Cold Water

Chapter 7

Rey's POV

My lips still burn from the kiss with Niall as I go back inside. Why the f**k did I decide to talk to my “boyfriend” when I could’ve just stayed outside and continue making out with a guy I presumably hate?

“Where is he?” I ask Sophia, who still looks like she might be in shock by what she just saw outside.

“We-uh…I saw him in the kitchen before I…before I walked outside and saw you and f*****g Niall kissing?” she asks.

“Shh!” I hush her and look around, in case anyone heard her. “Keep your voice down. I don’t want people to know.”

“Then you shouldn’t kiss him on the back porch, where everyone goes?” Sophia sarcastically says and guides me towards the kitchen. “Are you and Jed over? Are you just on a break? May I remind you about the Ross and Rachel break from FRIENDS?”

I roll my eyes. “I don’t know what we are and Niall is just…there.”

“So he’s your rebound? Or your newest crush?”

I shake my head as I scrunch my nose. “He’s definitely not my crush. That’s for sure.”

She squints her eyes at me as we enter the kitchen, where I find Jed leaning against the counter and talking to Louis. As soon as he makes eye contact with me he stands up straight. “I was looking for you.”

“I know. That’s why I’m here. What is it?” I ask, crossing my arms.

“I want to talk to you.”

“So talk.”

He looks around at the people in the kitchen who are just minding their own business. “Not here.”

“Then where?” I ask, rolling my eyes.

“Outside. C’mon.”

I sigh and follow him back outside on the back porch, where Niall’s still smoking, this time with another girl I recognize from my English Lit class. Niall and I make a short eye contact before I avert my eyes to look at Jed who leans against the railing and pulls me closer to him.

“I’m sorry.” Is all he says and I’m not sure how to react.

“For what?” I ask as he places his hand on the back of my neck.

“For everything.”

“Be more specific.”

He sighs and rolls his eyes, which lets me know that his ego is bleeding right now.

“For lying to you and for being a f*****g asshole and for neglecting you. You know I love you and I’d never wanna lose you, right?” he asks, looking at me with his big brown eyes that used to make my knees weak. But right now, all they do for me is making me nauseous.

“I don’t. Really, I don’t. I told you I needed a break.”

“But it’s been days…” he trails off. “I miss you.”

I swallow and look at Niall for a split of a second out of the corner of my eye.

“So? I feel way too betrayed to even…I can’t. Not right now I can’t. I’m sorry.”

Jed looks like he’s about to cry and I feel like my heart is breaking, but I deserve better. Even though that ‘better’ would mean Niall and being friends with benefits…it’s still better than constantly worrying about my relationship with Jed.

“Please don’t do this.” he says, pulling my closer by the back of my neck.

I look down at his shoes because I can feel tears welling up in the corners of my eyes and I don’t want him to see that he’s not the only one who’s hurting.

“I just. I need space. I need to think about it.” I tell him and finally look up at him.

“But…you’ll think about us? Getting back together.”

I nod, because how can I not? I can’t just throw a year old relationship in the trash.

My answer seems to be good enough for him, because he tells me that he’ll get us something to drink and that he’ll find Louis to share a spliff.

I watch his back as he disappears inside and then turn to look at Niall, who sends the girl off to God knows where.

“Nice.” Is all he says and crosses his arms.

“What.” I say.

“I thought it was over.”

“It is over. I just need time to tell him that.”

Niall shakes his head. “You wont.”

“And how the hell do you know that? Are you the new relationship guru or something?”

“You’re not strong enough.”

I raise my eyebrows so high they almost meet my hairline. “Ex-f*****g-cuse you? I’m f*****g strong. You don’t even know me. Just because you had your tongue in my mouth it doesn’t mean that you know me.”

“I didn’t mean it like that. You won’t put an end to it because he’s always going to make those puppy eyes at you and you won’t be able to resist him because there’s way too much history with him.”

“What the f**k do you know?” I ask, getting worked up and making a step in his direction.

“I’ve seen relationships like yours. Where no matter how the woman was treated, she just…she just wouldn’t leave. No matter how many people told her.” He says and I see a flash of sadness in his eyes. “It’s called emotional abuse. And before you know it, it’s gonna escalate.”

“Are you suggesting that he’ll hit me or something? Because you can’t joke about s**t like that.”

His eyes darken. “I’d never joke about that.”

“Just…stop. Stop sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. And your tongue.” I add and that makes him smile in a cute way. f**k.

