Chapter Nine.

            On the way home from the hockey game we were in the same spots as on the way here. The canes had won, making Reina the happiest person alive and rubbing it in everyone's face as we left the arena. Was I pissed that the leafs lost? Beyond. But watching Reina during the game was better than all of that. When we fought about the stick check and her face got so red I almost laughed but I didn't. It turns me on more than anything that we both like the same sport and she literally knows so much about it.

            The burger was probably a stupid thing for me to do. I didn't get it for free. I paid for it. I know her better than anyone though and she was hungry. She lied to Colby and why? I don't know. She could have made me jealous but she chose not to. A part of me just thought that maybe she didn't care but when she checked the burger I knew differently. She still cared.

            "Casey you want to come back with me?" Scott asked. "Stay the night?"

            "Uh, maybe. If that's okay with you Reina?"

            "Why wouldn't it be okay?" She responded bitterly.

            "Because you'd be alone... I don't know."

            "And it's nothing I'm not used to. I'll be fine Casey."

            A stab in my heart occurred once I heard her, cursing myself for not inviting her over to stay at our place. I should just ask her. She wouldn't have to sleep in my bed although I know what the end result is going to be. She'll come over, I'll be in my room, I'll think of her, I'll think of us, I'll go downstairs, I'll end up kissing her, bring her up to my room...

            "Okay Reina. If you're sure..."

            "I'm sure." She repeated. "Bye Scott. Thanks for the ride. I had fun!"

            "No problem Reina. We'll do it again sometime."

            She closed the door and I watched her walk away, wanting more than anything for her to be coming home with me tonight. I wish things were different. I really do.

            "Colby next time you want to touch her think twice." I spat. "Don't think I didn't see that."

            "See what?"

            "When you put your arm around her in the car. Don't do it again."

            "I was making room..."

            "Yeah." I scoffed. "Sure you were."

            "What the hell would it matter anyways man? I wouldn't make a move on her because you guys have a history but you aren't dating. You guys aren't even speaking to each other."

            "You don't know what the hell is going on between us."

            But he did and everyone did. We aren't speaking and we aren't dating. We're in the same damn place we were since I got out of rehab all because I couldn't make up my damn mind and I couldn't decide what's best for me. How do I know what's best for me? I can't figure out the answers.

            "Alright man just chill. I won't do it again."

            "Someone still loves Reinaaaa." Casey sang, turning around to look at me again. "When are you going to make a move on her?"

            "I can't make a move on her Casey and you know that. I wish I could but I can't."

            "And is that your psychologist talking in your head? How does he know what's truly best for you? Only you know what's the best for yourself Justin."

            "I know and that's why I'm not making a move on her... yet. I'm not sure what I want to do but hopefully I'll figure it out soon. I don't know. We were civil tonight, which was a first."

            "I wouldn't say civil." Colby chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "You guys were going back and forth about hockey the whole game."

            "Because that's what we do. That's just... us. Or well, it used to be. I don't know."

            Scott turned onto another street and looked at me in the rearview mirror.

            "You better figure it out before the party next week. The one our frat house is throwing, remember? I bet you anything she'll be there."

            "And why do I have to figure it out before then?"

            "Do you know how many guys are interested in her?" Casey laughed. "No offense, but there's going to be a lot of attractive guys at that party and Reina will probably be the hottest girl there. She's honestly so pretty I'm jealous."

            "Stop." Scott sighed. "You're perfect Case."

            Rolling my eyes at them, I stared out the window and thought about that for a second. About the guys that were going to be all over her at the party and my god that made me mad. It made me mad just when Colby's arm touched her shoulder. I was fuming. How will I end up getting through our party without losing it?

            My phone buzzed in my pocket just then so I pulled it out to check it.

New Message From: Baby Girl

That cheeseburger was good... kind of weird how they put pickles only on it too... just how I like it...

            Nobody could possibly take the damn smile off of my face right now.

New Message To: Baby Girl

I know, right? Weird...

New Message From: Baby Girl

Oh my god it's a miracle. You're talking to me.

            Staring at my phone for a second, I couldn't think of what to say to that. I know she's upset at me and I know I haven't been the nicest obviously but I'm trying to take Scott's advice and I'm trying to not be a dick. As long as we're around my friends and we're not alone I can control myself. I can be civil as long as we're not alone.

New Message To: Baby Girl

Looks like it.

New Message From: Baby Girl

:) :) :) :) :) :) :)

New Message To: Baby Girl

Stop being weird Reina...

New Message From: Baby Girl

CANES WON!!!

            I started to laugh when I got the text and everyone in the car turned to look at me. She was being such an ass and just rubbing it in my face. That's one of the things I loved the most about her though. Her ability to always make me laugh.

            "Who's that?" Scott asked. "Why are you laughing?"

            "No one. I just read something funny on Twitter."

New Message To: Baby Girl

Goodnight... officially stopping this conversation after that.

New Message From: Baby Girl

Hm.... If you want it to stop then it'll stop. Goodnight Justin... :)

            God, I really need to change her contact. 

A/N:

I decided to update!

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter & I also just wanted to say thank you so much for getting this story to almost 150,000 reads with only 9 chapters posted now. This story is also #22 in teen fiction. So unreal but thank you thank you thank you! I love you all soo much.

Please comment and let me know what you thought :)

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