Page 84 of Only With You

She doesn’t look at me when I’m tutoring her. Doesn’t acknowledge me when we run into each other on campus. For fuck’s sake, she doesn’t even argue with me. How are we supposed to get along if we don’t argue?

She hasn’t said anything about the flowers, but my best bet is that she hated them and threw them away. I haven’t seen them around the apartment, and Gabby and Polly didn’t bring it up. Knowing them, they would have already.

And she never followed me back on Instagram.

None of this should bother me, but it really does. So I’m here at the store, perusing through each mug, trying to find the best one to apologise for my shit attitude.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what Reid said, but I’m not sure I agree with everything. Sure, I need to work on being a tactful communicator and express myself without feeling overwhelmed. But the disappointment part, I don’t know. I rather expect the worst than make myself believe there’s hope because that way, I don’t hurt myself when it all goes to shit. Because in my experience, everything always does.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come out with us tonight?” Jagger asks, skimming over the seasonal mugs that take up most of the aisle.

I shake my head, picking up a mug that looks like a mummy. They do have a few Christmas ones, but Halloween will be here in a few days, and I’m sure once it passes, they’ll get rid of the fall ones.

“Oh, come on, Landon. Youneedto come out with us. You’ll have fun,” Malik coaxes.

“I’m banned from The Haunted Hills.”

Freshman year, we all went out to The Haunted Hills haunted house and maze. Before we went, I told them I didn’t do well in those places, but still, they insisted I go. A few minutes in, I punched one of the guys unconscious that was part of the attraction and he had to be sent to the hospital. Needless to say, the owner didn’t take it lightly and banned me.

I didn’t mean to, but I don’t take surprises well.

Malik gapes, staring at me shell-shocked. “You’re banned? You guys didn’t tell me that.”

Jagger and Jayden explain while I continue to browse.

“But I didn’t mean to come to The Haunted Hills. I meant, come with us to the party. There will be a shitload of girls. The volleyball team, track team, swim team, fuck, the gymnasts are going to be there. And you know how flexible they are.” Malik smiles slyly.

“I’m already going out with you guys on Halloween. And I’m not interested in any of those girls,” I deadpan.

Saint groans, but then beams. “Is there a girl you’re interested in? I can get her to come easily. Or what’s your type? I can help you find her tonight.”

“Any girl with big tits.” Jagger doesn’t miss a beat.

“Oh, that’s easy. I got you.” Saint nods to himself.

I appreciate them any size, but I’m a fucking goner for girls with big breasts. Particularly the pair that belong to a certain blonde with electric, sapphire eyes.

“I don’t need your help, and I’m not going out with you all. I’ve got plans.”

Gabby slipped up, and told me Julianna’s not going with them tonight because she’s working tomorrow. I don’t know if she’ll want to talk to me, let alone allow me in, but I guess I’ll find out in a few.

Afterward, I’ve planned to go to the library’s studio and record another song. I’ve also been working on an excerpt that I’d like to finish.

“Oh, with?” They all stare curiously.

I ignore them because they’ll make something out of nothing. As much as I trust Jagger, he’ll ask questions, and they’re something I’m not ready to answer.

Not out loud, at least. I’ve been musing over them this past week, obsessively fixating over them…overher.

It’s wrong because I find myself thinking of her at random times, hearing her voice at any time, seeing her face when I’m in the shower, wondering if she’s bought the hot chocolate from the café in the university. They’ve recently brought it back because it’s in season.

Jag elbows me, interrupting my thoughts. “I need a huge favor, and as my best friend, you’re not allowed to say no.”

Here we go. Anytime he needs something and knows I’m going to say no, he says this bullshit. He doesn’t give me a second to reply because he’s talking again.

“Semi is in December and I’m going with Grace and I just thought?—”

“No. You know I’m not?—”

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