Teasing Phoenix

PHOENIX

My blood boiled when I heard she took him back. Why she has to take him back? That asshole doesn’t deserve someone like her—she’s too good for him.

He hurt her once—cheated on her, and he’ll do it again. Cheaters don’t change—that’s their nature. Was that the reason why she denied my friendship? Did he threaten her that day?

I had to excuse myself from them, otherwise, they’ll see the dark side of me, and I, myself don’t like this part of me.

I get outside of the apartment to release my anger, and I want to punch every surface here. But before I can do that, I hear the door opens, then footsteps follow.

Can this be her? I’m not ready to face her after ignoring her earlier.

“Phoenix, are you okay?”

Thank, God it’s Maya.

“I just need some air. I’ll be there in a minute.” I can’t even face Maya. I’m so ashamed about how I reacted. I’m sure everybody noticed that what Samantha said affected me so much.

“I can’t feel there is any air in here, Phoenix. Is it because of what Sam has said? You provoked her, but I don’t think it’s true though because I never saw Tyler talked to her again even at school. And I was with Sam all the time.”

I close my eyes and breathe deeply.

“Why would she lie? And I never provoked her,” I almost snort because I might have. “She doesn’t want me to be her friend.”

I feel a little relieved if what she says is true.

“Can you two just stay friends? For how long?”

I actually don’t know how to answer. I open my mouth, but my brain doesn’t seem to work. So, I close my mouth again.

“That’s what I thought. If you’ll just play with her feelings, it’s better this way.”

I really want to strangle Maya right now. “Better? What’s better when he’s going to hurt her? I don’t want her back with that asshole! She can date anyone, but not him again.” I feel like an asshole more than her ex because I am so frustrated and hopeless.

“Then, go and tell her that. Are you sure she can date anyone? You don’t mind it at all?” She raises her brows in a challenge.

I glare at her.

“You must really like her, but you ignored her for a week,” Maya retorts.

“Do you think it’s easy for me? She doesn’t like me, even as friends. It’s also better this way because if she’ll stay closer to me—” I stop. “Never mind. Anyway, it’s too late. Whether she’s telling the truth or not, it’s I’m sure doesn’t matter anymore. I am sure she knows what she’s doing. Let’s get inside.” I motion my hand to give her a way to get back inside.

Everyone eats in silence. I steal glances at her few times, but she never looks at my direction. But God, she doesn’t look beautiful in red dress—it makes her eyes stand out, and those sinful lips—I don’t think she has any idea how gorgeous she is. I can see more cleavage every time she moves her arms. Shit! I have such a shitty mind.

I’m glad her boyfriend cheated on her, otherwise, she’s not sitting in front of me right now.

My cock is begging too much attention lately, and it doesn’t get the needs it wants anymore.

I glance at her once again, she must have felt my gaze on her because she looks at me—she looks surprised to see me. I feel like a fool—like a boy in front of his crush.

Jesus, I feel desperate. I drop my gaze because I really want to hit my head on the wall for ignoring her, and I want to take back those words I said earlier—it doesn’t make me like a sane person—it makes me look like a moron.

But the way she looked at me when they arrived, I think she also likes me, but she’s just trying to fight her feelings. I can’t blame her though because she’s just broken as I am—we’re both aware of how painful it is to be cheated.

We move to the living room after the uneventful dinner.

Garrett talks about our old days. We laughed at how we pranked girls in high school that resulted in a one-week suspension. My dad was so mad at me when the school head informed him about our behavior.

“I can’t believe you both did that,” Amy responds.

“It was Hawk’s idea actually. He was angry when that girl turned him down,” Garrett defends himself.

“Whatever. It’s not funny. You all were bullies.” Maya pursed her lips.

Garrett gives her a kiss on her cheek. Samantha remains silent while playing her wine glass.

“How about you, Sam? Did you ever prank anyone?”

Her eyes find mine, then she looks at Garrett who asks her.

Only people

right, Sam. Hawk wanted attention from that girl named Vicky. I think that was

use your bathroom, Maya?” Amy asks and stands up with Maya, then they walk out of the living room.

you another beer, Phoen?” Garrett asks

but, I’m driving.” That remains just the two of us. This is my only chance to talk to her. This has been a torture to me of not talking to her. Suddenly, she shifts in

“Did you really take him

me instantly. “And how is

flinch. It fucking hurts. My heart stops momentarily to her answer.

getting near to you

her eyes at me. “What makes you think

he’ll not listen to

“Then why does it bother you?”

My mouth gapes because I’m not ready to give her my answer.

me to be your friend, Samantha?” I lower

to be my friend, Phoenix?” Jesus! she’s so

wrong with being your

are you insisting to be my friend? I’m sure you have lots of friends; men

you mean by from

have this club for rich people, and I don’t belong there.”

why you don’t wanna be my friend. Is it because Daniel told you that I’m a playboy, and I will end up hurt you? I’ve been hurt once, I know the feeling until now. I will never hurt you intentionally.

You’re overconfident!” She laughs at the end.

hand for a handshake.

the room lits up. The tension vanishes into the thin air.

my

steps, Samantha. Baby steps.

easy,” Garrett says with a

you’re eavesdropping.” I

of you need to get hurt first before you

unbelievable.” I shake my

say their goodbyes to Garrett and Maya, and that’s my cue to go home as well. After

“Are the two of you always this speechless all

drunk to

Amy’s eyes are

“Good. I’ll drive

“Thank you for the offer, Phoenix, but

Amy says, and I can see the shock

to come with me, Samantha,” I chuckle.

Why are you doing this?” she asks Amy in a

to get laid. Now, don’t argue with me because it won’t change my mind.”

smile when I see a flush creeps across her cheeks.

will never come with you again, and I make sure to drive

“I can hear both of you, you know.”

hear.” She glares at me.

So, you’re not sleeping with

Her ears turn red, and she punches me on my

your bone, baby. Don’t do that again.”

punches me again. “Did you just insult my punch? I’ll enroll with Garrett, and let him teach me how to

go.” I grab her hand, and I’m

“Bye, guys. Good luck!” Amy waves and

that for?” Samantha asks.

“What?”

sighed.”

the door after her. As soon as I get into my

really take

her eyes. “I’m not that stupid.”

Thank, God!

You look gorgeous by

You’re not bad yourself. Are we really

mind already?”

I actually

at her in dazed. Did she just say that? A fluttery feeling settles in my stomach.

road. I don’t want another accident,” she says.

throat that I have to grip the steering wheel

“You okay?”

steal a glance at her. “Yeah, I’m fine.

college, Samantha?” I give her a tight smile. I press the screen of the GPS that will lead me to her