Chapter Forty Eight - No Can Do

Garrett answered the door with a bright smile like he already knew it was me behind it. "Rebekah!"

"Hi, Garrett," I greeted while stepping inside as he cleared the way for me and then gently closed the door behind me. "How are you?"

"I'm good. How are you?"

"Just getting by." I shrugged, making him let out a laugh as I did a quick scan of the stairs. "Is Matt back from the gym ye—"

The sound of a lock clicking open behind me made me spin around just as Matt walked in through the door. His eyes landed on me while mine widened a little like I'd seen a ghost. I had come to his house expecting to see him, so why was I so surprised when I actually did?

His eyes turned cold at the sight of me, and I felt a pang in my chest. As both of us remained silent, I felt the unspoken tension between us rise.

"I'll be on my way," Garrett muttered behind me, probably reading the room. Soon, I could hear his retreating footsteps.

I bit down on my lip before offering Matt a nervous, "Hey!"

"Hey!" he replied dryly as he walked past me while pulling his water bottle out of his gym bag and chugging the liquid in large gulps. When he unzipped his black hoodie and tossed it on the couch, I got a sight of his gray t-shirt, which was drenched in sweat. And judging by his insanely pumped arm muscles, I could tell he'd just had a very intense workout.

As I stood there watching him, I realized he hadn't invited me in yet. Was there a chance he hadn't intended to see me today and hoped that I wouldn't show up?

Well, this is embarrassing, I thought as I debated between saying something else or just leaving.

"You can wait in the music room. I'll be done with my shower in five."

His words reassured me and made me flinch at the same time. In the music room. Not in his bedroom like we'd gotten used to.

But as the images from last night started flashing in my head, I didn't blame him. In fact, I didn't think I could handle being in his room without recalling the embarrassment from the kiss.

"Okay." I walked past him to make my way to his music room. I hadn't been in there in a while and realized that if I hadn't made that stupid move to kiss him, we'd be up in his room right now, talking about random stuff while munching on something, most probably a pizza.

There were only two reasons why I regretted doing what I did. First, I had a boyfriend. Second, Matt's reaction. But despite all that, even if I could take the kiss back, I wouldn't.

I flopped down in the chair with a sigh, too busy moping to notice when Cheeto dashed inside the room until he started to aggressively nibble on my shoes like he was on Catnip.

"Aw, I've missed you too." I pulled him up to my lap and stroked his fur. He was turning into a big boy now.

"You don't scratch anymore, do you?"

When I rubbed his ears, he closed his eyes halfway and purred loudly, making me chuckle. "Where's your mom? And your siblings?"

I usually lost track of time while playing with Cheeto, and the serotonin boost he gave me every time he did something adorable was just phenomenal. I could give my life for that cat. I loved him so much.

Thanks to the little furball, I had forgotten all about the awkwardness from earlier until I caught a movement in my peripheral vision.

My eyes lifted to find Matt entering the room. His hair was slightly wet from the shower and messy like he'd just aggressively towel dried it and pushed it back before walking in. He was in a pair of white sweatpants and a black t-shirt, which made his muscles look even better.

"He still scratches," he said when he saw me coddling Cheeto as usual.

"We've been just fine in the past few minutes." I heaved the cat up to bring his ear close to my mouth so I could whisper to him, "right?"

I watched as Matt grabbed his guitar from the corner of the room and walked up to me. His guitar was usually in his room, and I wondered if he'd put it there beforehand with the intention of training me in the music room after last night.

Just as Cheeto's eyes began to shut thanks to the free massage I was always giving him, my phone buzzed in my pocket, and I fetched it out. It was Sean.

I don't know why I immediately cut a glance at Matt. He was busy tuning the guitar as I answered, "Hey."

"Becks, hey! What are you up to?"

"I'm...well pretty much doing nothing at the moment. Just reading some stuff."

