Olive's P.O.V.
Lucas froze stiff behind me as we both stared at the tall blonde in his recliner. She wore a trench coat, which I am sure had nothing under it. She was stunning, with sharp features and wide eyes. She held her head high in confidence. She wasn't embarrassed to be sitting there, in just a trench coat, in front of me. Her legs were crossed, showing off their length. She was like a model in her beauty and perfection.
"Janessa." Lucas let her name slip his lips. My chest tightened.
I was an idiot to think he liked me. He has options and I'm just one of them. I had opened up to him today, letting myself feel so alive with him by my side. Being back in the ring was amazing and I had been riding that high since we left the warehouse. Reality slapped me hard in the face in the form of a stunning woman. She got up, her eyes clearly assessing me, not impressed by what they found. Even though I felt like an ugly toad beside her, I held my head high, refusing to show her any weakness.
"Hello, Lucas. I was hoping to have some fun with you tonight. I'll wait for you in your room, while you take care of the trash." She crossed her arms, staring at me.
My anger was high, but it's not like I can say anything. I don't know how Lucas feels about me. He could very well choose her over me, so I refuse to make a fool of myself by saying otherwise. I scoffed, stepping out of Lucas' hold. I shook my head, backing away. I don't need to hear him send me away. The small hope I let myself have about Lucas and I being anything more than fu.ck buddies, is already crushing me enough.
I watched Lucas grab Janessa by the arm. I knew this was a bad idea. My heart was crushed again. This was supposed to be a one night stand, and instead I let myself catch feelings. I focused on my rage instead of the hurt I was feeling. As I reached for the door, Lucas beat me to it. He opened it, only rubbing salt on my wounded heart. I kept my head held high as I went to step out, however, Lucas threw Janessa out instead. She stared at him stunned, in fact, we both did.
"The trash is out now." Lucas told her before closing the door in her face.
To say I was feeling triumphant, was an understatement. The corners of my mouth turned up in joy. For some reason he had picked me over the model of a woman he had throwing herself at him. The moment of elation only lasted for a moment as I realized he had just had a naked woman in his chair. How did she even get in? How often does this happen to him? Am I just another one of those girls?
There were too many questions floating in my head, and although I wanted to ask them all, I knew he wouldn't want to answer them. The hunger I had for him earlier had died, leaving me with insecurity instead. He turned to face me after he locked the door.
"I'm so sorry, Rose." He pinched the bridge of his nose like this was all too much of a headache.
"How about I just go home?" I asked him, using a more demanding tone.
This showed me just how vastly out of my league he was. I can't handle this roller coaster anymore, even though I'm the one doing it to myself. When he said he was my boyfriend at the warehouse I had let myself daydream, but I really shouldn't have. He had accepted me fully, even going so far as to call me perfect for being a fighter. Now I know it's all just words.
"Rose." His voice was almost pleading as he looked at me. He cupped my face with his hands. "Are you sure you want to go?"
"It seems you're a busy man. Maybe having another woman to handle isn't the best idea for you. I'll see myself out. Thanks for an interesting night, Lucas." I took a step back, reaching for the door again.
Part of me hoped that he would protest, and ask me to stay, but as I opened the door he said nothing. I left toward the elevator, again, hoping he'd chase after me, but he didn't. It just proves to me how little he really cares. I'm sure he's probably calling Janessa right now to get her back. He probably only kicked her out, because he had started his night with me. At least he's loyal in the sense that he stays with the girl he started the night out with.
The elevator doors opened, revealing Leo's sweet face. His glasses were replaced with contacts. His black hair was styled beautifully, and he had piercings I'd never noticed before. He must take them off while on campus for appearance as he had a multitude of them.
He had his bottom lip pierced, a round ring around each corner of his mouth. He had a dangling cross earring on his right ear and a cuff in the cartilage. His left eyebrow had a piercing as well, ultimately giving sweet Leo a not so sweet look. He looked so different right now, that I found myself just staring at him. Leo furrowed his brow at me in surprise as he recognized me.
"What's wrong, Olive?" He pushed off the wall he'd been leaning on. I quickly shook my head.
"Nothing's wrong." I gave him a sad attempt at a smile.
He studied me for a moment, before pulling me by the hand into the elevator.
"I'll take you home, and you can tell me what's really bothering you." I noticed he wasn't asking when he said this, causing my heart to flutter for a moment.
