It's Saturday afternoon and I am finally getting off of work. It was extremely busy for breakfast, but at least Scarlett was there, so that helped and the tips were good too today. It's been really cool working with Scarlett for the last few days. She picked up everything so fast, making my job easier. The regulars and my mom love having her there. I get home and get in the shower to wash off the smell of food, and change into a pair of pants with a white tee.

A ding chimes from my phone. Two new texts. One from Phoebe, and one from Dex, my friend from school. He really needs to hang out more, but he can't stand Phoebe, so he stays pretty distant. I open the text from him first.

'Dude, that Scarlett girl that hangs out with Nina, is that the one that works at your mom's diner?' –Dex

'Yeah, why?'

'She's cute. She was just made my partner for the math project and I think I want to ask if she wants to hang out after school to work on it. What do you think?' –Dex

I roll my eyes, annoyed, then open the text from Phoebe.

'Hiya baby. Da parents r gone 2night. Come over? ;)' –Phoebe

'Sure. Be there soon.'

It really annoys me how she texts. Half of the time I have to ask her what the fuck she is saying with all these damn abbreviations. Like, can you not take the time to actually text me actual words? I don't reply to Dex, I don't know why I am annoyed by his question. It's not like he's a bad guy. I mean, shit, he is better than Ryker, and she is single. So why can't I just tell him to go for it? I need to relieve my stress and get my mind straight. I need to get hazel eyes out of my mind. I grab two condoms from my drawer, put them in my wallet, and grab my keys.

On the drive over to Phoebe's, I keep wondering what it is about Scarlett that is constantly putting her in my thoughts. We have so much in common, and the girl is absolutely beautiful. It blows me away how she doesn't see how the guys at school react to her, even at the restaurant. She is smart and sweet to just about everyone. And then there is Phoebe. We literally have nothing in common. She's a total bitch to everyone, including her parents, she's high maintenance and also controlling. Hell, even my mother doesn't like her, and she likes pretty much everyone. I don't even know why I started to date her. When all the shit went down with my father, my sperm donor is what I refer to him now, she was there and basically throwing herself at me. I was a virgin at the time and I needed to let loose. Destress. She knew it in the beginning that that was all it was, but I don't exactly know when it turned into an actual relationship. I feel kind of bad for using her like this. She's still a person, no matter how bitchy she is.

I walk up to Phoebe's door and knock twice before she opens it, wearing a white turtle neck that looks as if it was painted on, and shorts that literally show half of her ass cheeks. "Hey baby, that was quick. Come in." She gestures, and I walk right past her to sit on the reclining chair. She sits on my lap and starts to kiss me, cutting straight to the good stuff, and I can instantly taste the beer on her lips. I pull away and put my hand on her chest to stop her from coming closer.

"You've been drinking again," I criticize. She fidgets as she attempts to get off my lap, and that is when I see it. "What the fuck is that shit?" I ask, pointing to the half-hidden mark that is almost covered by her choice of wardrobe. Her eyes go wide in terror and she stands to her feet, pulling up the cotton top to cover the mark.

"N....nothing," she stutters, backing away from me. I am now on my feet and I walk right up to her so that we are face to face, up close.

"Then show me what is on your neck if it's nothing, Phoebe." Her eyes start to water as she rolls down the turtle neck, revealing the dark hickey on her neck. I haven't fucked her in like two weeks. "Who did that?" I ask, surprising myself by how relaxed I am being.

"Dean, I made a mistake. I was drunk, well we both were, and it sort of just happened. I swear it meant nothing." I glare at her, waiting for her to tell me the name so I can end this shit already. I think I was going to end whatever we were soon. I don't know why I have these condoms in my pocket. "Ryker." She says under her breath and I let out a light laugh.

"Are you kidding me?" I scoff. "You fucked, Ryker? When?" I don't even care as sad as that is, but I do want to know when this happened.

"Tuesday night. When he got home from jail." She says, nonchalant, no emotion to be found.

"That's how you knew about him and Scarlett breaking up." It all makes sense now.

"Yeah, I also know that you beat the shit out of him for her." I turn away and start walking towards the door before I have to hear anymore. "She's a joke. She thinks she's too good for him, for anyone really. The prude." I roll my fists trying to stop myself from punching her door.

"Shut the fuck up, Phoebe. You know what, she was right. You and Ryker would make a good couple." I open the door and look back at Phoebe once more. "In case it isn't obvious, we are done. Peace out slut." I slam the door behind me as I walk back to my car. It's ironic really. I knew I was wanting to end things with her, not knowing how to go about it and she made it so much easier. I about lost it when she started talking about Scarlett. Before I drive off, I finally text Dex back.

'I broke up with Phoebe. You were right, she is a crazy bitch. She hooked up with Ryker, go figure? Lol. But listen, I am sorry, but I think I'm actually into Scarlett and I kinda want to see if she would go to the dance with me.'

'Fuck yes dude!! About damn time. Come over to Jake and Nina's, we are playing Halo. And no sweat dude. She's a chill girl and I think she would be good for you. By the way, she is still here hanging out.'

'On my way.' I simply reply and put the jeep in drive.