Page 103 of The Fallen Ones

“I’ll leave you to your date. Have a nice time, Lil bit,” Caleb said and kissed me on the cheek, completely ignoring Brandon’s presence. At least outwardly. It was the muscle thrumming along his jaw that let me know he wasn’t happy. I wanted to run after him and tell him it was nothing. That I was just filling the empty hours, trying something new, being adventurous… instead, my heart continued to hurt as he made his way inside the elevator without so much as a glance back.

“Here, let’s throw that inside your apartment. I made reservations I don’t want us to be late.” Brandon took the bag from my hand and tossed it into my apartment. It landed with athunkonto my living room floor.

I gulped as I looked up at him and hoped he hadn’t just broken my gift from Caleb.

“I just need to grab my purse.”

“What for? You don’t need it. I’m paying. I always pay for my woman.”

“It has my personal items in it. My phone, makeup. Girl stuff.” I found myself explaining why I wanted to take my purse with me. It was more than that though. I wanted to pick up the gift Caleb had given me and properly put it up. The fact Brandon had just thrown it wasn’t sitting well with me.

“Like I said, you don’t need it. All you need tonight is this,” he said, taking my key out of the inside of my apartment door.

“I’d really like to take my purse with me.” I protested.

“Hurry up.” He let out a sigh, his tone letting me know he was annoyed at my persistence.

Quickly, I darted into my apartment. I picked up the gift Caleb had given me and placed it on my coffee table before I grabbed my purse and threw my phone inside.

“Got it.” I smiled, trying to ease the tension.

“Good. Let’s go.” He took my hand and led me to the elevator, his voice gruff.

By the time we made it downstairs and into the parking lot Caleb had long gone.

Once again Brandon unlocked his car and left it for me to open the door and climb inside.

“I figured you’d wear something a little more… revealing,” he said scanning me up and down as we got to his car.

“I like this dress. I’m sorry if you don’t. I can go and change if you need me to,” I said in a moment of crushed emotion as I stared down at the pretty lavender knee-length dress I was wearing.

It hurt even more because Caleb had said how stunning I looked, while Brandon seemed disappointed.

“We don’t have time for that. We’re already five minutes behind schedule because of your… friend. You sure there’s nothing going on between you two?” he asked, his tone clipped.

“We’re just friends. We grew up together. I’m sure I’ve already told you that.” I gulped at the thought of him being angry with me.

“It’s just a little odd. You seem to spend a lot of time together. I don’t believe in all that crap. A guy and girl can never just be friends. You’re naive to think he doesn’t want more with you, Lily.” He didn’t continue because he got into the car. I followed, closing myself in and clicking my seatbelt in place. I contemplated just getting out and leaving because I didn’t like his attitude, but I stayed because I wasn’t even sure how to navigate leaving the situation.

He started the car and pulled out of his spot before heading to whatever restaurant he’d made reservations for. I had no idea and I didn’t want to ask.

We drove the rest of the way without exchanging a single word. I’d been forced to listen to whatever he had blasting through his car speakers. It wasn’t any kind of music I’d usually listen to so I couldn’t sing along, not that this music had lyrics. It sounded like a huge commotion of pointless noise. I sat quietly and endured it, staring out of the window until the neon sign for Vermillion came into view.

It was an exclusive restaurant on the rich side of town. I was glad to know Brandon was paying because I’d never be able to afford to eat here or any place like this at all.

He pulled into a parking spot and shut off the engine.

“We’ll be lucky if they seat us at this rate,” he muttered, getting out of the car.

I sighed and exited the car as fast as I could. I knew not to wait for him to open the door for me.

“Come on,” he called out as he walked ahead and let the restaurant door swing shut almost trapping me.

He wasn’t much of a gentleman, but he’d made it clear he liked me. He probably wasn’t used to having to make an effort before he got the girl. At least I told myself that was the excuse for his behavior.

“Rogers.” He told the greeter as she waited to seat guests.

“Yes. Here you are. There’s still another fifteen minutes until your reservation, Mr. Rogers.” She smiled politely as she glanced at the guest list.

---