Chapter 28

Chapter 28

“Hey guys, have you seen this?” She lifted the pizza box, showing them the ad. “I think I’m going to apply for this. I need a job on campus.”  

Olivia leaned forward, dropping the book she was reading as her expression turned serious squinting at the ad. “Pappie’s? Oh, that’s the little place we got you the pizza ,but I don't understand why you need a job.

   Yeah I am failing to understand too , mia Chimed in

Look guys , I am sure you really don't know much about me , but I am different from you girls , the thing is I don't have anyone to support me here Sophia said 

     Her roommates realized this was a sensitive issue and she needed their support on it , which is why she told them 

      I feel like this is going to help out here, at least the little bills 

Mia nodded. “Yeah, I think I understand you, we were there today . And the staff seemed to be mostly students.”  

Sophia’s heart lifted slightly. That sounded promising. “Really? So, you think I’d have a shot?”  

“Of course!” Mia said, grinning. “You’re smart, reliable, and let’s be honest, you’re way friendlier than half the people that work there. I don’t see why they wouldn’t hire you.”  

Olivia smirked. “Plus, if you get the job, we might get free coffee and pizza . So, I fully support this decision.”  

Sophia laughed, shaking her head. “You guys are the worst.”  

“But also the best,” Olivia added with a wink. “Seriously though, go for it. The worst they can say is no, right?”  

Sophia exhaled, feeling a little lighter. Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea after all.  

“Alright,” she said with newfound determination. “I’ll apply first thing tomorrow.”  

And just like that, what started as a box of pizza from her roommates had turned into something much bigger—**a chance for a fresh start

---

          Ryan,Jessie and Lana arrived at Zach's after the long ride,much to the relief of Lana who felt she was going to throw up from all the shenanigans, Ryan and Jessie were putting up

     

Zach spotted them the moment they stepped out of the car. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Hey, guys! Glad you’re finally here," he called out as they approached. "And… with a total stranger, I must add."

Ryan rolled his eyes. "Her name is Jessie, and she’s with me, Zach. How about you let us in?"

Zach grinned, stepping forward and extending a hand. "Well then, nice to meet you, Jessie."

Jessie smiled politely, shaking his hand. "Likewise. "

"Oh? Hope Ryan told you about me and Only good things he is my bud from way back, I hope," Zach said 

Jessie gave Ryan a sidelong glance, smirking. "I’ll let you wonder about that."

Ryan sighed. "Zach, we just got here, man. Can we skip the banter and go inside?"

"Alright, alright," Zach said, then turned to Ryan, his grin widening. "By the way, I accept your apology for the last time."

Ryan’s expression changed. "Man, to hell with that. I am not apologizing for anything. You had it coming." He shoved his hands in his pockets. "Now, will you let us in or what? I didn’t even want to drive here—Lana was the one who convinced me."

Zach held up his hands in surrender. "Ease up, man, I was just messing with you. Of course, you’re welcome here. Come on in."

Lana, standing to the side with her arms crossed, sighed dramatically. "Finally." She brushed past Zach and disappeared inside, clearly not in the mood for any more back-and-forth.

Jessie raised an eyebrow at Ryan. "Is it always like this with you guys?"

Ryan exhaled through his nose. " Nah not really she's just been moody lately , claiming she's more mature so, yes."

They stepped inside, the warmth of the house welcoming them, it was looking like a really nice place and it was cooler than the air outside. The living room was exactly what Jessie had expected from a guy like Zach—dim lighting, a couple of gaming consoles tangled in wires near the TV, and a faint smell of pizza from what must have been last night’s dinner.

  Ryan found Taylor there also ,she was putting on a bra and shorts , there was always a skip in his chest each time he saw her 

      Hi Ryan , she said with that usual glee she had when speaking 

     Hello. Ryan replied her with a cool tone 

The tension was easy to decode from Jessie,she knew something was up between them 

"Make yourselves at home," Zach said, collapsing onto the couch. "Drinks are in the fridge, snacks in the kitchen. Just don’t touch the last slice of pizza unless you’re ready to fight me for it."

   Lana sat down beside Taylor ,who offered her a drink , 

   She gulped it down at once ,Do you perhaps have something stronger I could take, this isn't enough 

Jessie chuckled as she looked around. "Cozy place."

Ryan dropped onto an armchair. "I wouldn’t call it cozy. More like… organized chaos

"Hey, I take offense to that," Zach shot back. "This is curated chaos. There’s a difference."

Lana was already feeling comfortable as Taylor handed her a stronger drink,she made herself comfortable on the other end of the couch, scrolling through her phone. "Right, well, if you guys are gonna sit here and exchange insults all day, I’m going to need more of this Taylor, something stronger than the contents of this to drink."

Ryan shook his head with a laugh. "It's good that you are not the one driving here, Lana. You can go ahead and drink everything ."

Lana shot him a look. "Mind your business man, it's not your business if I drink or not. I’ll be fine."

Jessie watched the interaction with amusement. She didn’t know much about Ryan’s friends yet, but she could tell there was a long history between them. Their fighting and banter felt effortless, like they had been doing this for years.

"So, Jessie," Zach said, turning his attention to her. "How long have you known our dear friend Ryan here?"

Jessie glanced at Ryan, smirking before answering. "I don't know him much, we only started talking as I'm Lana's roommate and that is all about it. 

Ryan groaned. "Here we go."

Zach grinned, sitting up. "Oh, so you guys are not really deep like that ?I have to know if you're together. Give me the details."

Jessie tapped her chin as if thinking. "Let’s see… I met him after class today , talking to himself because some lecturer embarrassed him. At first, I thought he was super quiet, maybe even a little grumpy—"

"I am grumpy," Ryan cut in.

Jessie continued as if he hadn’t spoken. "But then, I realized it was his ego, a very common thing Among you rich guys, I saw him go on a rant to himsef wanting payback

     Lana rolled her eyes,she had heard this story a million times today 

, and I realized—oh, he’s not quiet, he’s just saving his words for when he’s really pissed off."

Lana burst out laughing. "That checks out. I’ve definitely seen that side of him before,you already said it to me earlier 

Ryan threw up his hands. "You guys act like I’m the only one who gets annoyed at stupid things,this man legit fried me in front of the whole class."

"You are," Zach said, grinning.

  I agree. , Taylor chimed, 

    You're one to talk, Ryan teased 

"Absolutely," Lana agreed.

Jessie held back a laugh. "Anyway, I guess we got along because ,kind of found it amusing that I could talk to him. Or at least, I like to think I do."

Ryan shook his head but couldn't help the small smile forming on his lips.

Zach leaned back. "Well, I like you already, Jessie. Anyone who can roast Ryan without fear is good in my book."

     This didn't sit right with Ryan , he hadn't even gotten Jessie officially and Ryan was claiming to like her.

    “Hey don't go there” , he said it out

as a joke but low-key meant it 

Jessie laughed. "I appreciate the warm welcome."