Bad Reputation

Episode 13

Damon’s POV. 

As we were driving, I could feel Malia’s arms as she held on to me tighten more as we got further out of town. Her arms around me felt good. 

I’m taking her to Brooklyn where I come from. I haven’t told her, mostly because I think she wouldn’t go. 

“Are we going to New York?” She asked from behind me. 

“You got me Sugar ... yes, it’s where I lived before we moved ... and it’s Brooklyn to be more exact.” I answered. And I swear I heard a little giggle from her. Good! I hope she’s okay with it! 

****

“And we have arrived.” I said as I got of my bike. The ride to Brooklyn is only a hour and a half. 

“I hope you’re okay with me taking you here?” I added.

“I actually never been to Brooklyn before.” Malia said shrugging. “What are we doing here?” She added looking cute being curious. 

“As I said I’m from here, and I’ve missed it. Come on, let me show you around.” I answered reaching my hand out for her to take. She hesitated looking kind of .. I don’t know .. scared??? I glared at her reaching my hand out a little further. She sighed taking my hand. 

“Where are you taking me?” She asked. 

“We are going to a diner.” I answered.

As soon as we arrived at the diner I heard someone say.

“Look what the cat dragged in.” And I saw Matt heading over to us with a big smile on his face. 

“Hey bro!” I said as him and I clapped hands and drew each other in so our chests meet. 

“And you brought someone with you.” He said smiling at Malia by my side. 

“Yeah! This is Malia.” I said.

“Hi, nice to meet you.” She said returning his smile, looking kind of shy all of a sudden. 

“I’m Matt.” He said reaching his hand out to her for her to shake “nice to meet you too.” He added. Malia shook his hand and we went to sit at a booth. 

“Some of the others are coming too.” Matt said. I smiled. I’ve missed my friends. 

We used some time catching up, and I caught Malia just listening to us. 

“Malia, you won’t believe half of the trouble this guy has gotten me in over the years.” Matt said while laughing. 

“Oh I belie....” Malia was interrupted.

“Hey sexy... we’ve missed you around here.” It was Roxy coming over, Roxy and I used to have a thing, not a relationship. I don’t do that, but we used to hook up from time to time. I rose from my seat to greet her, Jenny and Blake, who was with her. 

“Hey!” I said hugging her and Jenny, giving Blake a high five.

“Guys this is Malia and Malia this is Roxy, Jenny and Blake.” I said introducing everybody.

Blake eyed Malia up and down with a smug look on his face, and said “Hi babydoll. Did it hurt?” Malia looked at him confused. “When you fell from heaven?” He added sliding in next to her in the booth. Malia rolled her eyes, while Matt burst out laughing. “Jeeze man! You work fast.” Matt said to Blake. “When you see something that pretty you gotta work fast.” Blake said winking at Malia. I see Malia about to say something but I beat her to it. 

“Don’t even think about it!” I said sternly glaring at Blake. 

He backed off shoving his hands in surrender. “Relax man! Didn’t know she was your girl.” 

“I’m not his girl.” Malia said and I’ll admit I was a little hurt by her words, but why? She’s right she’s not my girl! 

We ordered a late breakfast and hung out, catching up and laughed for a couple of hours. Malia seemed to get along well with my friends, she was shy but she still participated. And her and Roxy really seemed to get on well. It was like seeing another side of her. She’s usually so antisocial and keeps to herself. I have to admit it made me happy to see her get on well with my friends. 

“You should come back on Saturday Damon, my cousin got us in to this club. It’s gonna be a blast.” Jenny said “oh and you too Malia.” She added. 

Malia looked a little uncomfortable with that suggestion. 

“I don’t know, I think I might have to work Saturday.” Malia said looking down at the table. 

“But that’s in the day time right?” Roxy said and continued “just come here after, the club isn’t open until late anyway... please Malia, come with us.” 

“I’ll be here, no doubt.” I said and joined the other looking at Malia for an answer.

“O...ok I guess, I can come.” She finally said. Everybody else cheering. 

We soon Malia and I had to get on the road to go home. Don’t want our parents to know that we went out of town.

****

We drove up to my house and I cut the engine off. Malia loosing her grip on me and getting off. I climbed also got off the bike. 

“Thanks for coming with me today.” I said taking my helmet off. 

“Thanks for taking me, it was kind of fun, meeting your friends, and getting to know more about you.” She answered giggling. 

A silence fell between us as we stood there looking at each other. Malia was the first to break eye contact, she seemed nervous all of a sudden. Staring at the ground fiddling with the zipper of her jacket. 

“Do you want to come inside? My dad won’t be home for a while anyway.” She said. “Sure.” I answered shrugging.