Lexi's In A New City

Chapter 20

Lexi finally returned to New York City late Monday night. She was exhausted when she reached her dorm, thanks to a combination of the two flights and the jet lag that came with it. But she slowly returned to her regular school routine over the next few days. By the time Friday rolled around, she was feeling more like herself. She relished sleeping in that day thanks to having no classes, but she still made time to work on some readings and upcoming assignments. She looked forward to keeping the rest of her day low-key, but Nikita changed that in the early afternoon when she returned from class.

"The guys were planning on going to The Bean's Knees tonight for dinner, and Felipe invited us to come along, too."

At this, Lexi winced. "I'm assuming Cassie and Mariana will both be there, too?"

"Unfortunately for you, yes," Nikita confessed. "But I'm sure it won't get ugly. You'll be fine."

"Well...alright, I'll come."

Later that evening, Lexi and Nikita walked over to The Bean's Knees for a late dinner with their friends. They met up with everyone at a large table, except for Cassie. Isaac explained that she was coming from a class that ended at six, and therefore would be a little late.

"You look more gorgeous than ever, Lexi," Felipe remarked.

"Don't even think about it," Lexi warned. "It's not gonna happen."

Everyone burst out laughing, except for Felipe. He looked down at the table with defeat, and shook his head like he couldn't believe he'd been rejected again.

"Oh, quit pouting," Lexi added. "I'm sure another girl will fall for your questionable charm eventually."

"Someone always does," Nikita pointed out. "It's sad, but true."

"I have to agree with that," Mariana chimed in.

Felipe scowled, though he couldn't help but chuckle. "You got that right."

Soon after that exchange, Cassie showed up and greeted everyone. She sat across from Lexi and kissed Isaac on the cheek. He seemed shocked by the gesture, but didn't say anything about it.

"Hey, guys," she greeted. "Sorry for being late."

"It's all good," DeShawn said.

"I got you your favourite," Isaac added.

"Aww, thanks," Cassie replied. "You're too good to me, babe."

Lexi couldn't help but notice that Cassie was in a much better mood than she had been before Thanksgiving. She was also all over Isaac— almost sitting on his lap, touching his chest, and even openly teasing him with sex. Her PDA was disgusting and uncomfortable to all those sitting nearby. Lexi kept her attention on everyone else's chatter about their respective holiday weekends so that she didn't watch Cassie and Isaac groping each other.

"Lexi, did you stay here for Thanksgiving?" Nikita asked.

"No, actually," Lexi answered. "I managed to fly home to see my parents and have a nice dinner. I'm not gonna lie, I miss them a lot."

"I totally get that," DeShawn said. "But it must be harder on you 'cause you're here, and they're in California."

"It is, but I'm doing okay."

Cassie rolled her eyes, but didn't say anything smart. Isaac didn't notice it, but Lexi certainly had. Again, she kept her focus on the conversation at hand.

"Well, that's good," Nikita said.

"Are there any cute guys in San Diego?" Mariana asked.

Lexi let out an amused laugh. "No, not that I'm aware of. Although honestly, I wasn't out looking for any while I was visiting my parents. I spent more of my time hanging out with them 'cause I hadn't seen them in so long."