Page 35 of Four Simple Rules
"Don't you remember, Jesse? It was so funny. The look on her face…"
"You're all such bitches," Blake says, stiffening when the words leave her mouth. I swear her soul leaves her damn body when she realizes the word she spouted, and her eyes widen. A deep crimson takes over her cheeks, but she refuses to back down.
All laughter halts. Their venomous eyes glaring holes through Blake. Me though?
God, I've lost it. Blake hasn't uttered a curse word in her entire life. At least in front of me. Rhett once said she told him to fuck off, but I never believed it. My Blake never cursed. Apparently, if you get my girl mad, then she explodes. I’ll remember that for later and use it to my advantage. Many years ago, when I asked her why she didn’t curse like the rest of us, Blake said her mom cursed enough for the both of them, and she didn't want to turn out like her. Understandable, in my opinion. How her mother spoke to her and her father after Gavin died leaked through their walls and put my house to shame.
I stare at Blake with wide eyes. I swear my dick gets hard at the sound of her cussing. Note to self, make Blakey say that word again, amongst others. Preferably fuck and harder. Shit. I’m getting ahead of myself now.
"What?" Posey shrieks, reeling back with her hand over her chest. "You little fucking…"
"Shut the fuck up, Posey," I say, running a hand down my face. "She's not wrong. You're all terrible people. Sometimes I wonder why I ever wasted my breath on you guys. And that girl you ruthlessly bullied in high school? She had to go remote because of what you did." I raise a brow when Posey scoffs.
"Like you didn't have anything to do with it?" She cocks a brow, smirking when she knows she’s hit the mark.
I won’t lie. It stings to remember how horrible I was in high school. From ignoring Blake in public to treating others that weren’t in our circle the same, I was ashamed for years. I don’t like the guy I was. That’s why I’m not him anymore. Not by a mile. The moment I stepped onto my college campus and threw myself into helping coach with baseball, I changed for the better.
"Yeah. I did. And I regret every second of it. I was an asshole who hung out with the biggest dicks on campus. You three included. But that's not me anymore. I’ve changed. It’s probably something you guys should look into. This is Blake, by the way. She was my best friend in high school, and because of you assholes and my insecurities, I ignored the best thing in my life." I heave a breath when I'm done and face the red-faced girls staring back at me with dumbfounded looks. Apparently, no one has ever stood up to them before. "I lost her, and I'm not willing to do that again. So go away. Take your mean girl brigade somewhere else." I flick my wrist, waving them on so they can bother someone else who cares.
The three girls blink at me as if I've grown another head, recoiling a step back when my words hit their mark. For the love of God, leave already so I can eat my damn French toast.
"See you at the reunion," Posey huffs, turning on her heel.
Not likely, I want to say, but I seal my lips closed.
"Asshole," Nat mutters in disgust, wrinkling her nose.
Yeah, to you. The people who deserve my asshole ways.
I breathe easier when they finally walk away, and Ralph comes to take our order. After he walks away, all my attention settles back on the flustered girl sitting across from me. Her fingers twiddle on the table, constantly fiddling with the silverware and napkins.
"So, you cursed." A grin stretches my lips when Blake turns beet red, refusing to look in my direction.
"Well, it's the truth," she mumbles, fumbling with her straw as Ralph sets down our sodas.
"I mean, yeah." I shrug. "It really is. I'm sorry they were so mean to you."
Blake shrugs. "They were insecure, too. Apparently, they still are. It's whatever. I've dealt with worse." She shrugs again, not elaborating anymore for me. But now, I’m curious. Dealt with worse? Those girls are twenty-eight and still act like they’re in middle school. Who could be worse? It’s something I’ll make sure to ask her later when I’ve pried her open and explored her mind and body.
After a few minutes, our food comes. Our conversation slows down as we dig into our breakfast.
"Oh, my goodness," Blake proclaims, staring down at her French toast with wonder in her eyes.
"That good, huh?" I ask, shoving my own French toast down my throat, savoring the delicious, sweet taste on my tongue.
"Jesse," she groans, shoving another bite into her mouth. "It's so good. I haven't had this in years."
I grin, watching her devour an entire piece with zest, shoving bite after bite down her gullet. I'm pretty sure I could watch her eat for eternity.
"So, better than your mom's?" I chuckle when her eyes snap to mine.
"Mmhmm," she grumbles through her food.
"Thought so," I say, taking a big bite of my food. "So, will you go to the reunion with me?" I bat my eyelashes like that might convince her.
"Is that what you want?" she asks, rolling a sausage link through the thick syrup and taking a bite.
"Yes," I breathe, hope filling every part of my body.
