Page 22 of Hate You Forever

“That’s Noodle,” I say, pointing in his direction.

“He’s cute.”

We wait a few minutes and Noodle comes in. We follow along behind him and sit on the couch.

“Can I get you anything? You’ve come a long way. You have to be hungry or thirsty.” I stand and movetoward the kitchen, opening the fridge and digging around for anything. I haven’t been to the store lately, so a Coke and chips it is. I take the items back to the living room.

He takes the soda and takes a long drink. He waves off the chips, but I’m nervous and open the bag to stuff one in my mouth.

“I can’t believe you’re actually here,” I say around my loud crunching.

He smiles wide, showing me his perfectly straight, white teeth. “I know. I’m excited too.”

I roll my eyes. “I wish there was more around here to show you.”

“Your place will work just fine.” He winks and I get the hint. But there is no way I’m showing him around my place. I know we’ll end up in the bedroom, and I need to avoid that. But breaking up with him now, after he’s made such a long journey to see me, seems harsh. It has to be done though, especially if I want to give Memphis and me a real shot.

“Paul, I have to tell you something,” I start but stop when someone knocks on the door.

I take a deep breath and stand. “Hold that thought.” I move toward the door, but before I can get to it, it opens and Memphis walks in. He’s wearing a smile until he sees Paul sitting behind me. His smilefalls as his jaw tightens. Anger fills his eyes and paints his features.

“Memphis, I can explain.”

TWELVE

Memphis

I’m watching the football game when Pearl makes her way back from the bathroom.

“Where’s Jade?” I lean over and ask.

“Oh, her mom called and needed help with something. She said she would get ahold of you tomorrow.” She offers up a smile before diverting her eyes back to the field.

I wonder why she didn’t let me know herself but shrug it off and watch the rest of the game. It takes another hour before the game is over and the crowd is thinning out. I pull my phone out of my pocket and check to see if she’s left me any messages, but there’s nothing on the screen. Blake and Pearl take off back to their car, but I decide to head over to Jade’s to make sure everything is okay. After spending the night last night, the last place I want to be is backin my childhood room. I really need to find myself an apartment since I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.

I get behind the wheel and make the short drive over to her place. I knock on the door and then open it, letting myself in. When I see that she’s here and in one piece, I smile as relief washes over me. On the short drive from the field to her place, I managed to convince myself that something was wrong, but here she is in one piece. Then my eyes find the strange man sitting on her couch.

I look back at her and she seems nervous. “Memphis, this is Paul. Paul, this is Memphis,” she introduces.

I lean over to shake his hand, a little confused. “Paul…isn’t that the guy you met online?”

She forces a smile and nods. “Yes, it is. They had a massive storm that knocked out the power, so we haven’t been able to talk for a while now. He didn’t want me to worry, so he made the trip here while they’re working on restoring power.”

I nod. “Can I talk to you? Privately?”

“Sure. Paul, the remote is right there. Make yourself at home, and I’ll be right back.” She walks with me outside.

The moment I’m on the sidewalk, I turn to face her. “Jade, what the fuck?”

“I know, I’m sorry,” she says, raising her hands to rub her temples. “Worst timing ever, right?”

“You’ve got to tell him.” I motion toward her apartment.

“I know. I just…feel so bad. I mean, he traveled halfway around the world for me. And I swear, I broke things off between us, but he just hasn’t seen it.”

“So what’s your big plan here? Are you just going to act like you’re still with him while he’s here, maybe kiss him and screw him while you’re at it?” Anger is getting the best of me. I shouldn’t have said that, I realize the moment the words leave my lips.

She acts like I’ve reached out and slapped her. “Are you kidding me right now?” Her black brows are drawn together in what I can only imagine to be amazement at how stupid I am. “If you wouldn’t have run off the way you did, I never would’ve started internet dating to begin with. Yeah, I know it’s a shitty situation, but I will deal with it how I see fit. And for you to imply that I’d sleep with him is far too mean to say, even for you. Now please leave. I have company.” She turns to leave. I can’t let her walk away right now, not while there’s a guy in there waiting for her, not in the middle of our fight.

---