Not So Bad After All (BWWM)(EDITING)

Chapter Fourteen

"The darker the coffee, the richer it tastes," he chuckled, glancing at me with a smirk.

Was that an innuendo? I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head.

"Glad you think so," I smiled, trying to keep the mood light.

He smirked back, his eyes locking with mine. "You have no idea."

"By the way, you didn't have to give me a ride. I could've walked," I said, hoping to change the topic. I didn't want my mind wandering to less pure thoughts.

"Sure, but I am. If I wanted you to walk, I would've just let you." He shrugged casually. "But I'm feeling kind of nice today. I got a sneak peek at my grades for this semester, and they're looking pretty good."

"That's great!" I said with a bright smile. "See, studying really does help. Even if it's just for thirty minutes a day. It's something."

He glanced at me a few times, and I couldn't quite read the look on his face—was it happiness? Excitement? Jayden was hard to figure out sometimes.

"Yeah, piece of cake, right?" He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Yup," I nodded. "You've got this, Jay."

He smirked, shaking his head, letting the conversation trail off.

We pulled up to the diner, and I grabbed my bag. "Thanks for the ride, Jay." I gave him a sincere smile before opening the car door.

"No problem."

"See you Monday."

He drove off, and I walked inside. The familiar smell of coffee and sweet treats immediately filled my senses, easing the tightness in my chest.

I loved this place. It was like a second home. The warmth of the smells, the welcoming people—it all made me feel like I was stepping into a hug. And honestly, I could really use a hug today.

I was pissed, but I had learned to hide it well. Upset because of a boyfriend who was a sorry excuse for a partner. I couldn't let my emotions take over; I had to stay professional. But if I wasn't here right now... I didn't know what I'd do.

__________________
Jayden's Pov
________________

Why does she keep calling me "Jay"? No one calls me that. I don't mind it, but it's weird to have a nickname.

Instead of going to my family's house, I ended up at my place—the one I throw parties at.

I come here when I really don't want to deal with my parents. My mom's drinking is out of control, and my dad... well, he's a different story. He and I clash in the worst way. I don't mind staying locked in my room, but I'd rather just avoid him altogether. Thank God for this house. My home away from hell.

I kicked off my shoes and made a beeline for the kitchen. I keep this place stocked with food since I'm usually here. I heated up some chicken and brown rice I meal prepped for the week and plopped down in front of the TV to eat. Eventually, I passed out, and when I woke up, it was some odd hours later, my phone ringing in my hand.

"Yo?" I answered, my voice rough from sleep.

"Aye yo, get dressed. Couples night tonight. We lit, boii!" Ryan's voice blasted through the phone.

"You're inviting a single guy to couples night?" I asked, trying to wake up.

"You mean to tell me a fine ass motherfucker like you can't call up one of those girls you're messing with? It's Friday, bro. Get dressed. Meet us at the movies at seven on the dot. IT'S LIT!" He yelled before hanging up.

I sat there, debating whether or not I wanted to go. I'd have to call up Natasha and ask if she wanted to come with me. I'd have to pretend to be interested in her the whole night, but she was a guaranteed lay, so I guess I could act for a few hours.

By the time six o'clock rolled around, I was fully recharged. I jumped in the shower, got dressed, and was ready to pick up Natasha.

I got to the movies around six forty. Everyone was already there. Chris and his girl Danielle, Michael and Jasmine, Brandon and Sky—guess they're dating now—and Jamaal with Sara. Me with Natasha, and Ryan... with nobody?

I couldn't believe he invited Sara to couples night. Invite your side chick when you've got your main chick at home? That's not smart, man. Not smart at all.

"Where's Rose?" I asked Ryan.

"At work. She gets off in like five minutes. We're just waiting for her."

"Aren't you going to pick her up? She's not walking here, right?" I shouldn't have had to ask that.

"She'll be fine. Besides, let's be honest, she could use a little more exercise," he laughed.

My jaw clenched. No one laughed with him, but he didn't seem to care. I glanced over at Sky, who was about to say something but didn't. Brandon rubbed her back and shook his head.

I guess they do look good together. All my boys are getting into relationships. What's up with that?

"Can we go pick her up?" Sky asked Brandon.

"Of course. Come on," Brandon said, leading her out.

"I'll get her," I said.

"You sure?" Sky asked, giving me a wary look.

"Yeah," I nodded. "Hey, I'll be back, okay?" I told Natasha.

"I'll just come with you," Natasha said.

"No need. I'll be back in a few minutes."

"Okay," she pouted.

Her pouting didn't faze me. Honestly, I kind of wanted to tell her to cut it out because it wasn't cute.

"Hurry up!" Ryan yelled from across the lot as I walked toward my car.

"Shut up, man," I shot back over my shoulder.

He's my boy, but he's an asshole. This is his job, not mine. He should be the one picking her up, not me. He needs to lay off whatever the hell he's smoking and get it together.

I don't even know why I volunteered to pick up Rose. It was like an impulse, something I just felt like I had to do.

But instead of overthinking it, I gave myself the same excuse I gave Rose earlier: I'm in a good mood today. Grateful for the good grades she helped me get. That's all.