Page 7 of Hate You Forever

I nod. “That’s right. How you been? I haven’t seen you since you graduated high school.”

He nods. “I’m good, man. Have a seat.” He pushes a chair in my direction.

I see the look Pearl shoots his way, but I ignore it. She must hate me because Jade hates me. But as soon as I get Jade back on my side, she’ll be on my side too.

“So, did that football career take you anywhere?” He picks up his drink, taking a sip.

I laugh and shake my head. “Nah, I enlisted in the army. Just got back home, actually.”

“Wow, that’s cool. Good for you. Not much has changed.” He just now seems to notice that something is off with Pearl. He wraps his arm around her shoulders.

“Not much has changed at all,” I agree.

“Sorry. The line to the bathroom was long,” Jade says, walking up to take her seat at the table, but she stops short when her eyes land on mine.

I take her in. She’s fucking beautiful. Her long black hair hangs nearly to her waist, and she’s wearing a black sun dress that has little blue and white flowers printed on it. At her narrow waist is a belt, which gives her the perfect hourglass shape. My eyes drop further, taking in her long legs. The darkness of her hair and dress make her alabaster skin look much more fair. I feel my mouth start to water when I think about what’s beneath that dress and how sweet she used to taste.

“Jade,” I greet her with a nod of my head.

She looks at Pearl. “What’s he doing here?”

She shrugs and doesn’t take her eyes off of me.

Blake leans forward and looks at the three of us. “Is there something I’m missing here?”

“No,” Jade interjects.

“Jade and Memphis used to date back in high school,” Pearl says, trying to play the mediator.

Blake nods knowingly.

“It was a long time ago,” I tell him, still watching Jade. “Please, Jade, don’t let me stop you from having a good time. Sit.”

She clenches her jaw but takes her seat once again. Excitement courses through me at the idea of getting her on that dance floor, like the good old days.

“So, what happened with the two of you?” Blake asks, looking from Jade to me and back.

“He took my virginity at prom, then up and left town without so much of a goodbye.” Jade shoots me a look.

Blake’s eyes double in size as he looks at me. He shakes his head and lifts his glass. “Sorry I asked,” he mumbles, tipping it back to take a swig.

FIVE

Jade

Icome back from the bathroom and stop dead in my tracks when I see Memphis sitting at our table. Anger bubbles in my stomach and climbs its way up my throat, burning like acid.

How dare he show up here? After the way he left? Didn’t he get the picture earlier when I ran into him?

I don’t want to talk to him, don’t want to see him. I thought that was clear. Why doesn’t he just go back to wherever in the hell he’s been hiding for the last ten years?

I take a deep calming breath and push myself forward. I have a seat and intend on ignoring him for the rest of the night. However, I didn’t realize how hard that would be. His presence isn’t something that can be ignored. His strong frame is covered in rippling muscles. His blonde hair and green eyes are strikingagainst his tanned skin. I could get lost in those eyes. They’re the color of grass early in the morning, fresh with dew, sparking with the rising sun, and so bright, they capture everyone’s attention. But that smirk, that’s what gets me the most. It’s sexy and teasing at the same time. It’s inviting but exclusive, only meant for me. And while that thought makes excitement course through my body, it also makes me raise my guard up. I don’t want to get hurt by him again.

Blake leans over and whispers something in Pearl’s ear, and she smiles and nods before they stand and move to the dance floor, leaving us alone.

Memphis looks over at me, and I see something brewing behind those green eyes of his. He leans just a bit closer. “I’m sorry, Jade. I really am.”

I scoff. “Sorry for what? Are you sorry for taking my virginity even though you knew that you were going to up and leave? Are you sorry for leaving the way you did? Or are you sorry that you left me here, alone for almost ten years, while I tried to get over you?”

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