The Quarterback Likes Me?

Chapter 4

Vanessa's POV

I feel odd in Jake's shirt, especially with girls glaring at me all morning.

"Love the shirt, Vanessa! I know it's not yours; spill!" Dianne says as we head to the cafeteria.

"In lab this morning, Heidi and her partner blew up their experiment, and I got goo on me. I didn’t have an extra shirt, so Jake lent me his." I respond.

"All I heard was lab, Heidi, goo, Jake, and shirt," Dianne says with a laugh.

"That was sweet of him," she adds.

As we enter the cafeteria, I notice Jake's eyes gleaming as they meet mine.

I try to look away while standing in line behind Dianne.

Dianne gasps as she spots Tyrell right in front of her, getting his food.

He turns, winks at her, and then heads to the popular table.

"He just—OMG!" she shrieks, and I sigh, rolling my eyes.

"Hey Vanessa, mind if I cut in?" Kevin asks.

"No way, you’re not talking to my best friend while I grab the last slice of double chocolate cake," I growl, snatching it quickly.

"Geez, I just wanted to ask her something," he sighs as we move up in line.

I step aside, letting him pass.

"Hey, can I cut in too? I’m really hungry," a jock says behind me.

"Ha, fat chance. You're not that important," I reply as the line continues moving.

"Vanessa, want to join me at Kevin's table? Don’t worry, Heidi’s in detention," Dianne offers.

"It’s not Heidi I’m worried about; it’s Jake’s sassy sister and her friends," I say.

"If you don’t come, I’ll tell everyone about your nightlight," she whispers.

"You wouldn’t dare," I hiss.

"Try me, b***h," she smirks, and I sigh.

I sit between Jake and Tyrell, who is trying to get Jake's sister's attention while Dianne glares at Brenda, who is talking trash.

"This is your table? Boring?" I ask Jake.

"No, it’s usually livelier, but I enjoy the quiet—no Heidi breakdown for once," he replies, looking relieved. Wow, it must be that bad.

"So, are you guys going to Heidi's party Friday?" someone asks, I think Sharon.

"Yeah, I guess, but we all know Jake's Halloween party is the best of the year," Jennifer says.

That's right—Jake's Halloween party is legendary. Even the nerds know about it.

"I don't want to brag, but even Chase can’t compete with me," Jake says.

"Yeah, because your house is like a castle," Chase retorts.

"Excuse me, what’s she doing here?" I hear Heidi growl.

"I invited her to lunch," Jake replies, and her mouth drops.

"Why? She doesn’t belong here, and neither does her slutty-looking friend," she snaps.

Dianne's glare intensifies; she has crossed a line.

Dianne stands up, slamming her hands on the table. "Who are you calling a s**t? Your legs are open 24/7 for guys, so keep your mouth shut," she snaps before walking off.

"Wow, sassy! I like it," Kevin says, while Heidi glares at me and storms off.

Tyrell's eyes follow Dianne until she exits, and he smiles.

"Well, that went well," Jake says, breaking the silence.

"I'm going to check on Dianne," I say, getting up.

"Vanessa, I’ll see you later," Jake says as I leave, and I nod.

***

Jake's POV

I watch Vanessa leave, then turn back to my untouched lunch.

"Jake, can I have your lunch?" Logan asks.

I push it across, and he digs in immediately.

"So when are you going to tell her about your crush?" Tyrell whispers.

"Who?"

"You know who! She’s pretty and has nice eyes," he replies with a smirk.

I clench my fist. Only I can call her pretty; this jock is barking up the wrong tree.

"If you try to get her attention, I’ll cut off your d**k and feed it to the lions," I growl, and he laughs.

"Calm down, I’m not interested in her, but her sassy friend definitely has my attention now," he smirks.

"Took you long enough," Ashley mumbles.

I pull out my phone and text Dianne.

Me: Hi! Great news, you got your crush’s attention; he said so.

Dianne: Thanks for the update! Did you ask Vanessa to the party yet?

Me: No, but I will soon. Friday is the day after tomorrow.

Dianne: Okay, see you around.

Me: Yeah.

After football practice, I wait for Ashley by my car, and then I see Heidi approaching with a smile.

"Hey Jake, how was practice?" she asks, leaning against the bumper.

"Fine. Just waiting for Ashley to go home," I reply.

"Okay, well, during the party, I’ll be upstairs if you want to hang out," she says.

"Yeah, whatever," I mumble, crossing my arms.

Where is Ashley?

"Don't ever let that girl and her bitchy friend near the table again," she hisses, tiptoeing to kiss me on the cheek. "See you tomorrow," she whispers, then walks to her car with Brenda.

"About time you and Heidi started to hang out," Ashley says.

"We're not, and I'm not interested in her. I have better things to do than date a girl who only talks about herself and gossips all day," I growl.

"Yeah, like stalking your crush on i********: and Twitter?" she smirks, opening the door.

"I still don’t know how we’re related," I say, and she laughs.

When I get home, my mom greets me.

"Jake, guess who’s coming on Friday?" she asks eagerly.

"The president?" I reply sarcastically.

"No, honey, your grandfather is coming while your father and I go out for the weekend. He’ll be watching you guys," she says.

"I'm capable of babysitting my younger siblings," I protest.

"Uhmmm, what happened last month?" she crosses her arms.

I frown. "Let's not discuss that again," I grumble.

"Mom, we need more icing," Liana calls from the kitchen.

"Jeremy, look what you did," Liyah hisses.

"Sorry, I just wanted some icing," my little brother replies.

"Better check on them," Mom sighs and heads to the kitchen.

"Jakey," says Jared, my next younger brother, as I walk up the stairs.

"Hi little man, how's school?" I ask, ruffling his curly brown hair.

"Fine, all the girls want to hang out with me and the twins," he says, referring to Logan's little identical twin brothers with jet black hair and blue eyes.

"Third grade isn't so bad," I say.

"Jake, want to play football?" Jeremy calls from the bottom of the stairs.

"Sure, but I need to do something first," I reply and head to my room.

I text Vanessa:

Me: Hi, it's Jake. Want to go to a party with me Friday night? I'll pick you up at your house. Don't worry about how I got your number.

Not waiting for a response, I leave my room and step outside into the field.

"Head's up!" I shout to Jeremy as I throw the ball.

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