Page 92 of Jaked

Chapter 33

The instant Jake walked out the door, the place felt utterly empty. For a long time, I sat silently on the sofa, hoping he'd come right back. But he didn't.

As one minute dragged on after another, the more miserable I felt. Tonight, he'd been trying to do me a favor, and how had I repaid him? By driving him away from his own place.

Earlier, he'd mentioned having me stay here for a week, maybe more. Somehow, I didn't see that happening. Tomorrow morning, I'd need to leave – if not for my sake, then definitely for his.

But where would I go?

I looked around my temporary home, feeling like a giant intruder. I looked down at Bianca's stylish little dress and heard myself scoff. I was an imposter too. I didn't bother going into his kitchen, because although I had eaten nearly nothing all day, food was the last thing on my mind.

I didn't have his cell phone number, so I couldn't even call him. Instead, I tried my sister. There was no answer. I gave up and just sat there on the sofa, putting off everything – a shower, changing clothes, eating, sleeping.

When my cell phone rang, I dove for it and checked the display. The number was unfamiliar, but at this point, I didn't care. I answered anyway with a breathless "Hello?"

"Hey babe," he said.

With a mental groan, I sagged back against the sofa. It wasn't Jake. It was Rango. And he sounded way too friendly, given everything that had happened between us.

"How'd you get this number?" I said.

"Friend of a friend."

The number was practically brand new. Only a few people had it. I gritted my teeth. "Bianca. Right?"

"Sorry, but I'm sworn to secrecy."

At this little statement, I did some swearing of my own.

Rango laughed. "Aren't you the dirty girl."

Ick. I mean, okay, the guyhadbeen my boyfriend, but the creepy stalker routine had definitely taken its toll.

I didn't bother to hide my annoyance. "Is there a reason you called?" I asked.

"Aw, don't be that way," he said. "Did I mention you looked smokin' hot tonight?"

In the phone's background, I heard dance music and the buzz of voices. "Whereareyou?" I asked.

"I'm still at the rave," he said. "It's really slamming. You should come back, check it out."

"Sorry," I said in my snottiest voice. "I'm busy."

"With who?" He laughed. "Your 'boyfriend'?"

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"You. Trying to make me jealous."

I made a sound of disgust. "You reallyarefull of yourself, aren't you?"

"Aw c'mon," he said. "It was cute. You almost had me there too."

So heknewit was all just an act? Thanks to Bianca, no doubt. God, how humiliating. Rango was the last person in the world I wanted to impress, but I hated looking pathetic in front of anyone, especially someone who had cost me so much already.

"I don't know what you mean," I said.

He gave a soft chuckle. "Sure you don't. Now admit it. You miss me."