Don't Go There (Awkward Love 5)

“This wedding going off without a hitch is really important to you, isn’t it?” I jump at the sound of Katie’s voice and turn to her, then shrug. “Julian must be a good friend,” she adds.

“He’s my closest one,” I admit. “Which is funny, because I’m pretty sure he hated me in school.”

“I think everyone hated you in high school,” she points out.

“Really?” I smirk at her. “Funny, I always thought there had to be at least one girl who was madly in love with me.”

She goes bright red and I laugh, because making fun of her never gets old. Half the time, I don’t even have to say more than a word or two and she’s embarrassed. It’s great.

“I kept to myself a lot in high school,” I say, thinking back. “If I’m honest, I don’t really think he and Lola are all that well-suited for each other.”

“You said you were the one who introduced them?”

“Yep,” I say, nodding.

“Is that because you were working for Alberto?”

I nod again. “I wasn’t sure that he should get mixed up with that kind of family.”

“Did you tell him that?” she asks.

“Numerous times, but you know what Julian is like. When he wants something, he doesn’t give up until he gets it.”

“Same as Lily,” Katie murmurs.

That’s what worries me.

“If you don’t think they’re suited, why do you care so much if the wedding is ruined?

“You mean aside from the fact that he’s my best friend, I want him happy and it’s not my place to tell him who to marry?” I tease.

“You know what I mean.” She rolls her eyes. “There’s a big difference between caring about your friend and … this.”

“It’s not just the wedding I care about,” I say. “It’s my job, as well. If Lily does anything to jeopardize that wedding …” I sigh. “Then I’m done.”

Katie glances at me. “Would that really be the worst thing in the world? Maybe you could see it as a fresh start?” she suggests.

I tense, keeping my eyes on the road ahead of me. Anyone else, I’d laugh a comment like that off, but with Katie? I can’t seem to do it. I’ve heard those words from people my whole life; that I’m not good enough, that I’m punching above my weight class, but I didn’t care what they thought. I care what she thinks of me, though. I’m not even sure why. Maybe because I have changed? I don’t want her thinking that I’m the same guy who tormented her because he couldn’t get his shit together and admit he liked her. I want her respect. I guess I want her forgiveness, too. In the back of my mind I keep asking myself the same question: Why am I lying to every single person I care about?

How much have I really changed?Chapter ElevenKatie“You’re awfully quiet.”

Adam raises his eyebrows at me.

“I could say the same about you,” I point out.

“True. I’m sorry about before,” he says. “I guess I have some issues that I need to deal with.” He pauses for a second. “I didn’t thank you for not telling Darcy, either. You know, about the flying thing.”

“You’re welcome.” I smile at him.

He stifles a yawn, then rubs the back of his neck, mumbling under his breath. It’s been two hours since our last stop, which means we’re still a few hours away from Vegas. It feels like it’s taking forever.

“If you’re tired, why not let me drive for a while?” I suggest.

“God, no.” He chuckles, like the idea is hilarious. “I can’t let you drive this car.”

“What, you don’t think I could handle it?” I narrow my eyes at him. “I can drive this better than you can, trust me.”

“Really? You sure you could handle a stick shift?” He grins at me. “Or know how to loosen her up when she gets tight?”

“I can handle any stick you put in my hands,” I fire back. “And the tighter the better.”

“We definitely agree on something, then.” He glances at me and smirks. “I take that back, actually. You’d know exactly how to loosen her up.”

I glare at him, ignoring the obvious reference to last night. God, he irritates me. The sound of his laughter echoes through me, pissing me off even more.

Fuck him and his precious little car.

I don’t even like the stupid thing, anyway.

“Whatever. You’re a dick,” I mutter. “Don’t look at me.”

Apparently twenty-six is not too old to sulk.

I’m still annoyed when I see a guy standing by the side of the road up ahead, waving at us. It takes me a minute to figure out he’s a hitchhiker. I glance at Adam, just in time to see a smile slowly spread across his lips. I narrow my eyes, because I can almost see the wheels turning in his mind. I shake my head viciously.