He steps closer.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to do that?” he whispers. “Because if you’re sure, I got that girl waiting for me upstairs and she told me I can stick a few things wherever I want.”

For a split second I feel jealous before I’m completely engulfed by anger. I press my palm against his chest and push him away. “You’re a f*****g pig.”

Niall shrugs and walks away, leaving me alone outside.

I’m just finishing my cigarette when Jed walks back outside with Harry and Louis, holding two red cups.

“What’s in it?” I ask after he hands me my cup.

“Vodka with orange juice.”

I take a sip and then scrunch my nose.

“I know, I might’ve poured a bit much.” Jed says, but I shake my head.

“You actually haven’t poured enough. Be right back.”

I walk inside and as I pour Vodka into my cup, Jake comes up to me.

“How-“ he starts, but I interrupt him.

“Niall and I made out.” is all I can say.

“b***h WHAT.”

His jaw falls to the floor and he blinks for a few seconds.

“Wha-whe-how-why?” is all Jake can say and I wait for him to calm down so I can vent.

“Outside right after we arrived. I don’t know. He just-he makes me-ugh. It’s not a crush as much as a…very severe s****l attraction. That’s why I have 80% Vodka and 20% orange juice in this cup. And Jed and I are broken up but not quite and I need space and just…I don’t know.” I rant, before I take another large gulp.

“Okay, let’s start from the beginning. So you and Niall kissed. How was it? Would you do it again?”

“Definitely.” I say without even thinking about it. “It was…hot. There’s no way to describe it. And I hate myself…and him, for that. I hate him. I hate it! I hate that I loved it and that I want to do it again. Jake, what do I do?”

“Well, where is he right now?”

“He’s upstairs f*****g a blonde girl from English Lit.”

“Oh. Well. That’s not good.” He says, stating the obvious.

“Oh really?” I sarcastically ask.

“Just drink that cup. You’re a b***h when you’re sober and horny.”

I nod and drink the rest of the cup in a few large gulps, just to get it over with. Jake fills it again, this time with Jägermeister and coke.

“So. This is the plan. I’ll ask Sophia to be on Jed duty and make sure he doesn’t bother you while I go upstairs and investigate the situation before I report back to you. Meet you outside in five minutes. Drink some more.”

“I love you.” I tell him and he waves me off before he exits the kitchen.

I go back outside and the plan already fails because Jed is still there sharing a spliff with Harry and Louis.

“Want some?” Louis asks me, holding the weed towards me.

I want to say no, but f**k it. I walk closer to them and take two drags. After holding them in and inhaling, I blow the smoke back out and pass it over to Harry.

I get my turn one more time before Jake makes an appearance. His eyes land on Jed and he puts on a fake smile, c*****g his hip. “Jed babe, would you be a dear and bring me one of your special cocktails?”

I bite my lip so I won’t burst out laughing. Jed nods and smiles before he leaves us. As soon as Jake makes sure that he’s gone, he turns to face me and claps his hands together.

“So. They’re f*****g. And she’s enjoying it.”

“Who’s fuckin’ who?” Louis asks as he puts an arm around Harry neck.

“Apparently, you two as well.” Jake smirks. “Anyway, Niall and Cassidy from English Lit. I always knew she wanted him. I could tell.”

“Why do you care about Niall?” Harry curiously asks.

“I don’t. I just…I don’t know. I wanted to hook up. But keep your mouths shut or I’ll cut both of you.”

“Babe, we totally ship you and Niall.” Louis tells me. “We’re on your side.”

“Yea-wait a minute.” Harry says, suddenly pulling away from Louis. “Were they in parents’ room?” he asks Jake.

“Last door on the right? Yeah.”

Harry rolls his eyes. “That’s my parents room. Knowing Niall, they’ll probably break a few things. I’m gonna stop it.”

I don’t stop him. In fact, I kind of like the idea of Harry cockblocking them.

Louis follows Harry inside, so it’s just Jake and I.

“So…what now?” I ask him. “What are the chances of Niall and I making out tonight? And the chances that Jed won’t find out? Wait. Does it count as cheating?”

Jake shakes his head. “No it doesn’t. You told him you need space right? I think he got the idea that you’re pretty much over, but won’t admit it.”

“Whatever, there’s no way I’m putting my mouth on Niall after it’s been on another girl’s vagina.”

“Then you should probably never kiss him again.” Jake laughs and I flip him off.

We go back inside and dance along to a few songs before I feel the need to drink some more. I elbow my way through the people blocking the path to the kitchen, just to see Niall and that girl making out against the counter when I arrive.

