Chapter 8

"We are going shopping," Rose announced.

"Okay," I shrugged.

"To get you new clothes," she said.

"Me? What's wrong with my clothes?" I asked.

"If you are going to tag along with me, I need you to dress better than that," she pointed at my worn-out jeans and T-shirt.

"Well, I don't get paid till next week so these will have to do," I said.

"Nope. I'm buying it. Let's go," she said and pulled me toward the car. Jeez, so bossy.

After making me try on at least ten different outfits, she was finally done. I don't get all the fuss. It's just clothes.

We arrived at the party soon enough. Another typical college party. Hopefully, I won't have to pry more guys off of her today.

Marissa came running to us once we entered the house. "Finally! You are late," she accused.

"Yeah well, I'm here now," Rose shrugged.

Marissa's eyes brightened up when she saw me. "Liam! I'm so glad you came," she said and gave me a flirtatious smile. Looks like someone has a crush on lil ole me.

Rose just rolled her eyes and started to walk away but I grabbed her wrist. "Don't disappear on me again," I said quietly.

"Mind your own business. You aren't my boyfriend so don't cling to me," she sneered and yanked her hand free. I sighed. This girl is so stubborn.

But she didn't go anywhere and stayed within my sight.

A tall guy with strawberry blonde hair walked in all of a sudden grabbing her attention. She stopped talking to others and walked to him immediately. I could tell by her mannerisms that she was flirting with him.

"Who is that guy?" I asked Marissa.

"What guy?" she said.

"The one Rose is talking to?" I said.

Marissa's face went dark when she finally noticed them.

"That's Elliot Wyatt," she said.

Elliot...why did that name sound so familiar? "Who is he?" I asked.

"Someone Rose has a crush on. Something happened between them so I didn't think she'd want to talk to him again," Marissa said.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Oh, I can't tell you, sorry. I already said too much," Marissa said quickly. "I'll be right back," she said and hurried off.

Well, that was weird.

I searched my brain to figure out where I heard the name before then finally remembered. Mr. Laverne told me to keep Rose away from him. Well, I guess this is the time to do my job.

I moved closer to them.

"Rose, I am not sure what you want from me. I thought you were told to stay as far away from me as possible," Elliot grinned.

"That was just my stupid grandfather's idea. I don't have to listen to that old man. Things are not over between us," Rose said and touched his arms.

"I don't know...I got into a lot of trouble for you. I don't think it's worth it. I am over it Rose, so let's just move on okay?" Elliot said.

"Please...don't be like this," she whispered. Rose sounded almost desperate. I wasn't used to her being like this and it was making me uncomfortable. I figured now would be a good time to interject.

"Rose, I need to talk to you so come with me," I said and stood next to her.

"I am busy," she snapped.

I reached over and grabbed her arm. She is coming with me one way or another.

"Let go of me, Liam. Now is not a good time so just go somewhere else like the good little worker you are," Rose said in a mocking tone.

I didn't let go of her. I decided not to be phased by her attitude, ever.

"You heard her buddy, she doesn't want to talk to you. Take a hike," Elliot scoffed.

I let go of her arm and stood in front of him. He was as tall as me so I doubt he'd be intimidated by me but a boy could try.

"Maybe you should take a hike, buddy. I am here for her protection sent by her grandfather and according to Mr. Laverne, you are not to be anywhere near her," I said.

Something flickered in his eyes. Was it fear? I couldn't tell.

"Fuck this, I am not dealing with her grandfather again. It's not worth it. She is all yours," he said and walked away.

"Elliot wait!" Rose called after him but he just kept walking. Rose looked back at me. Rage flickered in her glowing green eyes. I am pretty sure she is trying to melt me with her mind at the moment.

"Why would you do that? Why would you mention my grandfather to him?" Rose demanded to know.

"William told me to keep him away from you, so I did," I said.

"Fuck him! He has no right, and neither do you!" Rose cried.

"What did he do?" I was curious.

"He didn't do anything wrong," she said quietly but I could tell she was lying.

"Well, he must've done something to get on your grandpa's shitlist?" I said.

"None of your goddamn business. Just stay out of my life and stay away from my friends," she said.

"I am afraid I can't do that princess. I am getting the big bucks to stay in your business," I smirked.

"Ugh! You fucking asshole!" she screamed. She picked up a glass from a table and threw the contents on my face. Liquid poured into my eyes and my mouth. I tasted beer. A few people looked in our direction in curiosity. I wondered if they thought we were a couple, fighting.

I didn't react and calmly took a napkin from a table and wiped my face. "Feel better?" I asked.

"Fuck you!" she screamed and stormed out, practically huffing and puffing like an angry cartoon character.

"Oh my god, what happened?" Marissa came running. I wondered if she saw the whole thing and decided to wait it out.

"Miss Sunshine wanted to give me a facial with beer. I hear it's good for your skin," I said.

"She has anger issues in case you didn't know," Marissa giggled.

I am getting the taste of it now, mixed with this really bad beer.

I went outside to look for Rose. I didn't have to look too hard as she was leaning against the car as if to wait for me.

"Ready to go home?" I smirked.

"Just shut up and drive. I don't want to speak to you for the rest of my night," she barked.

"My lips are sealed," I said and started to drive once she got in.