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.

do that? Only people who seek attention will do that.”

wanted attention from that girl named Vicky. I

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

you another beer, Phoen?” Garrett asks next

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

you really take him

me instantly. “And how is it your

fucking hurts. My heart stops momentarily to her answer.

not going to do another mistake by getting near to you again. So, I don’t think it’s true.

me. “What makes you think he’ll listen

“And what makes you think he’ll not listen to

does it

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

want me to be your friend, Samantha?” I lower my

“Why would you want to be my friend,

not? What’s wrong with being your friend?”

friend? I’m sure you have lots of friends; men and women from

“What do you mean by from my social circle?”

this club for rich people, and I don’t belong

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. We’ll just be friends, nothing more unless you want something more.” I raise

She laughs

I extend my hand for a handshake. “So, friends?”

face breaks into a beautiful smile. Suddenly, the room lits up. The tension vanishes

my

Baby steps, Samantha.

was easy,” Garrett says with a beer bottle on his hand.

“You, asshole, you’re eavesdropping.” I glare at him.

eavesdrop, idiot. Both of you

unbelievable.” I shake my head.

to Garrett and Maya, and that’s my cue to go

this speechless all the time?” Amy

drunk to drive,

“Nope.” Amy’s eyes are

I’ll drive her home.”

offer, Phoenix, but I’ll go with Amy,”

home directly,” Amy says, and I can see the

come with me, Samantha,” I chuckle.

doing this?” she asks Amy in a whisper,

laid. Now, don’t argue with me

when I see a flush creeps across her cheeks.

never come with you again, and I make sure to drive next time,”

can hear both of you,

intentional for you to hear.”

not sleeping with me,

she punches me on my arm.

“You’ll break your bone, baby. Don’t do

“Did you just insult my punch? I’ll enroll with Garrett,

for free. Now, come with me and let Amy go.” I grab her hand, and I’m glad she doesn’t hesitate. The moment

“Bye, guys. Good luck!” Amy waves

was that for?”

“What?”

sighed.”

we’re okay.” I let her sit in my passenger seat and close the door after her. As soon as I get into my seat,

take him

and rolls her eyes. “I’m

Thank, God!

look gorgeous by the way.”

“Thank you! You’re not bad yourself. Are we really friends now?” She smiles.

your mind

but I actually missed

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

don’t want another accident,” she says.

forms in my throat that I have to grip the steering wheel stronger than necessary.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m

the screen of