Chapter 8: The Mystery Man
759 Words
Liam’s POV
The rest of the morning was a blur of frustration. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Daniel Cole’s hand on Megan’s sleeve.
The guy was a parasite, and the fact that Megan had ever dated him made me want to punch a locker.
I was leaning against my car in the parking lot after school, waiting for Megan. We had a "mandatory" public coffee appearance to make.
Then I saw it.
A tall, stylish guy in a leather jacket was standing by the school gates. He wasn't wearing a St. Vivienne uniform. He looked older, confident, and; worst of all; he was waving.
And Megan was waving back. With a smile. A real one.
I watched as she practically ran toward him. My stomach did a weird, uncomfortable flip. I didn't think; I just moved. I was across the parking lot in seconds, stopping right behind Megan just as she reached the guy.
"Hey!" Megan chirped, her eyes bright. "I didn't think you'd actually show up."
"I told you I’d pick you up," the guy said, his voice smooth. He reached out and ruffled her hair;actually ruffled it.
I stepped forward, my voice coming out colder than I intended. "Megan. We have plans."
Megan’s POV
I jumped, turning to see Liam standing there like a dark omen. His jaw was tight, and he was glaring at Marcus like he wanted to challenge him to a duel.
"Liam, this is—"
"I don't care who he is," Liam interrupted, crossing his arms. He looked Marcus up and down with a sneer. "We’re supposed to be going to the cafe. It’s part of the schedule."
Marcus looked at Liam, then at me, a playful smirk spreading across his face. He clearly caught the vibe Liam was giving off. "Is this the famous Liam Carter? You weren't kidding, Meg. He really does look like he swallowed a lemon."
Liam’s eyes narrowed. "Meg?"
"It’s a nickname," Marcus teased, stepping closer to me. "I’ve got plenty of others for her. Most of them involve her being a nerd."
I saw Liam’s fists clench at his sides. He looked back at me, his expression a mix of hurt and absolute irritation.
"I see how it is, Foster," Liam said, his voice dripping with mock-drama.
"Is this your new strategy? Are you trying that desperately to get away from me that you’re recruiting random guys in leather jackets to stage a k********g?"
Liam’s POV
I was spiraling, and I knew it. I couldn't stop the words from coming out.
"I mean, I get it," I continued, pacing a small circle. "Being seen with me is a lot of pressure. But honestly, if you wanted a getaway driver, you could have at least picked someone with a nicer car." I gestured vaguely at the modest SUV Marcus was leaning against.
Megan stared at me for a beat, then she started to giggle. Then she started to laugh.
"Liam," she gasped, clutching her stomach. "Stop. You’re embarrassing yourself."
"I’m defending our 'image'!" I barked, though I felt my face heating up.
"Liam," Megan said, wiping a tear from her eye. "This is Marcus. He’s my cousin. He’s in town for his graduation."
The silence that followed was deafening.
Marcus let out a loud bark of laughter, clapping me on the shoulder. "Nice to meet you too, 'Boyfriend.' I like him, Meg. He’s got spirit. A little bit of a jealousy problem, maybe, but spirit."
I wanted to die. I actually wanted the pavement to open up and take me. I looked at Megan, who was still grinning at me like I was the funniest thing she’d ever seen.
"A cousin," I muttered, looking at the ground. "Right. I knew that. I was just... testing his reflexes."
"Sure you were," Megan teased, stepping toward my car. "Come on, 'Babe.' Let’s go get that coffee before you decide to fight a mailbox for looking at me the wrong way."
As I walked to the driver’s side, Marcus called out, "Don't worry, Carter! I’ll leave the 'Meg' nicknames to you!"
I got into the car and slammed the door, my heart still thudding. I wasn't jealous. I couldn't be. This was fake.
But as I glanced at Megan, who was still humming a happy tune, I realized the joke was definitely on me.
- Writer
