On the Outside Looking In (Wrong Reasons) by JL Paul Read Free Book Online Page B

didn’t consider me as close a friend as they once had.
    “So, anyway, if you’re not doing anything, why don’t you come to Rusty’s?”
    I shook my head, my heart aching a bit.  How could I show up?  What would I do, go sit with Irelyn and Bailey?
    “Come on,” he wheedled.  “You can sit at the bar near me and keep me company.”
    “Won’t you be busy?” I asked, imagining the crowd that was sure to be there for the party and to listen to the band.
    “Swamped, most likely, but if you’re sitting at the bar, it will be more bearable,” he said with a wink.  He actually winked!  I didn’t think guys did that sort of thing – thought only creepy old men did it.
    “I don’t know,” I said, nibbling my lip.  Maybe I would go and totally ignore Irelyn and Bailey.  I could show them that I had other friends and my own life – that I didn’t need to be a part of theirs.
    “I’ll reserve you a seat and you can have all the free diet soda that you can drink,” Evan said, leaning over the counter to flash that crooked smile.  “Come on, be a sport.”
    “A sport?” I asked.  “I’m not a ten year old boy.”
    He laughed, hard.  “That’s funny.”
    Rolling my eyes, I dried my hands on a towel and surveyed the prep area.  I’d done most of the cleaning already and only had a few things to wash.  “Thanks.  I’m a closet comedian.”
    “So, are you coming tomorrow night or what?” he asked.
    Stalling, I narrowed my eyes.  “Where have you been lately?  I haven’t seen you lurking around the library or in here for a while.”
    His smile widened.  “You missed me!”
    “I most certainly did not,” I said, moving away from the counter to collect utensils to wash.  “I actually thought that maybe you’d given up on whatever weird sort of relationship you’re trying to establish with me.  I was relieved.”
    “You are such a liar,” he said, still smiling.  “I’ve been busy with the garage and stuff.  That’s all.”
    “Be mysterious,” I said.
    “Chicks like that,” he said.  “So, I’ll save you a seat at the bar tomorrow night.”
    “Go right ahead,” I said.
    “And I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    “Maybe,” I said.
    “Ah, mysterious,” he said with a faux frown.  “Dudes like that.”
    “I’m sure they do,” I said with a sigh.  “I don’t know if I’ll be there or not, but I’ll try.”
    “Excellent,” he grinned, crumpling his cup and shooting it at the trash can behind the counter.  “See you, Morgan.”
    He sauntered out of the shop as if he’d just scored a million dollar real estate deal, or something to that effect.  I fought another smile as the doors closed behind him.
    ***
    I contemplated Evan’s offer all morning in class on Friday, not sure what I was going to do.  When I sat down with my lunch at a table in the cafeteria, I was still undecided.  I was sure that it would a costume sort of affair as I recalled that being the case last year.  I didn’t want to dress up even though I usually enjoyed doing that sort of thing.  This year, I just wasn’t into it.
    “Hey, Morg.”
    Lifting my head, I was surprised to see Bailey dropping into the chair across from me.
    “Hi,” I said, stirring my chili with a plastic spoon.  “What’s going on?”
    “Nothing much,” she said.  “You going to Rusty’s tonight?”
    Furrowing my brow, I watched as she opened a bottle of water and took a long swig.
    “Um, I’m not sure.  I was just thinking about it,” I admitted.
    “Did Irelyn tell you what she wants to dress up as?” she asked.
    “No,” I said.  “The last time I spoke to Irelyn, she didn’t even mention the Halloween party.”
    “Oh, hell,” Bailey said, running a hand through her hair.  “Damn.  I’m sorry, Morgan.  I forgot.  I was supposed to ask you if you were going.”
    “Huh?” I said.
    “Yeah,” Bailey said.  “Irelyn has been working extra shifts to help cover the bills when Lucas is