Playing The Player

07.

Jordan's P.O.V.

It's Thursday, and I still haven't spoken to Daniel. He seems unfazed by it, or he's just hiding it well. He hooked up with two different girls at school on Tuesday and Wednesday, which didn't bother me. Maya and Chris had a successful date, and I think Maya is starting to warm up to him since he sat with us yesterday.

"Jordan, why is your boy toy outside our house leaning against his car?" Joshua asked as I slipped on my flat shoe.

"What?"

"Yeah, he looks like he’s waiting for someone."

"Could be Liam; you forgot we're neighbors?"

"Then why is he walking up the walkway right now, heading for the front door, and I’m opening the door?"

"Josh!" I folded my arms, warning him, "don’t you dare."

Ignoring me, he opened the door. "Hello, who are you?"

"Um... my name is Daniel. Is Jordan there?"

"Oh, so you're the jerk who made her cry on Monday?" I could picture Joshua's mock angry face.

"N-no," Daniel stuttered. "I was just teasing her. I didn’t think she’d get hurt so easily."

Joshua laughed. "I was kidding, but if you hurt my sister, I'll—"

"Alright, papa bear," I stepped into the living room. "We don’t want to scare off poor Danny."

"You look nice," Daniel complimented.

"And I’m sure your other hookups do too," I shot back, noticing Madison's car pull up.

"Well, I gotta go. Bye, Josh." I kissed his cheek and left Daniel there.

"But I was picking you up for school."

"There's always Liam," I raised my eyebrows.

"He got his own ride already. Please, Jordan, what can I do to make you stop ignoring me?" He sounded desperate; players can’t stand a challenge.

I turned around. "When I think of something, I’ll let you know." I moved closer and kissed him. Just as he reached for my waist, I pulled away, and he groaned.

"You can't do th—"

"I just did. See you in Spanish class." I walked off.

"What the hell was that?" Madison asked when I closed the door.

"He was begging me to stop ignoring him," I shrugged.

"Never thought I’d see Daniel Johnson begging for a girl's attention," she chuckled. "Tryouts for the cheer team are later. You in?"

"Maybe," I shrugged. James and Liam have been trying to convince me to join since they think I'll bring them luck at games.

"You should! I’ve seen you do flips, and they’re way better than Harper’s. You could even run for captain," she shrieked.

I could, then Daniel and I could be the school's cliché couple, and I could finally set my plans in motion.

"I'll check it out later, but you have to come too."

"No way, I tried out freshman year, and it was terrible. I’d be a laughing stock again."

"You can come watch, but I need someone to try out with me."

"I know just the person," she smiled.

"Absolutely not," Carmella shook her head.

"Come on, Carme! You’ve been in gymnastics since you were five; you could even become captain," Madison urged.

"But I don’t like attention; I prefer blending in."

"And you can still do that if you just try out and avoid hanging around Harper," I shrugged.

"Fine, but I want pizza afterward," Carmella ordered.

"I’ll come to all your games; maybe you’ll finally get out there and find a boyfriend too," Madison winked.

Carmella groaned. "Madison, you know me—"

"No dating until college, I know, but even your mom said you need to get out more and be a teenager."

"Maybe I like staying indoors."

"Next month is Valentine’s Day, and I’ll find you a date for our annual dance."

Carmella groaned again.

"Maybe you’ll like this guy."

"I doubt it; guys are jerks."

"Not if you find the right one."

°*°*°*°

"Welcome to tryouts! If you think you’re good enough for my team, stay; if not, you can leave," Harper announced. Carmella and I stood next to each other.

"Do you think she stuffs her b*a to make her boobs look bigger?" I whispered, and Carmella burst into laughter.

Harper glared at us. "Carmella, what’s so funny?"

"Do you stuff your br—" I quickly covered her mouth.

"What?"

"Nothing, right, Carme?" I shot her a look, and she grinned and nodded.

Harper rolled her eyes. "Watch this routine carefully; I'm not repeating it. Music, please," she ordered.

Chloe turned on the radio, and Selena Gomez's "Round and Round" played. We watched as Harper and a few girls performed the simple routine, followed by a double backflip and a split.

A few girls gasped. "Now, ready, go," Harper smirked.

Chloe replayed the music as we got into position, just as some guys from the lacrosse team arrived to watch.

"Thank goodness for photographic memory," Carmella mumbled.

Carmella, three other girls, and I started the routine. The music picked up, and I worked my waist. The three girls attempted the double backflip, but only one succeeded.

"Ready?" I asked Carmella.

"Yes."

We executed our backflip in unison and landed in a perfect split with our hands in the air. Harper's jaw dropped, and the boys began to clap.

"We killed it," I said, giving Carmella a high five.

I caught Daniel staring at me, smiling, and he gave me a thumbs up.

"If you don't make the team, I'll sue Harper," Liam joked.

"I will make the team; we're the best cheerleaders they'll ever have," I said, flicking my hair as Carmella went to join Maya and Madison.

"And we'll win the championship since we have good luck on our side," James smirked.

"Hey, you promised me pizza," Carmella said, grabbing my arm.

"Bye, guys," I waved as I left.

"Jordan tomorrow night, don't forget," Liam reminded me.

"I won't."

We were having a movie night at his house. I hadn't had a guy best friend in a long time—well, except for my brother, but not one who wasn't blood-related.

°*°*°*°

Daniel's P.O.V.

"Jordan tomorrow night, don't forget," I heard Liam shout after Jordan.

What are they doing tomorrow night? Are they hooking up? No, Liam doesn't hook up. I need to find out what's going on without sounding desperate.

"Hey man, you busy tomorrow?" I asked Liam.

"Yeah, tomorrow night, but we can play pool after practice."

"Nah, it's okay. What are you doing anyway?"

"Nothing much, just watching a movie," he shrugged. "Why are you suddenly interested in my plans?"

"It's nothing. So you can't make it to my party?" I deflected.

"Party? You're throwing a party?" Christopher chimed in.

"Yeah, why not?"

"Everyone listen! Daniel is throwing a party—ladies, dress well!" James yelled.

"Only for you, James," a girl replied.

"Sorry man, looks like I'll have to sit this one out, but I'm free Saturday."

Liam missing a party isn't new, but he had a good reason before. Is he doing it for Jordan? Nah, impossible.

I shook my head and walked away.

"Hey Danny," Harper greeted me.

"Hey Harp, what's up?"

"How are things with you and Jordan?"

She may sleep around, but she can be a good listener when she wants to be.

"Fine, actually," I smiled.

"Really, Dan? You're going to lie to me? I saw how she ignored you for the past few days. Why are you even into her when—"

"Why do you care? Did you forget what you told me last week?" I frowned.

"I—" she started, but fell silent.

"Exactly. You have no right to tell me this when you walked away," I said.

She looked away, guilt written on her face. "I'm sorry," she muttered.

"For what? Dumping me in freshman year? Sleeping with my best friend?"

"I regret it, okay? I always loved you, Danny, and I regret breaking up with you in freshman year," she sobbed.

"Well, I'm sorry too. I'm sorry for the guy who has to deal with your multiple personalities," I said, walking away.

"When she leaves you, I'll be here!" she shouted.

"Funny you said the opposite last week. When you make up your mind, keep it to yourself. I don't want to hear it!"