Page 41 of Fast Break
The waitress asks for our drinks and Jace orders a vodka tonic while I ask for a coke. Jace is definitely nervous and now he’s got me feeling suspicious as we make weird small talk with each other. Even after that time we made out in his bedroom wasn’t as awkward as this.
The waitress returns with our drinks and asks if we’re ready to order. Jace picks up his menu and starts to order before I chime in.
“We should wait for the others.”
“Let’s just order, Quinn,” Jace returns. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Okay,” I sigh, picking up the menu and selecting the calzone after Jace orders a penne carbonara. “Are you okay?” I ask when the waitress leaves us alone.
“Fine,” he replies, eyes darting around the room.
“Are you on something?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at him.
“No. I’m not on something and everything’s fine,” he huffs. I let it drop.
The waitress arrives back with our food. It’s only when we’re halfway through our meal and there’s still no sign of Benson and Eddie that the penny finally drops. I let out a deep breath.
“Jace?” My suspicions rise even further when he steadfastly avoids my eyes, focusing on his food. “Where are the others?”
“Others?” he shrugs, all innocence. “Who said the others were coming?”
“You did.”
“Nope, not me. If you made that assumption that’s on you,” he replies, taking a bite of carbonara.
“Jace,” I repeat. He continues avoiding my eye and I shift in my seat. “Is this meant to be a date?”
Jace sighs heavily before sitting back in his seat, finally looking at me. He doesn’t confirm my question but the defiant glint in his eye says enough.
“Jace, you can’t trick someone into going on a date with you. That’s not cool.”
“I know, Quinn,” he sighs, shoulders drooping. “But how else do I get your attention. You’re so obsessed with … Well, it doesn’t matter but you don’t even look at me anymore.”
“That’s because we’re just friends,” I reply calmly. I’m actually kind of pissed at him right now but I also don’t want to hurt him. The way he’s looking at me, though, makes me think that might be inevitable.
“I know. So you keep telling me. But I don’t want to be just friends with you, Quinn. I’ve never wanted to be just friends with you. You’re the one who made that call. While I still had my hand on your dick if you recall.”
I sigh and press my fingers to my temple, remembering that awkward post-make out conversation. I’ve secretly suspected Jace likes me but we’ve always been happy to skirt around that issue. And it’s not like he’s been pining over me. He’s slept with loads of guys, dated a few even.
“Jace,” I begin.
“Look, I know it’s not okay to trick you into a date,” he cuts back in. “I know you’re probably annoyed with me, but I’ve waited for you for years and I feel like … I feel like I’m about to lose you for good and I needed to do something before it’s too late. I’m not saying I want to be boyfriends or anything. It can be whatever you want it to be.”
“Are you honestly suggesting you think we can have casual sex and not have it affect our friendship?” I ask, unsure whether to laugh or not.
“Why not? We both like sex. I want to have it with you. Doesn’t need to be complicated.”
“Jace,” I sigh. “You know I’ll always be your friend, but you really could do with learning a little self-respect. You’re a really nice guy and you don’t need me to tell you you’re good looking. You don’t have to give away parts of yourself just to get attention.”
“I know that, Quinn. I have zero issues attracting attention from any guy. Any guy butyou.”
“And is that the real issue here? The fact I’m the only guy who’s ever told you no?” He says nothing but I can see my question has hit the mark. “I am sorry, Jace. I just don’t see us that way.”
Jace is silent for a full minute before he finally drops the act. “JT is not going to suddenly turn gay for you, Quinn,” he says, getting to the real issue at hand. “He and Chanel are a thing. Everyone knows, man. It’s embarrassing the way you keep looking at him. He’s only going to hurt you.”
“Can we leave JT out of this?” I reply, getting defensive myself now.
“Why? You literally can’t take your eyes off him. Every time he walks in the room you don’t even hear a word anyone else says. He’s all you think about anymore. And don’t think I didn’t see you with your hands in his hair when we were at your house.”
