We're Just Friends

Chapter 6

Joey's POV

Lauren crying was one of the worst sights in the world. It was rare to see her cry properly and it broke my heart every time I saw it. I wanted to cry too. She was heartbroken and had hidden it from us, which could only have made the pain worse.

"Lo... you are more than enough for anyone. Any and every guy out there would be beyond lucky to have a girl like you. You're beautiful, talented, funny and you have the sweetest heart. Will clearly couldn't see what he had," I said as Lauren's tears came to a stop.

She looked up at me, her eyes red and puffy. "Thanks, JoJo. I really don't know what I'd do without you. Now come on, let's get these snacks before they all wonder where we've gone," she said, taking my hand and leading me into the store.

It didn't take Lauren and I long to get everything people wanted. We carried everything back, my eyes constantly watching Lo to make sure she was ok.

"We thought you guys got lost," Jaime said as we reached the group.

"No, the line was just quite long, that's all," I said as I placed the food down in front of our friends.

We all grabbed what we wanted and sat down eating it together. Lauren was noticeably quieter than she would normally be. I didn't want to push her and ask in front of everyone, but she knew I was here if she wanted to talk.

Lauren's POV

I'd finished eating, and I assumed Joey had too. I looked over at him and smiled, he smiled back but his eyes were full of concern.

"How about that swim, JoJo?" I asked with a smile. He nodded, and the two of us stood up and got out of our clothes again before walking down to the sea, leaving the three couples behind us.

When we reached the edge of the water, I took a deep breath before taking a step in. It was really nice and warm so I had no issues walking out further. When I was in as deep as I was comfortable, Joey and I stopped and turned to face each other.

"I know you've got questions you want to ask me, so go ahead," I said, breaking the silence.

"Are you ok?" Joey asked almost immediately.

I chuckled and looked up at him. "I'm fine. Well, I'm not, but I will be. I think this trip is exactly what I needed. A distinct break between being in a relationship and being single," I said and Joey smiled.

"You know I'm always here for you if you need me, right?" He said.

"I know. And likewise. Anyway, JoJo. What's going on in your love life? We haven't spoken about that for a long time," I said and he smiled.

"Oh. Well, there's someone I like. But I'm not sure she feels the same way. I'm also not sure I'm brave enough to tell her. But maybe one day I'll pluck up the courage," he said, looking over to the horizon.

I smiled, "if you really like her, Joey, you should tell her. And if she says no, then she clearly cannot see what kind of guy you really are. You're a special man, Joey Richter," I said and he smiled.

We spent a little while longer in the sea before I'd had enough. I began to walk back as the others walked towards us. I said I'd wait with the bags so they could all go and have fun. I needed to reply to Will anyway.

Once I reached the bags, I pulled my phone out and began writing a message to Will.

'I don't want this to be some epic fallout. We're not together anymore, and that's fine. I know you were with Jess when we were together, but I do hope you are happy. See you around.'

I didn't really know what to say to him. I was still upset about it all, but I needed him to know I'd got the message, and that I knew about him and Jess. A short while later, I got a reply.

Will: of course I was seeing someone else. What, you really thought I was only going out with you? Nah, I needed someone pretty and skinny to take on real dates and to meet my family. Not some short, fat, ugly girl like you.

Reading those words hurt. I didn't understand why he was with me if he thought all those things about me. I wanted Joey. I pushed the text message to the back of my mind and tried to pretend it never happened. I had to put on a front to the group. They couldn't know what was going on.

I saw them all walking back up together, so I put my phone away and turned my attention back to my book to make myself look busy.

"You alright, Lauren?" Meredith asked as they reached our spot.

I smiled, "yeah, all good," I replied.

Joey's POV (a little earlier)

My eyes stayed focused on Lauren as she walked back up to where the towels and bags were. I wanted to go with her so bad, but I figured she wanted time on her own.

"Alright, lover boy. Spill. What's going on with you and Lauren?" Jaime said, walking up to me with Meredith and Julia behind her.

I turned to her and frowned. "What? Nothing's going on between us. We're just friends, and she has a boyfriend," I replied.

The girls rolled their eyes. "Yeah right. It's obvious you're feeling a lot more than just friendship towards her. You can't take your eyes off her," Julia said.

I sighed. I wasn't going to get out of this easily. "Well even if I did like her, and I'm not saying I do, I couldn't do anything about it. She has a boyfriend. And she doesn't think of me like that," I said.

"Joey! Wake the hell up! She's only with Will because she can't be with you. And you didn't hear this from me, but we think she's going to break up with him," Meredith said.

"Let's just let Lauren figure out what she wants to do. Obviously I care about her, she's my best friend, but I don't have feelings for her," I said, hoping they'd drop the subject.

They did and the seven of us enjoyed some time in the sea, playing games and swimming about. My mind was on Lauren the whole time. I just wanted to be with her. Walking back up to the towels, I noticed Lauren quickly put her phone down and pick up her book. She was different. There were tears in her eyes. Meredith asked if she was ok, and she said she was, but I just couldn't believe her. Something was bothering her, and I had to find out what it was.

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Hey!

Hope you enjoyed chapter 6! Let me know what you think - I'd love to hear your thoughts.

E xo