Page 104 of Unexpected Prejudice

“We’re not a couple.”

“That’s not what I asked.” I took another bonbon, and so did he.

Playing with the small candy in his hand, he shrugged. “Well… I guess not. At least, not yet. But it’s more complicated than that. He cares for me. I know it. I just need to be patient.”

The chocolate melted on my tongue as I thought of his answer. “Just make sure he doesn’t lead you on. I mean, he’s a bit manipulative, isn’t he?”

“He isn’t and he won’t.”

“Okay then.” I put my hands on my knees and was about to stand when Jordan spoke.

“Can you please not mention this to anyone? He’s not out, and we’re not even a couple, but still.”

“Of course, man. I would never out someone.”

“Thanks,” he said quietly, with a weak smile that made me realize what an asshole I’d been. Sure, Shay-Lee was a piece of shit, but Jordy wasn’t. He was my friend, and if he loved that piece of shit, I should be supportive.

Not only that, but protecting us, especially me, isolated and pushed Jordy away from his friends. Obviously, it was a good thing because those bullies were terrible people, but it still left him alone. If I were to leave this room, he’d be left all alone, which wasn’t something a friend should do.

“So, I guess double dates are out of the question for now… but maybe in the future?”

Finally, a genuine smile took over his lips, and he grinned. “Yeah, maybe.”

I gave his shoulder a slight nudge when the door to the room opened, and in walked a gorgeous woman with big brown eyes, beautiful full lips, and skin a bit darker than Jordan’s. Her brown curls were pulled into a bun on top of her head, and she wore a plain white tank top and a pair of blue jeans that showed her stunning figure. She was freakishly hot. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen Jordy’s mom because she was here when we brought Jordy to the hospital and waited outside while Chief spoke with her.

He didn’t tell her the whole truth about what had happened, only that the four of us went out and got into a fight with a bunch of strangers.

“Hey, Mom,” Jordy greeted as she closed the door and walked toward us. Her surprised eyes focused on my hand still resting on Jordy’s shoulder. Realizing she probably had no idea who I was, I quickly went over to introduce myself.

“Hello there, I’m Jessie. But you can call me Jess or Jessie, whatever you prefer.” I wanted to hug her but remembered not everyone liked hugs, so I offered her my hand.

“Nice to meet you, Jessie.” Her mouth stretched to a big, warm smile. “Please call me Serena,” she said right before she let go of my hand.

“Alrighty.” I beamed.

She eyed my bruised cheek and black eye. “I see that you also need to learn how to avoid trouble.”

Offering her an awkward smile, I moved my hand through my hair. “Ha, you bet.”

“So, how do you two know each other?” She looked between us while tapping her finger on her lips, a curious yet fond look on her face.

“Love your nails,” I blurted out and reached to hold her other hand while examining the bright blue color she had on. “Oh, and we’re friends from school.”

“Yeah, Mom. Jessie is new to the school. It was hard not to like him.”

“I see what you mean,” Serena chuckled as I finally stopped admiring her manicure and she moved to sit on the edge of the bed. “And I see he brought you some chocolates.” She took one out of the box and took a bite. “Mmm. This is delicious. You have great taste, Jessie.”

“I absolutely do,” I said proudly as she gave me a big, knowing smile. I realized what this was all about. She was happy Jordy made a new friend.

Jordan

Three weeks had passed since the night in the hospital when Shay-Lee came to visit me. Between his meltdown and his admission to wanting to make amends for his actions, I thought it was the right time and confessed my love for him.

I took advantage of his lowest point and made it sound romantic. He was in pain, and if I’d learned anything by now, it was that Shay-Lee always looked for a way to distract himself from his emotions. Thanks to my hopeless confession, he earned a new distraction—me.

That night on Pacific Green was a turning point for me. While it gave me a chance with Shay-Lee, it killed my reputation at school. The twins, who now considered me a traitor, ensured the whole school thought the same. They might have spared the details because Shay-Lee made it clear that no one would ever mention that night again, or he’d handle them personally, but they found other ways to make it clear I wasn’t part of their group.

Since Shay-Lee was in the closet and had no intentions of coming out, he couldn’t stand up for me. It was a completely different situation when we were alone, and I was okay with it. He was adamant that we weren’t a couple, but at the same time, we spent a lot more time together. We mostly had sex, but it was still something, and for me, something was better than nothing.