“Get a room.” I say and walk over to the almost empty Vodka bottle.

“Mind your own business.” Niall says, pulling away from her.

“I have to go to the bathroom.” she tells him and smiles at me as she walks away. That’s when I realize that I’m not even angry with her, just with Niall.

“Thanks. It looks like today is cockblocking day. First with you, then with-“

“Don’t even add me to that list.” I say in disgust.

“Oh baby, but you didn’t seem to mind an hour earlier. And if you hadn’t gone to work things out with your boyfriend, I wouldn’t have f****d her.”

I shake my head as I pour orange juice over the alcohol. “You disgust me. And that kiss is a mistake I’ll never make again.”

Niall mockingly pouts and tilts his head. “You sure?”

I nod, not looking at him.

“I don’t believe you.” He says, walking towards me, so I take a step backwards and we continue doing this until I’m up against the door. My heart is beating out of my chest and my core literally tightens by how turned on I am. And I’m nowhere near drunk. Maybe a bit tipsy, but definitely conscious.

“You have to. No is no. Are you going to force yourself on me because you think I’m lying?” I quickly say and he suddenly takes a step back.

“No, I won’t.”

And now I regret saying those things. Why am I like this?

“Don’t.” I whisper, because my throat clogs up from the s****l tension.

“Don’t what, Rey?” he asks.

“Don’t step back. I want…” I trail off.

His jaw clenches and he walks up to me, almost slamming me into the door. He places one hand on my cheek and the other one on my waist, pulling me closer to him to kiss me.

I run my hand up to his hair because the other one is still holding the cup and he pulls one of my legs up to his waist. My feet hurt like hell from the heels, but I barely even feel it.

He deepens the kiss by tilting his head further to the right as his hand travels from my leg to cup my ass, and my insides are on fire. Jesus f*****g Christ.

The door suddenly pushes against my back and I nearly spill my drink. Niall steps back and I open the door to see Sophia and Liam standing there. Her eyes land on me, and then Niall. She smirks even though she looks confused.

“Jed’s sort of…yelling for you upstairs. He can’t find you and he’s drunk out of his mind.” Sophia tells me.

I hand her my cup. “Be right back. He needs to get to sleep otherwise he’ll get violent and punch a wall.”

“What?” Niall asks confused, but I’m already walking away. I hear Sophia starting to explain to him how Jed is the type of drunk who gets aggressive before he blacks out.

I walk upstairs with my feet killing me, just to find Jed sitting down against a wall and blabbering something I can’t understand.

“Jed, get up. Let’s get you to bed.” I tell him and reach my hand out for him to grab.

“Reeeey. I love you so muuuch I don’t want you to leave me.” He whines and I roll my eyes. I hate him when he’s drunk. He doesn’t drink often, but when he does, it’s the worst thing ever.

“Come on, get up.”

“Only if you tell me you love me and you promise me that we won’t break up. I love you, I promise.” He’s slurring the words but I understand him, sort of.

“Get up or I’ll leave you here.”

“Noo! Don’t!” he yells, this time angrier, but it doesn’t scare me. He never even raised his hand at me and I can always easily control him when he’s drunk because he’s half unconscious.

I finally manage to pull him onto his feet and he leans against me, wrapping an arm around me.

“I love you, I’m sorry. Why don’t you love me?” he asks, gripping into my arm.

“Jesus, let go of my arm before I start yelling.” I say, trying to wriggle out of his grip.

“Tell me you love me.”

“Jed-“

“Tell me you love me!” he yells, letting go of my arm.

I take a step back. “I’m gonna go now because I can’t f*****g talk to you when you’re like this. Either you go lay down or we’re done.”

“You’re a b***h. I literally pour my heart out to you and you just…what the f**k? You ungrateful bitch.”

And okay, he’s never been like this before. He’s never called me b***h or been violent with me, he always tried to pick fights with other people for no reason at all.

“Whoa, I think you really need to take a step back and just calm down. You’re starting to piss me off.”

Jed laughs and comes even closer to me. I turn around and intend to leave him, but he grips my hair and pulls me back.

“What the f**k?!” I yell at him, slapping his hand away.

That makes him even angrier and he raises his hand. Before I can even react, his hand slaps me right across the face, making my brain run in circles. Tears well up in my eyes because I am that angry.

Suddenly, Jed is being punched to the ground by a very angry Niall, accompanied by Liam and a scared Sophia.

“Never hit a girl. Ever.” Niall spits and Jed flips him off, which makes Niall even angrier so he kicks him in the stomach.

