Chapter 83 - His Betrayal

Joey picked me up from his parents house about 7:00 and we drove to the pizza place, Lily promised to get Eli home for me when he was done with his homework. I made sure to let my parents know my plans so they wouldn’t be confused by the sudden changes. When we sat down Joey ordered our favorite pizza which was sausage, pepperoni and mushroom and a pitcher of soda. My stomach was growling just smelling the pizza while we were waiting. While we waited we split an appetizer of mozzarella sticks with marinara, I groaned taking the first bite because I was starving, and Joey just eyed me after hearing that. I grimaced, “Sorry, I am just really hungry.” He smiled and finished a couple of the mozzarella sticks before sitting back. “So Josie, what did you want to talk with me about tonight?”

“So I wanted to continue with the discussion that we started at my house, back when you shared your feelings but I was still with Drew.” I went into how I did some thinking about what he told me, and then everything that happened with Drew. How he had his ex reach out to him and need to talk and everything she had gone through but hide it from Drew. I then went into how we talked after that and how even though we had so much in common, that we wanted to remain friends because we didn’t want to end that even when we had barely dated.

“Wow, it sounds like she went through a lot and tried to keep it to herself instead of including him. That must have been tough for Drew to hear all of that and find out how much she was struggling and he couldn’t help her.” I just nodded, “When he told me all of that we had a good talk about how we went into this relationship knowing we were struggling with past relationships or feelings, that is why we took it slow. Drew still loved Izzy and I still had feelings for you so we knew that we couldn’t continue because we didn’t want to, we would have just ended up hurting ourselves. I did think about what you said even after you left my house and I knew I was going to be struggling with a decision. Part of me wanted to just say yes that day but I couldn’t hurt Drew either, having this time and that other conversation helped me come to a decision where I felt at peace and it didn’t hurt anyone else.”

“So, does this mean you are willing to give us a chance?” I could just see the hope in his eyes and I smiled at him and nodded. I don’t know if he could have grinned any bigger, “I do want to give us a chance, I honestly didn’t think this moment would ever come because I didn’t think you would ever feel the same way.” Joey reached across the table and took my hand in his, I really didn’t think I did either, at first I was puzzled by the thought of you dating someone else and why I didn’t like it. What threw me off the most was when I found out that I was checking you out at the theater.” My eyes shot wide open at that comment, “What?” He chuckled at my reaction, “You looked so good that night, I was checking you out going into the theater, imagine my surprise when I realized it was you. I couldn’t unsee how amazing you looked all dressed up and I was wanting to be the one sitting next to you that night.”

I could feel the blush spreading across my face, I didn’t realize he had been checking me out that night. “I didn’t realize when I saw you there that night you were looking at me like that. It was already awkward running into you and I was kinda embarrassed I was running into you while I was on a date.” I know he was on one too but the idea of him seeing me with someone else was unnerving.

“Believe me I definitely noticed you and I couldn’t seem to look away, I did sort of feel bad because I wasn’t paying attention to her but I couldn’t help it especially when I realized it was you. Josie I know I was an idiot and it took me a while to realize the feelings I was having for you were not just in friendship, I am just thankful I didn’t unknowingly push you away permanently. When I talked to my mom after our conversation she also told me to give you all the time you needed. She could tell something was bugging me when I got home so she pulled me aside to talk. She just about knocked me upside my head for being so blind, I guess she would see how we looked at each other and was wondering if I would ever come to my senses.” I had to laugh because Aunt Jessie would be that blunt with Joey.

We ate our pizza and talked about random things, it just felt right that we could be how we normally were but I didn’t feel like I needed to hide anything anymore. Joey filled me in on how his grandfather was doing even though I had been to the hospital periodically, I was so happy to hear the progress he was making. His grandmother, much to his grandfather's displeasure, plans on following the directions of the doctor including the diet changes he needs to make. Joey was laughing because even though he was grumbling about the diet changes, his grandmother was putting him in his place because she plans on him being around for a lot longer. He said you could see the scowl on his lips but the looks he always gives Grandma Susan shows the love he has for her. Internally I hope I have that type of love when I am that age because I think it is so sweet when older couples show that connection still at that age.

We had school the next day so Joey drove me home when we were done eating, if we didn’t have school I would have loved to spend more time with him. As we made our way up to my door Joey held my hand all the way to the door. “I will pick you up for school tomorrow and then maybe we can do something after school if my family doesn’t need me. I would have loved to extend this night but I know both of our parents would kill us if we stayed out too late on a school night.”

“I would have liked that too, but yes I would enjoy doing something with you tomorrow if we can.” I pulled my keys out of my purse to unlock the door when Joey lifted my chin with his hand and gave me the sweetest kiss. For this being my first real kiss it was absolutely amazing, I felt it throughout my whole body. “I look forward to tomorrow Josie, I will see you in the morning.” He gave me one more quick kiss then walked back to his car, I watched him wave as he pulled away. I slowly unlocked the door and made my way into the house only to see both my mom and dad waiting for me.