“I’ll go with you,” Pris offered with a shrug. “We can go down there now if you want.”
No. I didn’t want. What I wanted was to keep her all to myself.
“Sure. Sounds great. Want to grab lunch afterwards?”
Her face flickered with uncertainty, so I quickly added, “You know, as friends? So I can thank you for saving me last night?”
She blushed. “It was nothing. I was worried.”
“Nobody worries about me,” I said without thinking.
Her eyes drew together in concern, she opened her mouth but I laughed and changed the subject. “So, what do you say?”
“Sure.”
Pris gave me directions as I drove us down to the Chamber, it was only a two-minute drive — yes, Seaside really was that small.
“Should we just go in?”
“Yeah.” She laughed reaching for the door. “That’s what people normally do when they need to meet with other people.”
“Ah, so you’re a smart ass today.”
“What can I say? You’re rubbing off on me.”
“If only,” I teased.
“Aw, the whore’s making an appearance. I was beginning to think you were hiding him.”
“He never hides.”
“Right.” Her smile was soft, not teasing, but so damn pretty that I had to look away. I locked the car and offered her my arm.
“Oh wow, and manners?” She looped her arm in mine.
“I’m British. It’s how we do things.”
“I like it,” she said under her breath, so quietly I almost didn’t catch it.
I opened the door for her when we got to the large white building and waited for her to go in, placing my hand on the small of her back as I ushered her through.
The secretary at the desk was humming some song that sounded vaguely like AD2’s newest hit, and looked up.
The pencil fell from her mouth.
I smiled.
She sneezed.
“You have an odd effect on women,” Pris pointed out.
“They lose all bodily control,” I joked.
“Mr. Um…” The lady coughed. “Jaymeson is it?”
“Hello.” I held out my hand.
She stared at it, then finally as if realizing she was supposed to shake it, gripped it in the weakest shake known to mankind and retreated like a scared rabbit. “We weren’t expecting you… ever.”
“I know.” I flashed her a movie-star smile. “But I figured it was best to introduce myself in person since you guys are the ones in charge of my schedule.”
“Really?” She screeched then cleared her throat. “I mean, really, how interesting.” She held up her hand. “One moment and I’ll get the mayor.”
“Wow, we’re in the big times now,” Pris whispered.
I elbowed her.
Seconds later the mayor came barreling down the hall. “Mr. Jaymeson, to what do we owe this pleasure?”
“Oh, I just wanted to introduce myself, and say thank you for putting me to work for the next few weeks. It’s been really fun.”
“Fun?” The mayor’s eyes narrowed. “You worked at the church packing donation boxes, son.”
I shrugged.
“Hmm.” He peered around me to Priscilla. “And how are you, Miss Garcia? Are you doing well? How’s your father? Terrible tragedy about the fire.”
“Great.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Dad’s fine and fires happen.”
“Good.” He returned his attention to me. “It seems you have the rest of the day free. But tomorrow you’ll start at the Goodwill.”
“Right on.” Yeah, allow me to contain that excitement. I wasn’t going to be with Pris — that alone rained on my damn parade.
“Very good.” He offered his hand again. “Thanks for stopping by. Huge fan, by the way, huge fan.”
“Er, thanks.” I took his hand and then gave a wave to the secretary as I escorted Pris out of the building.
“Are people always freaked out by your presence?” She asked once we reached the car.
“All but you.” I smiled.
“Looks can be deceiving.” She reached for the car door, but I opened it before she got a chance and helped her inside, while simultaneously mulling over what the hell that meant. And if it meant what I hoped it meant. That I actually affected her — that she may want me. That she may think of me as more than just the inappropriate whorish friend.
“Are you free the rest of the day?” I asked.
“Hold on.” She pulled out her phone and smiled.
Shit.
Really? If it was Smith I was going to ram my fist into a wall.
“Um, well, Smith just asked if I could meet him for a movie tonight, so…”
“No.” I waved her off and gave a fake laugh. “You should go.”
“Really?” Her face fell. “You think so?”
“Yeah.” I nodded way too enthusiastically. “It’s good. I mean dates are good, right?” I hated being the friend. Effing hated it. “Besides, I may hate that he’s older than you, but clearly he likes you so…”
“So…” Her eyes narrowed. “I should go on a date. With Smith?”
“Sure.” My hands gripped the steering wheel. “Whatever you want. It’s your life, right?”
Too far.
“Fine.” She looked back at her phone. “I’ll just text him back and say I’d love to go on a date with him.”
“Good.”
“Yeah. Great.” She sighed.
I felt like an ass the entire way to the restaurant. Praying for the tense air to crackle with something. Or for her to make a noise other than her slight breathing. It was killing me. But what could I do? Say no? Don’t date him? Date me? I was leaving. I was leaving her. And for the first time in my life, I was denying myself something because I knew in the end, I would go back to LA and she would go on with her life.
Girls like Pris, they were the ones you took home. They were the ones you married and had kids with. They were the ones who expected more than I could ever hope to offer.
I could offer her a good time.
And as much as I hated to admit it — it was entirely possible Smith or some other guy could offer her what she deserved, not just needed — love.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Priscilla
Smith ordered some candy and pop, then wrapped his arm around my shoulder like he owned me. I thought I’d like it — the possessive attitude. Besides girls were staring at him like he was famous, and I would know what that felt like — it had happened the entire lunchtime with Jaymeson.