Page 5 of Second Chance Ex
Joey nods once, eyes trailing over me excruciatingly slow. And I don’t even know what’s happening rightnow, but it feels like the air in the room has turned almost prickly, like static. I’ve never been looked at by a boy the way Joey Tanner is looking at me right now. I really wish I wasn’t wearing Maddy’s ill-fitting skirt and a knitted sweater with a fucking rainbow on the front of it. I cross my arms in front of me, in an attempt to shield myself, clamping my bottom lip between my teeth so I don’t say something embarrassing or inappropriate.
“I’m Joey.”
I can’t help but guffaw, offering him a wry look. I know who he is.Everyoneknows who he is. There really is no need for an introduction from a guy like Joey Tanner.
“So, Prue, can I ask why you’re locked away in my bathroom?” He takes a step forward and bends over to collect my bag from the floor, holding it out for me.
I take it from him, quickly shovingTwilightinside. “Look, I’m sorry, I know I shouldn’t be up here. I had nowhere else to go. Ihateparties,” I confess, because what’s the point in lying now? “But my best friend made me come, and then literally ditched me for a boy two minutes after we got here. I thought I could just hide out in here until she’s ready to leave. I didn’t think I’d be any bother. I can leave, if it’s?—”
“It seems we have something in common, you and me,” Joey interjects.
I almost laugh. Because what on earth could Joey Tanner and I possibly have in common.
“My best friend ditched me, too.” He scoffs with a shake of his head. “He made me throw this stupid ass party just so he could get a damn girl here. And the second she shows up… BAM! He’s gone.”
I quirk a brow, studying him, realizing what he’s just told me. “You’re talking about Ryan Conrad, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, why? Oh no…” He rolls his eyes then as if he’s just realized something. “You’re not another vacuous member of the Ryan Conrad fan club, are you?”
I offer him a long, leveled look in return. “No, but Madison Morrow ismybest friend.”
“Huh.” He watches me, silently contemplating what I’ve just said as he flashes that trademark lop-sided grin. “Did we just become best friends?”
I can’t help but smile at hisStep Brothersreference. I shrug, trying to play it cool. “By association, at least.”
Joey steps closer, holding his arm out in an unexpected gentlemanly fashion, waiting for me to take it. When I don’t, he scoffs. “I don’t bite, Prue.” He lifts one broad shoulder in a shrug, adding, “I mean, not unless you ask me to.” He winks.
I swear I can feel the heat flush my cheeks at his innuendo, no doubt turning my face an embarrassing shade of crimson. Despite myself, I tentatively link my arm through his and allow him to escort me out of the bathroom. But when we turn right instead of the direction of the stairs, I spear him with a sideways glance. “Where are we going?”
“Prue, I want to be downstairs at that party as much as I want a festering case of chlamydia.”
I scrunch up my nose at his choice of analogy and he grins. “Let’s go hang out in my room while we wait for Ryan and Madison to finish doing… each other.”
I grimace at his words, and again, Joey chuckles that deep, throaty laugh as he leads me to a door at the endof the hallway, opening it to a ridiculously huge bedroom with a massive bed, a separate sitting area, a huge flatscreen on the wall, even its own fireplace. Jesus. I cast him a wary glance, but he just holds his hands up in defense. “I’ve got a fully-stocked mini fridge and on-demand movies.”
I can’t believe he’s standing right in front of me, invitingme, Prue Watson, into his bedroom. He’s Joey Tanner. Almost every girl at school has his name scribbled on the inside of their binders with tiny hearts, even the freshmen girls. He could literally have his pick of any one of the girls at Rosewood High. And he’s had his fair share; I’ve heard the rumors. What the hell does he want with me?
I narrow one eye, cautiously meeting his gleaming gaze. “No funny business?”
“Cross my heart and hope to die.” He draws a cross over his chest with his index finger. “Besides, I’m not like that.”
“Yeah, right!” I snap my mouth shut when I realize I might’ve just said that way too quickly.
“I’m offended.” Joey laughs, flashing me a cocky grin that contradicts his words.
I roll my eyes.
“Seriously, though, I’m one of the good guys, Prue. I promise.” And I’d probably believe him if it weren’t for the smirk. But then he leans in closer and I’m inundated by an intoxicating scent. He holds a finger to his lips, and I notice an unexpected earnestness in his eyes as he whispers, “Just don’t tell anyone.”
I stare at him, a little taken aback. I can’t quite figure him out. He’s possibly the cockiest guy in all of Rosewood Valley, maybe even the state of California.But there’s something else. Something deeper, hidden beneath the confident façade he wears so well. He’s confusing to say the lease. A living, breathing conundrum. And I’m not sure why, but I feel like I might be balancing precariously on the edge of no return as I follow him into his bedroom. But, I mean, can you blame me? He is Joey Tanner after all.
With a bottle of celebratory wine, a bouquet of flowers and a big smile I’ve spent all morning rehearsing, I walk intoLux, Madison’s designer clothing boutique on Main Street. I’m immediately greeted by a chorus of high-pitched squeals and I try not to grimace at the piercing sound, but it’s proving difficult given the state of my head. After news of my best friend’s engagement, I opened another bottle of wine. Frankly, I’m not sure if I was celebrating or drowning my sorrows, maybe both. Whatever it was, to say I’m slightly hungover would be a major understatement. I’m quietly dying.
Inside, Madison is standing behind the glass counter, surrounded by a few of the girls we’ve been friends with most of our lives, all admiring the giant diamond ring perched on my best friend’s finger. When Maddy sees me, her face breaks into an even biggersmile and she practically runs to me, swallowing me in her arms.
“Congratulations!” I hug her tightly.
She pulls away, offering me a closer look at the rock, and I must admit, it’s pretty impressive. Although, I’m hardly surprised, Ryan’s not just loaded, he has that generational kind of wealth, and Maddy is a woman with impeccable taste of the highest standards.
