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.
TateIf there is something Liam can do, it’s eat until the cows come home. I’m not kidding you. He can eat for an army and still not put on any weight. But then he does work out a lot and burns off so many calories playing football. He has to train with the team four nights a week, spends a session in the gym most mornings before school. This guy is dedicated to his sport and one day for sure, I know that Liam is going to be a hot shot. In school he already is.That is precisely why it makes my life so difficult. All the girls want him and I am so sick and tired of seeing them all flirt with him, touching him and just getting in his face. I wouldn’t say he adores the attention. Much. Okay, maybe just a little bit. Denver loves it, oh my God that boy loves the attention. I honestly don’t know how Lilly puts up with it. Love and trust I guess.I have come close to wanting to slap some of the girls that fawn all over Liam. All of this never bothered me before, I was just a kid but I’m no
Liam I watch Tate as she huffs and puffs making me my chicken sandwich and some salad. She effortlessly slices up some tomato and cucumber and adds a bit of lettuce and a drizzle of my favorite vinaigrette. She’s adorable and I couldn’t wish for a better best friend.She makes me smile, she’s always willing to help me and if I’m down and having a real rough day then Tate is there for me. Always and forever. That’s out little motto. We’ve had it since were six years of age when we sat in her tree house, sprawled out on the blue and pink cushions her mom made and linked our pinky fingers and swore an oath. No matter what happens, no matter where we are, no matter what anyone says, we will be best friends forever and always. She’s my girl.I know the guys and the girls rib us about being an item but seriously we’re not. I can guarantee that Tate only sees me as the kid she met all those years ago. Damn it, when I go to college I’m sure going to miss her. It is going to be so weird witho
TateDon’t ask me why, but going up the stairs with Liam trailing behind me, I get the distinct impression he is checking my butt out. Or do you think it is wishful thinking on my part? This being a teenager crushing on your best friend sucks. Sucks. Sucks. The heat is rising and I can feel my face is as hot as a smoking grill.Then he says, “hey you’re not putting on weight are you?” And laughs. Well that is enough for me to stop abruptly and turn on him.“Don’t be so rude, of course I haven’t. Besides it’s gross you checking out my butt. You’re supposed to be my bestie. Stop it.” I huff off up the stairs as he laughs behind me.“Hey I was just kidding. Don’t be so sensitive. I was joking. C’mon Tate you’re as thin as a rail. You even have flat pancake boobies.” He sniggers. I’m close to slapping his face.“Really? Well it’s a good job we’re not dating then isn’t it, you moron.” I reach the top step, turn left and walk along our hardwood floor to the fourth room on the left where my
TateI open my laptop and my notebook and start on my assignment. “I told you, Liam. I’m not doing yours as well. Deadline is next week so I suggest you get your butt off my bed and start doing some work.” I flick to my music app on my mobile and begin playing one of my favorite artists, Taylor Swift.“Yeah in a minute.” He says still with his eyes closed. I roll my eyes. I know I’m going to have a late night whilst he is out at practice then with Jennie, doing his too.I hear his mobile ring and then his voice. “Yeah, what’s up babe?” Who is he talking to and calling them babe? It makes my stomach drop and my chest tighten. Those are the words I want to hear him saying to me. I bet it’s fucking Jennie.“Sure, tonight after practice. I’m still on. I’ll swing by and pick you up from yours.” He is silent no doubt Jennie big tits is telling him all sorts of mind blowing things she’s going to do to Liam tonight. I feel sick. Physically sick.“Yeah, no problem. It’ll be fun. I can bring a
Liam I couldn’t ask for a better best friend than Tate. She means the world to me and if anyone were to hurt her, they’d have me to answer to. I feel like a heel asking her to do my assignment but honestly I hate history so much that it kills me. I’ll make it up to my girl for sure. Maybe I’ll ask dad if we can take a trip in his jet for the weekend and head out to somewhere different. I’ll have a think about it. Maybe to her favorite place in Oregon to hike the Tamanawas Falls Trail. She loves that and it’s only a quick two and a half hour flight. We could camp out under the stars. Brimming that I can make it up to Tate, I run down the stairs in her house to the front door. “See you later, Liam.” Her mother calls out as she crosses the entrance foyer to go into their kitchen. “See you soon, Mrs H.” I open the door and step outside. It’s still warm at five p.m and practice is going to be another session of working my butt off and sweating like a pig. Still I love it. I’m passionate
Tate “Hey Lilly. I’ll be ready in half an hour.” Lilly smiles at me on the vid call. “Fantastic. Just checking in with you, Tate to make sure you’re still coming out with us girls later.” “Absolutely. What should I wear?” I’m a bit nervous about going with them all to the house party, usually I refrain from these. I’m not as ambitious at dressing as the others either, especially not like Tammy. She’s a regular short skirt, open blouse type of girl. That’s not my style. “Wear something casual. I’m wearing this.” Lilly says and moves back a bit so I can check her outfit out. She’s wearing cut off shorts that are frayed at the bottom and blue denim. “I love your halter top. I’m so into hearts.” “I know, I just love it. Picked it up from D&G last weekend. Something like this would suit you.” I love Lilly, she’s so adorable and sweet and always has something nice to say to everyone. “Yeah maybe this weekend I’ll go shopping. I’m just finishing up my assignment then I’ll get ready.”
Tate The music is so loud, I can hear it from the end of the drive where my father has dropped me off. “Don’t be too late. You sure you don’t want a ride back home, Tate?” He asks. I can tell he is concerned, this is my first house party. Neither of my parents is used to me going out into the big world. Just kidding, what I mean is they are hiding their nerves very well and not making a big deal of me going to my first ever party. Sure I’ve been to the school discos. But they are governed like we’re babies with teachers milling around, some even joining in the dancing. Like we want to see that. Ugh. It grosses me out so much. “I’ll be find pop. Honestly it’s just a bunch of kids. Besides you know Lilly and Tammy will be here.” He squeezes my hand that sits on my lap. I’m not going to admit it, but I’m as nervous as hell. There are so many kids outside sprawling masses of them on either side of the drive, on the front steps to this grand house, it’s painted white with a dark green fr
Tate “Hey girls.” Tammy shouts out despite the fact that we’re standing right in front of her. She’s swaying, the beer bottle is in her left hand, she takes a hefty swig. I want to remove it from her and throw it in a bin. “You’ve taken your time. Let’s get you both a drink.” To my surprise Lilly steps in. “I’m driving, Tammy. No drinking for me. Besides it’s a school night. I cannot be doing with feeling shit in class tomorrow. I’m driving Tate home later.” I smile, so grateful that at least two of us aren’t going to be getting wasted. “You two are such spoil sports. You need to have some fun. C’mon just one little drink.” Lilly is firm and shakes her head. “We’ve just go there and you’re already drunk, Tammy. Can’t you slow down a bit?” “Don’t want to.” She takes another swig from the bottle of beer. “You wanna take one of these.” And from inside the cup of her bra she pulls out a small clear plastic bag with some white pills inside. “Jesus. Tammy.” Lilly grabs the bag. “What i