He'd only seen me three times, and texted me throughout the week, but despite the short time frame he was able to pick up on my sadness easily. Could Lucas see it too, and just didn't care? I sighed at the thought, but nodded my head at Leo. I figured Leo came from money as well, seeing as he got me the newest iPhone as a replacement for the one he broke. Besides, usually rich people flock together like birds. Lucas coming from a rich background meant that his friend's probably would be too.
Leo didn't drive a Lambo though, he drove an orange McLaren. Like Lucas, he held the door open for me to climb in. He closed it with a serious look on his face, making my stomach turn for some reason. I hadn't seen Leo look this way before. He seemed almost mad, but about what? I had no clue. He pulled out of the garage, surprisingly, driving at the speed limit.
"Tell me what Lucas did. I'll kick his ass." Leo finally broke the silence.
"He didn't do anything." I sighed.
"Then what happened, Olive? You looked like you could cry earlier." His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as he spoke.
"There was a girl waiting for him in his apartment. I'm pretty sure all she was wearing was that trench coat." I started.
"Did he kick you out for her?!" Leo raised his voice, making me flinch a bit. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell."
I just shook my head again.
"You're fine, but no he didn't kick me out. He kicked her out. It's just... I don't know. I'm just stupid, and thought this could be more than it was. It's nothing, and I'll be fine. I just need to keep my distance from Lucas. He's got other girls to play with, and I really don't need to involve myself with him anymore than I already have." I chewed on my cheek as I finished confessing my inner thoughts.
Leo just nodded his head in understanding. I saw his piercing flick side to side against his lip. He seemed to be playing with it as he thought on what to say.
"Lucas is my friend, my oldest and bestest friend. He's always been around a lot of women. He's not a serious relationship kind of guy. He usually only ever sees a girl once and then never again. The fact he took you out again for a third time means something, although what, I'm not really sure. I just know it's not like him." He continued to play with his lip piercing as he paused for a moment. "Janessa is the only person he's had around for a while, but she's more of a bed warmer. She goes in and out of town a lot on business. So when she's in town she tends to pay him a visit. Janessa is the closest thing he has to a serious relationship and if he kicked her out for you...well, he likes you more than I thought."
I let his words process in my mind a while longer. If that was the case though, why didn't he say anything? Why didn't he ask me to stay? Why didn't he try to explain, or even chase after me when I left? It honestly wouldn't have taken a lot of convincing on his part. Yes, Leo may be his friend, but even he doesn't truly know how Lucas is feeling.
I won't do this to myself any longer though. I don't need to be questioning myself or my worth. I just need to focus on finishing this year of college, making it on the dean's list again, and not dating. Julius tore my heart out, and I honestly need to give it a break before I let Lucas pulverize it.
"Maybe, but I doubt it. I honestly just need to focus on my studies. I just got out of a bad relationship, and I don't need all this drama in my life." I rolled my eyes at it all.
I don't want to be this pathetic girl pining over some playboy, thinking I could be the one to change him. I am nothing to him but another girl he's slept with. I was stupid to let Lisa's words make me think it was anything more. I was stupid to let my brain get carried away when he introduced himself as my boyfriend. I'd be extremely dumb right now to let Leo's words sway me again. I've made up my mind, and I won't be seeing Lucas again.
"I understand." Leo nodded. "Just remember I'm not Lucas, so don't stop seeing me too."
I smiled at his remark.
"Don't worry, Leo. I'll still reply to your texts, and see you around campus."
"Maybe hang out once in a while too?" He curled a brow curiously.
"As long as you don't bring Lucas."
"Deal." He smiled widely at me, making my crumbled heart piece back together a bit.
"Thank you, Leo."
"What for?" He furrowed his brow, as he pulled up to the front of Hailey's apartment building.
"For this. For taking me home and listening to my problems." I leaned over, kissing his cheek before getting down. I giggled as I saw his cheeks flush for a moment. It would appear that Leo is the innocent type, despite his current look. He cleared his throat before he spoke.
"Anytime, Olive." He smiled at me again. Such a sweet smile.
"Call me Liv." I told him before stepping out of the car. I want to reclaim my nickname from the memories of Julius. I can't let him ruin that for me too.
"Okay, Liv. Text me when you've made it inside your apartment, so that I know you're home safe." He told me, as I closed the door. I nodded my head at him through the window.
My phone buzzed as Leo drove away. The name on the caller ID brought all kinds of mixed emotions. What does he want now?