Brown eyes met mine. Matt's brows pulled together as a frown fell over his lips.

"Great! I was thinking we could hang out. It's been long overdue. I know an amazing pizza place."

"Oh, right now? I-I don't think I can."

There was a pause. "Why not?"

"I told you. I'm doing some reading. Then I've gotta finish my homework."

"Well, too bad. I'm waiting outside your house. I'll help you with your homework later. Promise." I could hear the grin in his voice.

I jumped to my feet, making Cheeto almost fall out of my lap, but his reflexes took over, and he landed on the floor elegantly.

"Sorry, please don't scratch me for that later," I whispered an apology to him before staggering towards the window. It was true. Sean's car was actually parked outside my house.

Shit! I ran my fingers through my hair. He would've totally got the wrong idea if I'd walked out of Matt's house after having just told him that I was studying.

I exhaled. "Okay. I'll be right outside."

"Hurry up."

I hung up and turned around to Matt. For some reason, he was glaring at me, and with each passing second, I could feel myself shrinking under his hard, judgemental glare.

"Matt, I—"

"Go."

He set the guitar aside and got up.

Go? Just like that? My inner self wanted to slap me. So, what were you expecting him to do, Becks? Stop you from seeing your boyfriend?

"I might need your help," I muttered.

He raised a brow. "With what?"

"With distracting Sean so I can sneak back into my house. I don't want him to see me walking out of your house and get the wrong idea because I just told him I'm studying."

He stared at me for a moment like he didn't recognize me at all before he scoffed. "Now you wanna lie to him?"

He'd stressed on the word 'lie' like I'd done more to Sean in the past. But I had, hadn't I? I'd cheated on him.

"I don't have a choice."

"Yes, you do, Rebekah. You can tell him the truth. Tell him about music."

Even if it was actually the truth, I had a feeling that the chances of Sean buying it were very low, especially considering that he already had doubts about me and Matt.

I bit down at my lip and nodded. "Okay."

I made my way downstairs and stopped at the front door.

Taking in a deep breath, I swung it open and walked across the street. Sean was in his car, scrolling on his phone before he looked up, did a double take to make sure it was me, and then, a deep scowl formed on his lips.

He rolled his window down. "I thought you were studying at your house."

"Can I come in first?" I looked around nervously.

He nodded, and I slipped into the passenger side, turning sideways so I was facing him squarely. "I lied to you. I wasn't studying."

He took in a sharp breath and leaned back against his seat, anger clouding over the warmth in his eyes. Oh God! What was I doing to a sweet person like him?

"But it isn't what you're thinking either," I added quickly.

His eyes snapped to mine. "Are you seriously even trying anymore?"

"Hear me out. Matt's been teaching me music. When Rebecca challenged me, I convinced him to prepare me for the challenge. I've been training with him. That's why I'm at his house most of the time."

A deep, pensive scowl took over his features. "This is the truth?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I swear it never came up. But five minutes ago, I realized the kind of impression you'd be getting upon seeing me walking out of his house after I'd told you I was studying. I'm sorry, but I swear that's the only reason I was across the street."

A look of relief flashed in his eyes as he ran a hand through his hair. "And that's all you do at his house? Just learn music?"

I also made out with him last night. That was the perfect opportunity to come clean. Say it, Becks. Tell him that. You know it's the right thing.

"I also play with his cats. I hope that's okay."

He let out a laugh and cupped a hand around my face, just gazing into my eyes as he gave a little nod. "That's okay."

I smiled, which soon washed away when he leaned closer and pressed his lips against mine without a warning. I tensed up but eventually gave in to the kiss.

Kissing him was progressive. Another few times, and I would completely forget what kissing Matt was like.

Sean started to lean over me, and I found my back pressing up against the window. I cut the kiss short and tilted my head to the side when he tried to kiss me again.

A little v formed between his brows as his eyes searched mine.

"Not in front of my house. Are you trying to get me in trouble?"

