An Endless Serenade

Chapter Sixteen

I didn't speak with Paul after that, giving him the silent treatment when he tried talking to me back at home, and even during the dinner I cooked. He tried to make conversation, but I wasn't in the mood to talk to him. After all, he was a hypocrite, making out with my Public Enemy Number One. Why did he lie to me? Was he too much of a coward just to tell me the truth? Every time the moment flashed through my head, a new wave of nausea washed over me. Why Olivia?

"You're jealous," Aspen announced the moment I told her about what'd happened with Paul and Olivia. We were sitting in English class, and I gestured for her to lower her voice. "You're jealous, and you don't even know it."

"Jealous?" I repeated. "Of what? Last I checked, I've had no urges to kiss that blonde bimbo."

"Not of Paul," Aspen corrected, rolling her eyes. "Of Olivia. You're jealous that she kissed Paul."

I cocked an eyebrow. "Why should I be?"

"Because you like him."

"I don't like him like that."

"Then why do you care if he kissed Olivia?" she challenged.

I stared at her. "Because Olivia's a bitch. Duh."

"What if I kissed him?"

My mouth opened, but whatever words were at the tip of my tongue disintegrated. Whether I wanted to admit it or not, I'd be angry if Aspen kissed Paul, even if she is my friend. In fact, I'd be more annoyed. "That doesn't prove anything," I said offhandedly.

Aspen smirked. "Sure it does. That you like him."

"No, I don't."

"Oh, you definitely do. It's a good thing you two live together. You'll have all the time in the world for... certain activities."

My cheeks flamed and I scowled at her. "He's a family friend."

"But he's not family, so it's legal."

"I don't..."

"Oh, come on," Aspen said, frowning now. "Think about it for a moment. He's cute, isn't he?"

"Yes, but—"

"And nice."

"Yes, but—"

"And rich and famous," she pointed out.

I sighed. "Money doesn't matter to me. Besides, you wouldn't know he was rich if he didn't mention it because he doesn't act like it."

"Well, see? Those are some good qualities in a guy. And I mean, he definitely likes you."

Surprised, I glanced at her. "Why do you say that?"

"You're hot."

I laughed. "Nice."

"But seriously," she started again, all humor gone. "I'd reconsider this date with Kyle if you feel so jealous about Olivia and Paul. Obviously he's not the one you're into."

Rubbing my forehead, I exhaled slowly. Kyle was writing something on the board, and I assumed that we were supposed to write it down, but I didn't feel like it. "I like him fine."

"Uh-huh."

"Do your work, Aspen."

"Do your guardian, Allie."