“Stop!” I yell, pushing at Niall’s chest. “Don’t hit him.”

“Are you serious? He just slapped you!” Niall tells me, stepping away from me. “And you’re still defending him? What the actual f**k? How much bullshit can you take from him before it’s enough?”

“You have no right-“

“Honestly? You’re an idiot.” Niall says. “He just hit you for f**k’s sake and you still defending him! I thought you had more respect for yourself to be honest.”

“Well maybe I don’t!” I yell back. “Just mind your damn business.”

I can tell that Niall is trying to calm himself down and that he’s biting his lip so he won’t say anything else, but I’m just way too confused because everything happened way too fast.

“I’m just-f**k you.” Is all he says before he walks off towards the stairs.

I look at Sophia and she looks at Liam who understands that he has to leave us alone. After the two of us get Jed into an empty bed we walk out on the balcony. I can hear chatter from downstairs and I recognize Niall’s voice.

“She’s fuckin’ stubborn, I swear to God I’m gonna punch a wall.” Niall says.

“Don’t mind her and stop getting angry over it. It’s not your job to worry about other people, let alone her.” Sean (I think?), his teammate, tells him.

“I just can’t stand it when women are abused for no f*****g reason.” Niall mutters.

“She’s a rich snob who got in a fight with her drunk boyfriend, leave her be.”

Niall doesn’t say anything else, but I hear the sound of a lighter. Sophia and I look at each other silently for a few moments.

“You’re right. Why do I even bother with her? She’s always going to be a spoiled brat who thinks she’s always right and the world should bend for her.”

My jaw clenches and I can’t help myself. “You’re one to talk huh?” I say, looking down at him.

They both look up.

“You’re crazy, I swear to God.” Niall says as he looks up at me.

“Don’t you dare call me crazy, you i***t. I knew I hated you for a reason. You think you’re so smart huh? Niall the bad boy, ooh, I’m melting.” I say in a high-pitched voice before I step back inside so I won’t say anything else. I’m tipsy and confused and sad and my face hurts from Jed’s slap.

“Are you okay? You want me to stay with you?” Sophia asks me when she sees me opening the door to Harry’s room.

“No, I’m fine and way too angry to talk right now. Later.”

“Alright. You want me to bring you something?”

I sit down on his bed and barely even notice Louis passed out on it. “Yeah. Something to eat. I’ll stay in here for a while to clear my head.”

She nods and closes the door behind her.

I take off my shoes, sighing in relief because they hurt as hell and then sit down on the bed. I watch Louis sleep for a few minutes, literally thinking about nothing. Then my mind drifts off to the events that unfolded earlier: the slap from my drunk ex boyfriend, Niall sort of defending me by hitting him back, me yelling at him like the b***h I am, then the swearing session between the two of us.

My phone buzzes on the nightstand, but before I can reach out to see who texted me, the door opens and I see a tall, skinny silhouette walking in with a plate.

I turn on the bedside lamp to see Niall coming towards me with a plate full of snacks and sits down at my feet. We look at each other for a few seconds and I have no idea what to do or say.

“Sophia gave me this to bring it to you.” He says and hands me the plate. I look down at it as I start eating. I kind of feel ashamed to say anything, because I know I am in the wrong and he was probably just trying to be nice.

“Thank you.” I say, not looking up at him though.

“For what?” he asks so I lift my head to make eye contact.

“You know what for. For trying to be a decent guy and me being an idiot.” I apologize before I shove another pretzel into my mouth.

“It’s alright.” Niall says, taking a chip from the plate. “Sorry for calling you a spoiled brat, you’re not that bad.”

I roll my eyes, but I know he probably stepped on his ego by telling me this. I cross my ankles as I shove a chocolate truffle into my mouth.

“He’s never done that.” I add after two minutes of eating in silence.

“I could tell by the look on your face.”

“How?”

“I’ve seen it before on…other people. I just know. It starts with a slap and then it escalates until you’re in way too deep and emotionally scarred.”

I swallow. “But he’s just-“

“Drunk? Yeah, that’s how it starts. Either way, just don’t-don’t go back to him. And I’m not saying this because I want to get into your pants or something. I just can’t stand it when people deserve better and settle for less anyway.”

“But I…one year. It’s just too much wasted time.”

“So?” he asks, raising his voice a bit. “You’d rather waste even more time in vain? You’re eighteen. You should live your life for f**k’s sake.”