"Oh! I'm sorry." He fell back in his seat with a grin and started driving.

*****

I could use a few words to describe my date with Sean. The politest out of them would be: mediocre. I didn't even want to go to boring because it was rude, even in my head.

All we did was have pizza while he talked about football. Yes, again. When he wasn't doing that, he was eating in silence, and it felt like he was trying so hard to keep the conversation alive. Even I tried to save it by bringing up some stuff, but it was to no avail.

Even the car ride back home was bori—silent. The radio was on, but not even the music could save us from the awkward silence, which followed every time he threw me a little smile whenever we accidentally looked at each other.

I came back home at 7:30 p.m. I didn't even bother asking Matt if he would still be up for training me. I knew he wouldn't. So, I had my dinner and went to bed.

The next morning, I woke up to a text.

Sean: I'll be picking you up for school today. 7 a.m. okay?

Rebekah: 7 a.m.? Aren't you gonna miss practice?

Sean: I was thinking I could pick you up after the practice so you don't have to sit at the bleachers for like an hour for no reason. Now that you're up, I can be at your house in a few. Want me to?

I thought for a second. So now I'd have to tell Matt he didn't need to give me rides anymore? When was I going to hang out with him then?

Rebekah: Pick me up after practice. Will get another hour of sleep.

I fell back on the bed and shut my eyes with a sigh. My phone buzzed again.

Sean: Lucky. Dream about me ;)

I used to, I thought. There was a time when I'd dreamt about him three nights in a row. I was kind of freaked out and low-key depressed because that's when I believed I could never have him. And now I did have him.

So, I was happy. Yep! Totally over the moon.

I tossed around but couldn't sleep. Letting out a frustrated huff, I scrambled out of bed and started getting ready for school. I also decided to text Matt to let him know he could leave without me, that is, if he was even going to wait for me in the first place.

Rebekah: Hey! Don't wait up for me while leaving for school today.

I sat by my phone for the next five minutes, waiting for his response, but he did not reply. He'd probably seen my message and chose to ignore it.

I got dressed and went downstairs. Deciding to have my breakfast later, I made my way out and noticed his motorcycle parked out in his driveway.

Just then, his front door opened, and I jumped in my spot, almost heading back inside my house out of instinct until I saw it was Aiden who'd stepped out. He saw me and waved his hand with a smile. "Hey, Becks."

I waved back, crossing the street hesitantly. "Hey, Aiden. You're leaving for school early today."

"Oh, I'm not going to school yet. I was just gonna make a little trip."

My brows pulled together in confusion when he got on Matt's motorcycle and turned it on. "You're gonna piss somebody off."

He looked down at the vehicle with realization and scoffed, "Does it look like I care?"

I shook my head at him, looking down at my watch. "Why hasn't he left already? Isn't he late for practice?"

"He's not going to school today. He's sick."

"What?"

"Yeah. Probably caught the flu."

"Can I... go see him?"

"Becks..." He chuckled. "You don't have to ask me to go see him. It's practically your house at this point."

I couldn't help but smile at that.

"Do I sense complaining?" I raised a brow.

"Not at all. Thanks to you, I realized he's capable of being around a girl and not fucking her. I'd started to believe he was some kind of sex addict."

I laughed out a bit too loud at that. The kind of forced, nervous laugh where you just look away and rub the back of your neck. "Right."

"I just made that weird, didn't I?" He raised one side of his mouth in disapproval and I realized how much he was like Matt. I'd never be able to tell they weren't actually brothers if Matt hadn't told me they were steps.

"No. No...no you're good. I'll go now. Go see him." I pointed towards his house awkwardly and made my way inside.

"Sure. See you later, Becks."

"Yep, you do that." Since the door was open and Aiden had seen me go inside, it wasn't gonna be considered sneaking in so I made my way straight up to Matt's room.

