Chapter 53: Chapter 53

I watched the last trace of Romeo's car disappear from my view, my hands were still clenched tightly that my fingernails dug into my palm.

Romeo meant it when he said he didn't want to talk about what happened. After he said he didn't want to talk, I got out of his car and watched him drive away.

I stepped into my house. I was hurt. I was hurt that Romeo couldn't trust me enough to share his feelings. But then, I shouldn't blame him for not sharing anything with me. What did I really mean to him? I was his pathetic ex-girlfriend who claimed to be over him, yet still couldn't let go of some of my feelings for him.

I was pulled from my thoughts by the sight of James' gleaming white car, parked in the garage. Damn, I forgot about the party. I couldn't consider ditching the party now, not when my date was already here.

I also noticed my mom's car in the driveway. She must have gotten home early. I wasn't nervous about James being alone with my mother. She had met him many times and always enjoyed his company.

I hurried into my house and made my way to the living room.

I found my mom and James sitting side by side on the sofa, engrossed in a TV show. They were not even aware of my presence in the living room. They were chatting about the show, as if they had been watching the show together for years.

I cleared my throat, trying to get their attention. "Looks like my mom has adopted a son. I guess I have a brother now," I teased.

"Don't even think of putting me in the brother zone." James said with a laugh.

I saw that coming. I knew he would say that. I believe guys generally don't like being called a brother by a girl who isn't their actual sibling.

My eyes met with James' hazel eyes as he stood up and walked over to me. My heart fluttered as he approached, and I hated that I had butterflies in my stomach.

I quickly looked away, taking in the details of his outfits. His fashion style was one of my favorite things about him. He always dressed so well, and I appreciated his style. I couldn't help but admire the way he paired his white cargo pants with a blue t-shirt.

"I know I'm way too early to pick you up for the party, but I wanted to take you somewhere else first." James uttered, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"It's okay." I murmured.

Mom chimed in. "Looks like you two forgot about the old lady in the room."

"Hi, mom." I waved at her.

"You owe me an explanation for where you've been, Ivy. I already told James about the rules for going to the party, and I expect you to follow them. I trust James, by the way." Mom looked at him. "What are the rules, James?"

"First, no alcoholic drinks. Second, if things get violent at the party, I should bring Ivy home immediately. Third, I should keep an eye on Ivy to make sure she's safe." James answered.

I shook my head. Mom was a drama queen. This was not the first time I would be going to a party, and she was already acting like I was going to a warzone.

"I need to dress up now. I should not keep James waiting." I blurted out, before mom could add any more rules.

Mom rolled her eyes, letting out a sigh. She knew I said my last statement on purpose. I quickly rushed to my room, trying to get ready as quickly as possible.

I was stuck. I was never good at picking out nice outfits and my best friend was not never even here with me. I really didn't want to look like a dud next to James, especially when it was a school party. I wanted to match his level of style. How was I supposed to find an outfit that would make me look as good as James?

I couldn't help but wonder if I wanted to make a good impression. Was it because I wanted to look good for James, or was it because I wanted to make a splash at the party. I was not a fan of parties, and I didn't give a damn about attention, the former was more correct then.

I rifled through my closet and finally chose an outfit: a pair of denim boyfriend jeans and a blue crop top. I would top my outfit with a white pair of sneakers and a white handbag. Not that I was trying to match outfits with James, but I'd be lying if I said the thought hadn't crossed my mind.

By the time I finished getting dressed, it was already dark outside. I'd managed to make us late. I stared at my reflection in the full length mirror in my room. Satisfied with what I saw, I headed out.

"Where are we going first?" I asked James aa I entered the living room. He was already sitting on the couch.

James looked up from his phone, his eyes widened, clearly impressed by what he saw. Even my mother was impressed, a proud smile on her face.

I think I did a great job in looking so nice. I'd nailed it. I was proud of myself.

"You look stunning, Ivy." James smiled.

I blushed. "Thank you. I'm sorry I kept you waiting."

"It was worth it." He winked, as if my mom was not in the room.

I liked that James didn't care that mom was with us, he was still flirting with me. I had a thing for men with guts. Romeo could do that too.

Wait, did I just mention Romeo? Why had I brought up Romeo? It was like he was haunting my thoughts. I could not get him out of my head.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I expected it to be a text from my best friend, Joey, but it was actually from Samantha. Why would she text me? I couldn't remember the last time she'd texted me. Maybe, it was a mistake. I muttered a quick "excuse me" to my date, and opened the text.

Samantha: This party is gonna be lit.

I almost let out a hiss. She added six photos to the text. I checked out the pictures of her, until I saw a video. The video showed Samantha leaning in to kiss a guy's cheek. When the video zoomed out, I realized that the person was Romeo. It was Romeo, the very person who had dropped me off at home an hour ago, looking so gloomy.

There went my good mood!