“Like you do? I don’t think I can shag-“

“That’s not what I mean. I mean, be free. Do whatever the f**k you want without having to include someone else. Think about yourself for a change.”

I frown. “Why do you even care?”

“I already told you that I’ve seen other people settling for less when they deserve more and that makes me so f*****g angry because I know they can’t help it and it’s fuckin’ sad. But you’re not thirty, you’re eighteen. It’s not too late for you.”

I look down at my toes. “You’re right. He’s gonna apologize tomorrow and I don’t know if-actually, f**k him. I’m putting an end to it. So what if I used to be his ‘cheerleader’ and all that s**t? I can be someone else’s. I can-I can.” I drunkenly rant and set the plate down next to my phone.

Then I shimmy further down on the bed until I’m laying down. “Thanks. You’re not that bad. I’m gonna close my eyes for a bit.”

“I’m going back downstairs.” Niall says after a few moments, before he stands up and turns the lamp off.

After he’s gone, I get under the covers and grab my phone.

The last thing I remember is looking at Sophia’s text before falling asleep.

Niall’s coming up with your snacks, he offered and insisted

***

I skillfully managed to avoid Jed the next morning as I collected my brother from the living room floor and drove back home. He’s been ringing me since yesterday, but I eventually blocked his number and all his social media as well.

“What do you want to do for your birthday?” my father asks Jason on Sunday evening. Then I suddenly remember that he’s turning sixteen on October 24th, which happens to be tomorrow and I feel guilty because I’m a bad sister.

“I was thinking on taking a few people to Thorpe Park on Friday after school and also sleep over there.”

“You want me to rent it our for you?”

My brother’s eyes nearly pop out of their sockets. “Thanks, but no. It’s way more fun when there are other people as well.”

“Alright, how many friends are you going to invite?” dad asks at the same time as his phone rings.

“Well, six-“

“Yeah, hold on. Just let me know how much money you need.” He says and walks out of the kitchen with his phone taped to his ear.

I sympathetically look at him. “So how many people? Let’s make a list.”

“Well, Jake, Bryan, Chris, Justin and Mike.”

“My Jake?” I ask.

Jason laughs. “God no. He’s a new friend.”

“You also said six people, yet you only told me five names.”

“Well, I was also thinking about inviting Lilly.”

“Lilly as in Lilly Horan?”

“Yeah, but I don’t think she’ll come.”

I make a face. “So you have a crush on her but she despises you? A love-hate type of thing?”

He hesitates, which lets me know that he’s hiding something.

“What?” I push.

“We’re kind of hooking up but like, we’re not telling anyone. And I hope you won’t tell anyone either!”

“Wha-like what? Hooking up meaning? s*x? Kissing? Touching?” I ask, completely shocked.

“Like, making out. Jeez Rey, don’t make me tell you the details.” He says, rolling his eyes.

“Fine. So, back to your birthday. Let’s say you invite six people plus you that’s seven. A day pass is forty pounds, plus a night at the hotel for seven people would be around….a thousand pounds? With food and everything.”

“Sure.” He says, obviously not even paying attention to my math because he’s busy with his phone. “Hey…are you and Jed broken up?”

“Why?” I ask, frowning.

“Because I saw you with Niall at the party.”

I look down at the marble table. “Oh.”

“And right now, Lilly sent me a snap with Niall and another girl in their living room. And he also posted a photo on i********:-”

I shrug. “I don’t care. Let’s talk about your birthday.” I say, but I’m half lying, because I’m 5% jealous.

“So, have you decided?” my father asks, suddenly coming back into the kitchen. “How much money will you need me to wire into your account?”

“Well, six friends plus me and I kind of wanted to sleep in a hotel-“ Jason starts.

“If you want to stay overnight your sister is coming as well.” Dad tells him.

Jason and I look at each other. He raises his brow and I shrug. “Fine.”

“Well then. I’ll wire fife thousand into both your accounts and that should do it, right?”

We both silently nod as we exchange looks. Typical. Once dad leaves the room, Jason stands up from the chair.

“You don’t have to babysit us, you can go shopping or-“

“It’s fine, really. I need a break from everything anyway. Plus, I think the chances that Lilly will come now that another girl is coming are much higher. Even though that girl is me.” I tell him.

“Oh, she thinks you’re actually pretty cool.”

I raise my eyebrows. “Really?”

Jason laughs. “Yeah. She loves it when you and Niall fight.”

I roll my eyes but smile as he leaves.

***

Rey:

“You’re avoiding him.” Is the first thing Jake says to me on Monday as I try pulling my books out from my locker without being seen.

