Beautiful Mess(100)

They got to the restaurant and were seated at a booth towards the back where it was quiet. After ordering their drinks and food, Bri decided she may as well get the inevitable out of the way.

“So, I had an interesting conversation with Natalie and Erica this morning,” she began.

“Oh, really?” Cole’s eyebrows shot up. “And what did they have to say?”

Determined not to make a big deal out of it, Bri replied, “Oh, they just wanted to warn me to stay away from you. Apparently, Serena sent them to feel me out and find out what’s going on between us.”

Cole’s face paled a little.

“And, did you tell them anything?”

“Of course not. It’s none of their business. I told them we were just friends, but I’m not sure they bought it.”

“Damn it,” he let out a breath. “This is what I was afraid of.”

“Cole,” Bri said forcefully. “I don’t care about Serena. I know you’re worried she’ll try and make my life hell, but that’s because you assume that I care what she, or anyone else at that school, thinks about me. I don’t. I have four more months with these people. Let them think or say what they want. I could care less.”

“You don’t know how vicious Serena can be. I just don’t want to put you through that.”

“Let her do her worst. I know the truth, you know the truth. Nobody else matters.” She looked straight into Cole’s eyes. “The only thing I can’t handle is having to hide from everyone for the foreseeable future. You are my boyfriend. I want you to be my boyfriend. All the time, not just when no one is looking. I want to eat lunch with you, and hold your hand on the way to class, and get to do all those things that normal high school couples do. Before we head off to different schools and different lives, and it’s too late,” she finished quietly.

Cole took a deep breath, a little shaken by her words.

“I’m not saying I want you to march into school tomorrow and announce it over the PA system. I’m just saying let’s stop letting fear of Serena dictate who we are to each other. Okay?” Bri gave a hopeful smile.

“Okay,” He conceded after a moment. “We should still take it slow a little longer, until I can find a good time to break it to her.” He ran his hand through his hair. At Bri’s dubious expression he added. “No longer than a week, two at the most. I promise.”

“Fine,” She huffed. “You have one week, but the sooner the better. Serena’s under the impression that she owns you. It might be a good idea to set her straight.”

“What?” Cole’s head snapped up. Bri chuckled at his indignation.

“Oh, yeah! That was Natalie’s main point. I needed to keep my hands off Serena’s property. Okay, enough Serena talk. She’s already taken up more time than she’s worth.”

“I agree,” He smiled. “So, how was the rest of your day?”

Their food arrived, and they continued talking and laughing while they ate. They were debating ordering dessert when a familiar voice interrupted.

“Am-Bree-ah!” Trey drawled. He came sauntering up, a bag of take out in his hand. “Fancy meeting you here!” He leered at her. Trey caught sight of Cole and did a double take. “Cole? Hey man, what’s up? What are you doing here?” Trey looked between Cole and Bri, confused.

Cole’s body had gone rigid with shock at Trey’s appearance. His demeanor instantly changed to one of bored indifference, causing Bri to scowl.

“Nothing,” he replied dismissively. “We were just studying. Bri is helping me out in math. What are you doing here?”

“Just picking up some take out for me and Serena.” Trey glanced at the table. “Where are your books? I thought you were studying?”

Bri turned to glare at Trey as she lifted her book laden bag off the seat beside her. She dropped it with a smirk.

“Yeah, well, we just finished up and were getting ready to leave. You about ready?” Cole asked Bri, sounding like he could care less if she was ready to go or not.

“Whatever,” she mumbled angrily.

“Hey, hold on a sec,” Trey slid into the booth beside Bri. “What’s the rush? Why don’t you stay a minute?” he asked her.

Bri flicked an anxious glance at Cole before answering.

“Um, Cole is my ride, so I’d better go since he’s ready.”

“Don’t be silly. I can take you home. That cool with you, Cole?” Both Trey and Bri turned their eyes on Cole. Trey’s were questioning, Bri’s were warning.

“Um, sure, man. Saves me a trip.” Cole dropped some money on the table.