Chapter 5

Tate

Is it me or was Liam being a bit uptight when I mentioned going out with the girls and seeing how it goes with Dexter for going to the prom with me? I feel dumb really because I had thought Liam would ask me. I am still experiencing anxiety at the thought of him taking some other girl. Not as much anxiety as him going out with Jennie again later tonight.

As we walk along the wide sidewalk towards my house and Liam's opposite, I try desperately hard not to think of him and Jennie tonight. Then I wonder, where do they actually do it? Perhaps in Liam's pick up truck, ugh what a thought. I sit in there on a regular basis when he drives me around. Nope I haven't got my license yet. I do, however, need to get around to getting one. Daddy keeps saying he'll take me out in his car, but really. I don't want to learn to drive in his Bentley. That is hugely outrageous. He said I should decide on what car I want and he'll buy it for me. I have no idea what type of vehicle I want, although I do like the Volkswagen cabriolets. They're kind of cute and girlie. 

I'm totally not listening to a word Liam is saying as my gut clenches and unclenches thinking of where he and Jennie are having sex. Sometimes life can be a real bitch. It just got really complicated. I mean one minute we were young kids just running around, climbing trees, coloring in our books, riding our bikes everywhere and hanging out in the tree house dad had built me in our back yard/forest area. And now we're growing up and hormones are involved and wants, needs and desires, I find myself so attracted to Liam and want him so badly that it's literally killing me. I can't let him know. I just can't. He seems way too content with dating different girls all the time. 

"Are you even listening to me, Tate?" He asks as we approach the drive to my house. It's an imposing house with a grand sweeping set of stone steps leading up to the front door where two large terracota urns sit outside. I know I fit in them or at least I used to, because they were my favorite hiding place when we were kids. Until mom decided to stick some plants in them. Don't ask what they are, I have no idea about plants. But it is a passion of mom's and when she isn't at some society dinner, charity event with dad, opening of a museum or whatever else she does. You will find my mother being just like any other normal mom in her jeans, favorite pink hoodie with some gardening gloves on. She can spend hours outside pottering around. Even though we hire a gardener. He's kind of hot too but I already know he has a beautiful hispanic girlfriend. His name is Enzo and he's been our gardener for about three years now. 

Dad likes him, mom adores him. She's probably crushing on him. Ewww. "Yes, I'm listening." I say pushing a lock of hair behind my ears and opening our large wooden front door. "We're back." I yell out. No reply.

Mom is probably out back playing with her plants and dad I already know is still at work. My father works a lot. We rarely see him as he also travels a vast amount of time with Liam's dad. Our moms are great friends though. 

"So what was I saying?" I stop and turn and stare at him. "Only I know you were miles away. Remember Tate my best friend, I know you inside and out." He smirks and pushes past me to enter our large round entrance hall. It's a stunning space with rose marble flooring, a rounded atrium and a massive chandelier that hangs down. The gorgeous walnut table dominates the space with it's elegant lines and polished wood. Atop sits a majestic fresh cut flower display in one of mom's expensive vases. She has the flowers changed on a weekly basis, and to-date I have never seen one display the same as the last. They must cost an absolute fortune. Probably sufficient to keep a small family going for years. 

Charity though is very high on both my parent's agenda. They are always hosting events for one charity or another or attending them. Mom likes to give back in anyway she can. She is talking about adopting a dog too. I would love that. I always wanted a dog and it looks like we may be able to get one soon. It's a black labrador called Charlie. We'll know in a few days if we can have him or not. He's still only a puppy about sixteen weeks of age. As you can guess, I am really excited.

I stand with my hands on my hips after I've closed the large door. "So what. I was miles away. What did you even say?" I slip off my shoes, mom hates us to wear shoes around the house. She says money doesn't grow on trees and that our cleaner works like a demon to keep the house spotless. That she does, I've seen her and sometimes she looks like she is going to pass out with exertion keeping on top of this mansion. 

"I was saying, Tate. What are you going to do if Dexter has already got a date for the prom? I mean he's only one of the most popular boys in school, aside from me of course." 

"Liam you are so conceited. Who says you're popular? You're such a jerk sometimes."

"Because all the girls love me and I'm a ball player." I roll my eyes and walk to the first door on the right where our kitchen is. 

"You wish." I mumble and push the door open, wishing that my best friend wasn't quite the hot guy that he is. It makes my life so damn difficult.