“What? Who?”

“Niall. Or Jed. b***h, you kissed-“

“Shhh!” I shush him by placing my hand over his mouth. “I’m actually trying to f*****g avoid him.”

“Whoo? Niall or Jed?”

“Jake, I swear to God, if you say one of those names again-“

I suddenly see Jed entering the school with a Band-Aid on his cheek where Niall punched him.

“I have to go because he’ll want to talk to me and I’m just over it.”

“Over him?” Jake gasps as he follows me down the hallway, far away from Jed and his sulkiness.

We turn the corner towards the west wing of the school, just to see Niall chatting to the same blonde girl at her locker that he hooked up with at the party and also posted a photo of on i********:.

“This way isn’t good either, fuck.” I groan, rolling my eyes. “Look, I have to get to class. See you at lunch okay? We’ll talk then.”

Jake nods, still confused, but lets me walk off anyway.

I sit with him and Sophia at lunch, because my brother is apparently sitting with his squad, which also includes Lilly Horan.

“Does your brother turn sixteen today?” Niall asks, sitting down across from me, next to Jake, out of nowhere.

“Wha-yeah. Why?”

“My sister also turns sixteen today. And your brother invited her to Thorpe Park overnight this Friday.” Niall continues.

“Why are you telling me this?” I ask, trying to figure out whether I’m the only one who feels awkward. Judging by Sophia and Jake’s interested expressions, I figure out that I am in fact the only one who feels awkward.

“Because she’s begging me to go with her, otherwise my mother won’t let her go. And she’s never been there and all that shit.”

“Sooo?” I ask, wondering where this is going but I have a clue.

Before Niall can answer, Jason sits down next to me, pushing me further to the left with his ass.

“I need to talk to you. It’s about my birthday on Friday.” He tells me and I look at Niall. That’s when Jason also sees Niall and his expression changes to something more serious. “Uh…I’ll actually talk to you later. When you’re not busy.”

“No, it’s fine. I have to get back to my table anyway.” Niall says and stands up before walking away.

Jason waits for him to be far enough so he won’t hear, before he turns back to me. “Look. Lilly’s mother won’t let her come alone, so she’ll only let her come if Niall comes as well. Her mother isn’t too happy with the idea of her and five other boys alone with no supervision. So please be alright with this and come with us, please. I really like her Rey and this might be my chance to-“

“If you say shag, I swear.” I warn.

“I was going to say that this might be my chance to let her know that I like her.”

“Oh, I’m melting. Looks like romance isn’t dead after all.” Jake gushes from across the table, where Sophia and him have been sitting, watching everything unfold under their eyes. Jason shows him the middle finger before he focuses back on my face.

“Rey, please?”

I roll my eyes. “Sure. But this counts as your birthday present.”

He smiles and pulls me into a hug. “You’re the best. Love you.”

Then he sits up and walks back to his table with a smile on his face.

“Aw, he’s in love.” Sophia says and smiles.

“But back to you, what happened on Friday? What the f**k? Was I that high I didn’t notice?” Jake wonders, dramatically looking off in the distance.

I tell him everything that happened on Friday in detail and all he can do is stare at me with a shocked expression.

“So it’s officially over?”

“Yeah. I mean, I never said it officially, but it’s over. And I know I’ll have to talk to him eventually but right now I’m still angry.”

Jake exchanges a look with Sophia. “So after you’re done with Jed, are you going to get with Niall or-“

“No. Definitely not. I mean, I wouldn’t mind a “no strings attached” kind of thing, friends with benefits and whatnot, but I definitely won’t get my feelings involved. I mean, it’s Niall. And I’m done with the romance bullshit.”

“s**t, you sound like the ice queen.” Jake gasps, putting his hand over his heart. “I love it.”

There are a few moments of silence as the three of us eat our lunch, before Jake lets his fork fall to his plate.

“I can’t with this silence. Can we please talk about the fact that you and Niall are going to explode from the s****l tension on Friday? I mean come on, you’re going to be sleeping in the same hotel room for f**k’s sake.” Jake rambles as Sophia starts laughing.

I look over to Niall’s table, where he’s sitting with the guys from his team, all except Jed, laughing about something.

“Rey? You don’t have anything to add?” Sophia asks, making me come out of my daze.

“No, not really.” I mumble, shoving the rest of my apple pie into my mouth.

As I swallow, I think about how Jake is probably right. I mean, Niall and I can’t really stand each other, but isn’t hate s*x the best s*x there is?