A bet that changed their lives

Part 24 - Someone\'s Jealous (Contd...)

"So, tell me, where did you disappear with her? Please don't tell me it was in the alley," Mark made a disgusting face as he prodded Derek to spill the details. His friend was happy, zoning out frequently, that smile never leaving his face, thus making it obvious to him that something had happened between the two of them. After all, they were gone for quite a long time. "Earth to Derek!" He almost shouted to get his attention.

"Uh yeah, wait what? Man that is downright disgusting. We just went to a diner, that's it."

"A diner? That's it? That's it?! You were gone for more than two hours and that's it?" Mark was curious to know what had transpired. Yes, he did feel a bit left out, a bit sad even that Arya chose to go with him. But a make out session with that brunette worked like charm, he was definitely feeling better now, Arya's subtle rejection be damned. He was keen on winning this bet, and for that, he needed to know how to woo that girl, convert her rejection into affection for him. It seemed that Derek had cracked the code on how to go about it with her. And although he hated to admit it, he needed to take tips from Derek as that was the only sensible thing to do now.

"Yes, Mark, that's it. Told you, nothing happened," Derek responded as he looked away from him and scanned the crowd below, wanting to get a glimpse of his Arya. His Arya? He mentally chuckled, he must be going crazy for having thinking this. Or maybe not, if their diner visit was anything to by. He was lost in his thoughts again, completely forgetting that Mark was still there with him when the latter responded, "Fine, don't say. I will figure it out some day. Anyway, let's have some fun now. There are some really pretty girls here tonight. How about we take them to my place? Later we can go to your house, Aunt Debbie has ordered so can't really refuse Her Highness and incur her wrath," he mock shuddered as he said wrath.

Derek laughed at the term Mark used for his mom, and at his antic. "I think I'm going to pass your idea of fun. You go ahead." He then looked around to see if he could find Arya, scanning the crowd over and over again until his gaze fell upon a familiar figure. But what he saw made him frown. There she was, with her hand holding some guy's wrist, her other hand on his shoulder. It looked like they were lost in each other, oblivious to everyone around. Derek hated to admit it but it hurt, seeing them there in such close proximity. He didn't bother observing who the guy was, just seeing them so close to each other made his blood boil. And here he was, a fool for having believed that even she felt something for him, the way he did for her.

Mark noticed the sudden change in his mood but thought against making a snide remark when he saw the death glare that was directed towards him when he tapped on Derek's shoulder to get his attention. He tried to follow his gaze but couldn't exactly see what had made his mood become so sour. Was it who he thought it was? Did she really influence him that much? His curiosity was killing him and he knew better than to voice it, afraid of how he would feel if Derek was actually falling for Arya.

"Hey, hey, are you okay?" He cautiously asked.

"Yeah, I am. Just finish your drink so that we can leave," Derek's response came out a bit rude than intended. He realised it but decided against apologising. He was in no mood to socialise or apologise or do anything for that matter. He thought what he and Arya had shared was something unique, something special; that he meant something more to her than just being her boss. And seeing her standing so intimately with someone else hurt him bad. He desperately wanted to land punches on the guy's face and drag him away from her. Maybe even kick h... Wait, since when did he become violent? That too over a girl? It was unlike him. God! Just what was this girl doing to him? What kind of feelings and emotions was she evoking within him? For a moment there, he felt a bit scared, for his emotions had always been under his control.

***

Mason and Arya supported a drunk Lana once her hysterics died down on seeing them together. They all got in Mason's car and were on their way to Lana's place to continue their night out. "Do halt at some place where we can get some juice and water for this girl here. She is too drunk to even be herself once we get to her place!" Arya exclaimed.

"Juice and water, huh?" Mason teased.

"Yeah, doesn't drinking fluids help in such cases?" Arya tilted her head as her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"My, my! And I thought this was your first time drinking alcohol!" Mason teased as he glanced a quick look at her through the rearview mirror. Arya was about to retort when she realised that this was the technique that her boss had used to make her sober. Her face was slightly flushed, and Mason observed that, shaking his head at the different thoughts running through his head. Who exactly was this girl? Was she really as naive and innocent as she was portraying? Was there more to her than what she was letting on? He looked at the enigma who was seated on the backseat, mind in a state of unrest. He had hoped for this outing to be a catalyst of sorts in turning their friendship into something more. But here they were, exactly where they were, with some unknown stranger now thrown into the mix!