I gently knocked on the door just in case he was sleeping. A low grunt followed as a reply and I poked my head through. He was wrapped under the covers, lying on his front and face buried in the pillow. He wasn't wearing any shirt and since the covers reached till his lower back, I couldn't tell if he was wearing any bottoms either.

I quietly tiptoed to the other side of his bed. His face was flushed pink and his mouth was slightly open as he asked in a low grumble, "what is it?"

"Matt?" I called softly. "Are you okay?"

His eyes flew open and for a moment, he looked up at me and blinked like I'd come out of his dreams and he was trying to figure out if I was real. Then he raised his head up slightly from the pillow and placing his hands on the mattress, he started to sit up.

"Oh no you can just keep lying down...never mind." I trailed off once he'd completely sat up, leaning against the headboard.

"What are you doing here?" His voice was groggy and impossibly deeper.

"I just met Aiden outside. He told me you're sick. Thought I'd come see you."

"You shouldn't have. You don't wanna catch it."

"I'm sixteen, Matt."

He blinked again, and with his hair up in tousled spikes and all over the place, he looked really cute all confused. "And flu isn't contagious for you anymore?"

"I'm saying I'm past caring. I think I became immune to flu two years ago when I had the worst one of my life. I thought I was gonna die."

"Tell me about it." He coughed into a tissue.

"Jeez." I made a face. "Can I do something for you?"

"No."

Cough.

"I should've let you know I can't give you a ride today. I forgot. I'll ask Aiden to take you to school with him."

"I'm good. And that's not why I came here. I just wanted to see you. Have you had breakfast yet?"

"I'm not hungry." He sighed and started to lay back down. I grabbed his shoulders to offer support until he raised a finger. "I still think you should stay away from me."

No can do, Williams.

"Like I said before, past caring, Williams."

"Being immune to flu, that's a dumb theory. I hope you know that. You can't blame me tomorrow if you catch it."

I chuckled, pulling the covers on him once he was lying flat on his back. I'd also got a sight of his white sweatpants, so I knew he wasn't naked underneath. "I won't."

I placed my palm on his forehead to feel and man! he was burning up. "Are your parents home?"

"Seriously, aren't you late for school?"

"I'm early, actually." I frowned. "You can't wait for me to leave, can you?"

There was a knock on the door, and Aiden stepped inside without waiting for a reply.

"Here." He placed a take-out box in front of Matt. He'd brought him some soup.

"Finally." Matt sat up and ate a spoonful. Then he choked on it, gagged and stuck his tongue out in disgust like a child. "What the fuck, Aiden? What part of chicken noodle soup sounded like butternut squash to you?"

"I was kind of hoping you wouldn't notice." Aiden made a face, taking the soup back.

"I only asked for one thing." He scowled.

"It's 6:30 in the morning. You have any idea how many places serve soup this early? Not many. I probably made a stop at every shop in a mile's radius. You're lucky I found this."

"Bullshit," Matt retorted. "You were just talking to her outside five minutes ago."

Aiden deadpanned, cutting me a glance as I mouthed a sorry to him. "Well, that...the motorcycle is fast. Do you want the soup or not?"

"I don't. Get it out of this room or I'm gonna throw up." He glowered.

"Jeez you're such a drama queen."

"I can make you some soup, if you want," I cut in. With the help of YouTube, I should've added.

"Garrett could've made some too. He's excellent," Aiden told me. "But our queen here hates home-made soup. I mean, it tastes the same."

"I know?" I snickered and Matt threw us a cold glare, weighing it more towards Aiden.

"Fine! I got this from a take-out about a block away," Aiden admitted. "I'll go look further."

"You do that." And with that, Matt laid back down and pulled the covers on top of himself.

I had half a mind to stay with him for the rest of the day but I couldn't because first, he clearly did not want me to and second, Sean was going to get the wrong idea again if Matt and I skipped school on the same day.

"I'll see you after school," I told him and followed Aiden out.