Awkward

Chapter 15

“Fine, but you can’t tell him.” she warned and Chase gasped

“I know him?!” he said excitedly “This is such juicy gossip!” he said and I laughed at his tone, he sounded like a girl.

“She likes Jase.” I said and Chase gaped

“I thought that was a joke between your father and him just to bug him! I didn’t think it was serious!” 

“Didn’t think what was serious?” Jase said as he slid into the booth next to Ashley who looked panicked 

“Just that Ashley got a… severe case of chicken pocks” I said and Chase shot me a confused glare, I shrugged. What? I panicked! Jase’s popped open and he scooted away from Ashley who laughed and stuck her tongue out at him

“Relax, it was a false alarm.” she said as she winked at us, Jase shrugged

“I’m still keeping my distance.” he muttered and Ashley gasped and threw a fry at him, he blinked and thew another one at her, and that resulted in a little play fight, ah.

“So listen,” Chase said as Ashley and Jase continued their little fight “the deans of admission at USC invited me to this party at one of their houses…” he said as he took another bite out of his pizza “and I was wondering if you’d like to be my plus one.” 

“Really?” I whispered “What about your parents?” I asked and he shook his head 

“They get to go because there my parents, but I get a plus one as a guest.” he winked “So, you in?” he asked and I sighed. Should I go? I mean, yeah, I’m his girlfriend and all, but what would I even be doing there? I know nothing about football, I’m so awkward around people that I don’t know… “Ava?” he whispered and I snapped out of my thoughts, I sighed before nodding

“Yeah, sounds fun.” 

*****

It wasn’t. The house was filled with executives and important people of the university, my head felt like it was spinning from so much talk about football, I was clutching so hard onto Chase’s arm I felt like I was about to rip it off from such force.

“Are you okay?” he whispered and I blinked before nodding

“Yeah, I think I’m just going to get a drink.” I said before kissing his cheek and walking over to the bar. I sighed with content at the taste of alcohol on my lips, I didn’t drink, but I was desperate. I felt like I was in a sea of people and no one noticed me, I felt small and weird. 

“Isn’t all of this amazing?” A girl to my right said, I looked at her and half-smiled “I mean, all of this for the football players, and the newcomers too.” she added and I nodded softly “Are you a fan?” she asked and I frowned 

“Sorry?” I said and she laughed

“Of football!” she said with a giggle as she sipped on her drink “I live for it; my dad’s a talent scout.” she added “I find it such a beautiful sport in a twisted way, just the way thought of it gives me chills.” Was this girl on something? “Sorry, I just go on rambling when I start talking.” she giggled “So, are you a fan?”

“No, my boyfriend is a player.” I said and she nodded, I saw something in her eyes I just couldn’t make out 

“Oh.” she said “What do you do?” she asked, I could tell by her tone she couldn't care less

“I play music.” I said, her mouth lifted, but she didn’t smile

“Interesting.” she added before taking another sip of her drink “I tell you, that high school boy, Chase Harper,” she added and my head snapped towards her “he’s one hell of a player and he’s so hot too.” I clenched my fist so hard I think it turned white. Breathe Ava. In and out, in and out, in and— “I heard he’s single too, so it’s the perfect opportunity to snatch him up!” Snatch him up? Who does this girl think she is? “Don’t you think so?” 

“Actually I don’t.” I snapped “And I think you should get your info. from other resources.” I said and she looked at me confused

“Why is that?” she said and I gritted my teeth 

“Because that’s my boyfriend you’re talking about.” I snapped, she looked at me wide eyed “Excuse me.” I snapped before walking over to Chase and pulling him aside

“What’s wrong?” he said as he laughed “I’m sorry for leaving you alone there, it’s just that the guys were telling me this hilarious story about their freshman year.” he said, still laughing. My gaze narrowed and I sighed deeply

“Sorry to interrupt, but I think I’m going to leave.” I said before walking away, he grabbed my wrist and looked at me with concern 

“Hey, are you okay?” he asked and I let my wrist drop from his hand 

“Fine.” I snapped, but he stopped me

“Hey, talk to me.” he whispered but I shook my head

“I’m just tired.” I said, putting on my best fake smile “I’m just going to go to the hotel and rest up.” I said before kissing his cheek quickly but he didn’t let me go 

“I’ll come with you.” he said but I shook my head, he looked at me confused 

“I’ll be fine, you have fun.”