
Is it cool if I stay the night with you after? We need to catch up.
I grit my teeth. Of course she wants to come back after.
Me
Sounds like a plan!