Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Lana who had stood up for more drinks returned from the kitchen with a drink in hand, sat back onto the couch. "So, what’s the plan for the day, ? It's a really nice place your parents got here for you Zach , Are we actually doing something, or are we just sitting around making fun of Ryan?"

Zach rubbed his Thanks but "I mean, making fun of Ryan is a solid plan, but we could also watch a movie, play some games, or—"

"Movie," Lana interrupted. "Something dumb and entertaining."at least before we get back to school 

Zach gestured toward the TV. "Alright, let’s see what we’ve got."

As they started flipping through options, Jessie leaned over to Ryan. "This is fun. I can see why you hang out with them."

Ryan shrugged, but there was a hint of fondness in his voice. "Yeah… they’re alright.we have our fights all the time but we tight 

Zach turned back to them with a mischievous grin. "Oh, by the way, Jessie, do you know about Ryan’s horrible taste in movies?"

Jessie’s eyes lit up. "No, but now I have to know."

Ryan groaned, already regretting everything about today but it was a chance as if he and jessie were already a label 

      Yeah Ryan doesn't like good movies always on the lookout for the latest romcom Zach said 

…Romcom? I never knew Ryan to be type to like such movies he seemed to me like the machp type, one to be a fan of action and blockbuster Jessie seemed interested 

   Well it's a side he chooses to show , he is just projecting, he is a princess within zach said and started laughing 

   Yes I agree, a princess that banged your face real good , even while drunk , Ryan said and laughed back 

    Oh yeah, that's because you caught me off guard. I would like to see you try it again, this time with me aware , Zach turned to Ryan but wasn't smiling this time around 

    Oh yeah? Why don't you come again I am sure I can handle you with eyes closed 

   It seemed to be getting heated between the two of the two ,it always was a fierce competition 

    Oh come do we really have to do this over again, what is it with you two? Lana said as she stood up, can't there ever be a moment of peace between you two ,where you don't want to tear each other apart ?

   “ Come on Zach, it's not worth it , just come here baby “, Taylor said this time 

     

Ryan seemed offended by it, so he turned to Taylor.

"Not worth it? You are one to talk! Like I wasn't worth it when you decided to be sleeping around with him behind my back. You couldn't even have the decency to break up with me, then managed to begin gaslighting me like I'm the one who's wrong. If there's anyone not worth it here, it's you."

"Hey, watch your mouth, Ryan! I won't let you say trash about my girlfriend—not in my house!" Zach was visibly pissed at this point.

"Man, to hell with you, your girlfriend, and your house! What the hell are you going to do? Get another beatdown? Because I'm ready if you are!" Ryan snapped at him.

"Oh yeah?" Zach stepped forward.

"Alright, you two, enough!" Lana called out. "The both of you should stop this dumb show of strength."

"Well, he started it," Ryan said, motioning to Zach.

Jessie held his hand, trying to calm him down. "Just relax, Ryan, and take a deep breath."

"It doesn't matter who started it," Lana snapped at him. "What’s important is that you both stop this."

"You know, I didn't even want to come here. I knew this guy would be up to something like this—always riling me up."

"It's okay, Ryan. Let it go…" Jessie kept trying to pacify him.

"It's fine. I'm okay."

Lana sighed. "Ryan, we need to stop getting into fights all the time. We’re best buds, man," Zach said, his voice softer now.

"Yeah, you’re right. Best buds… until you decided to take someone I was with. Best friends don’t do that to each other."

Lana was pissed within. Ryan had not fully gotten over Taylor, but here he was, still chasing Jessie. It was like she was invisible to him.

Jessie quickly understood that this fight went beyond them teasing each other—there was a woman involved.

"You really need to let it go, Ryan," Taylor, who had been quiet since the scolding, finally spoke up. "Shit happens. You need to move on."

"Yeah, she's right, Ryan. And I’m really sorry I hurt your feelings with it," Zach added.

"You both should listen to yourselves. I wonder if you ever feel any shame. It’s all good, though. You’re both right. Let’s watch a movie."

Lana felt a pain in his voice, and she felt even more pain. It turned into hurt when she saw Jessie rubbing her palms on his thighs—and even more when he clasped his hand in hers.

"It’s all good, guys. How about we watch the movie and pretend this didn’t happen?" Ryan smiled up, Jessie clearly getting to him.

They all began watching the movie, each person lost in their own thoughts. Lana kept casting jealous glances at Jessie, who kept laughing with Ryan as the movie played on.

It was already evening at Justine's job. She had done nothing all day other than offer coffee to Ward and clear tables. Her income for the day had accumulated by the hour, and as fun as it was to do nothing and earn money, she felt a bit guilty. She might be good with her academics, but she was not the lazy type—she understood the value of hard work.

It got to a point where she grew tired of fiddling with her phone. Ward walked in at that moment.

"Hey, boss, is there anything I can do for you?" she asked in an official tone, but it came out kind of awkward.

Ward smiled at her. "You seem to be in a haste to get to work. Why don't you relax your nerves? I don't want to stress you. The official work will resume tomorrow. Just relax and observe, like I said earlier."  

"Alright then," she said in submission. There was no point in pushing it; he had already made his stance on the issue clear.  

She collapsed on her seat and, not knowing what to do, picked up her phone again and decided to call Sophia. It occurred to her that Sophia wasn't only her cousin but more of the closest friend she had.  

"Well, that's just sad," she muttered to herself as she punched in the number.  

She placed the phone on her ear as it rang, waiting for the receiver.  

Sophia picked up a few seconds later. "Hey, cousin! How is it going?" she called from the other end of the phone.  

"Going terrible," Justine replied.  

"What do you mean terrible? Is something wrong? What happened?" Sophia's voice carried concern.  

"Calm down, cousin. It's just work. I have not done anything today, and I'm being made not to."  

"Oh. To be honest, I totally forgot you were resuming today. How is it going?"  

"Didn't you hear a thing I said earlier? I'm literally not allowed to do anything! Ward said it's my first day, but I don't want it to seem like I am earning free money or like anyone is dashing me favors. I would really hate an 'after everything I have done for you' situation."  

"Hey, just relax, Justine. You are overthinking it at this point. I am pretty sure it's because of your first day, like Ward said."  

"Yeah, I guess... but you know what I mean, right?"  

"Yes, I do, Justine. I totally understand you. It is going to be different tomorrow," Sophia replied.