Chapter Fifty One - Mine

I did not wait for his reaction before turning on my heel and sprinting inside my house. I did not even look back while shutting the front door and just ran upstairs to my room.

Once alone, I scurried towards my window and took a peek outside.

He was walking back to his house.

Exhaling slowly, I walked over to my bed and laid down, staring up at the ceiling blankly. It had to be said, I told myself before I could progress with my overthinking and grabbed my earphones, deciding to listen to some music until dinner to avoid driving myself crazy.

After about an hour, I removed them when Mrs. Brooke walked inside. "I knocked."

"Sorry I didn't hear you. What's up?"

"Matt's here to see you."

I sat up on the bed with a start, eyes wide. "Is he coming up?"

"I can send him up if you want. He's waiting downstairs." She eyed me skeptically, probably sensing that something was wrong because Matt was usually up in my room before she could even announce him.

"I'll come downstairs." Without wasting any time, I dashed out of my room and down the stairs. Right before reaching the front door, I took a pause to catch my reflection in the decorative mirror my mom had put above the flower vase. My hair was a mess. I quickly ran my fingers through it, fixing it and then I made my way towards the front door.

He was standing at the porch, his intense eyes fixed on me and something about it made sweat beads appear at the back of my neck. I slowly closed the distance between us and just as I was a few feet away from him, mom appeared from the living room with a confused smile on her face.

"Hello, Matt."

His eyes averted to her and he gave her a quick greeting, "Hi, Mrs. Andrews."

"What are you doing standing outside? Come in."

"Actually, I just wanted to have a word with Rebekah, if that's okay."

"Of course." She looked back at me and very subtly wiggled her brows as a teasing little smile tugged at her lips.

I eyed her weirdly.

"You're good at music, aren't you, Matt? I'm sure I heard about it from your mother once." My mom brought her hands together, a gesture of her excitement.

"Yes. I try." He nodded.

"You should help Rebekah sometime. She told me about this challenge she's taken up, which if she wins, she gets to perform at this event that's really good for her college application."

"Actually, I am—"

"Okay!" I cut in, chuckling nervously. "That's a good suggestion, Mom. We'll think about it. Can Matt and I go outside now?"

"Sure!" She nodded and headed back inside the living room.

Letting out a breath, I followed Matt as he climbed down my porch steps.

"Your mom doesn't know about the training," he said over his shoulder.

"No. Because if she knows, Blake knows. And I'm not sure he's gonna take it that well."

Silence fell between us. I crossed my arms awkwardly and asked, "so what is it?"

"I have a gig tonight."

I blinked. Not what I had expected but okay. "Great! Good for you."

"I want you there."

It was hard to ignore the flutter in my chest at his words. He wants me there. I could only nod at him mindlessly. "Okay. What time?"

"In an hour. So, we should leave in five minutes."

I looked down at my wrist, realized I wasn't wearing any watch and searched my jeans for my phone and remembered I'd left it in my room.

"Let me just go get my things."

"Okay."

I went upstairs and got my phone. Then, I quickly shoved my keys and wallet in a sling bag and swung it across my shoulder. When I came back down, mom was standing at the foot of the stairs with a raised brow. "Going somewhere?"

"Yeah. I was just gonna ask you if it's okay. He wants to take me to this gig he's got. I can watch and learn."

She chuckled. "You didn't have to say that to convince me. You can go."

"Wow. Thanks." I gave her a quick hug.

"Be back by 9."

"I will. Bye."

Matt's car was parked in front of my house and he was patiently waiting behind the wheel. I quickly slipped into the passenger seat.

"Will and Parker are gonna meet us there?" I asked the moment I'd buckled my seatbelt.

He nodded and started driving in silence while I observed him through subtle glances. Was he going to talk about what I'd said? Or did he feel absolutely nothing for me and was so weirded out when I'd brought it up that ignoring it completely was his only option?

But I did tell him to leave me alone for two weeks if he had nothing to say to me. Maybe he was going to talk after the gig.

I fidgeted with my phone, sneaking glances at him. He did not look uneasy in the slightest. In fact, he drove calmly and looked a little too relaxed after the conversation we'd had not more than two hours ago.

Like it hadn't affected him at all. A little annoyed, I crossed my arms and looked ahead.

"Music?" he asked.

"Sure." I reached forward and turned the radio on the moment the question fell past his lips. At least the music had killed the awkward silence.

After half an hour of me squirming in my seat and paying zero attention to the songs, we were parked outside a place that could pass for a nice hangout for teenagers.

"This looks like a nice place. Better than your last gig," I muttered while stepping out of the car and noticing the long queue of teenagers outside the club.

"Tell me about it." He fetched his guitar case from the backseat and swung it over one shoulder. Instead of having me follow him like usual, he walked beside me to probably make sure I got past the bouncers without fuss this time.

Once in, we walked towards the stage without a word and for the nth time, I killed the urge to start a conversation about what I'd said to him earlier. If he'd decided to leave me hanging, so be it. I could live with that.

Will and Parker were next to the stage, waiting. And since the guys were already running a little late with the performance because of a delay in setting up the instruments, we just exchanged quick fist bumps before they climbed on the stage after Matt.

And as the lights dimmed and the spotlight shone on him, I realized why I was feeling so restless. I was hurt because he'd never even acknowledged what I'd said to him. But it was better that way. It was going to be much easier for me to accept that him and I were never gonna happen if we could just pretend that conversation had never happened.

Matt started singing and the entire room was immediately in awe of his voice. I noticed a few familiar faces in the crowd from school, enjoying the performance. The song was so beautiful. I think it was one of his own.

And when the lights go out

I'll always look for your face in the dark

Because you're the only one who shines the brightest for me

And believe it or not, but you're my star...

A little smile tugged at my lips just as I imagined the possibility of him singing for me someday, or dedicating one of his own songs to me. Then, I cringed a little over how lame he would find it. You don't learn, Becks, do you? Matt Williams would never do that shit. Not for you, not for anyone. Well, at least I hope not for anyone else.

A feeling of warmth engulfed me as I watched him, the spotlight giving a striking glow to his face as he sang so wonderfully.

He's never going to be mine. I wrapped my arms around myself and smiled. At least he was my friend. At least he wanted me here. With him.

It's just a crush, Rebekah. Like Sean. It'll pass. I told myself, recalling how brave I'd been with Matt about my feelings. I could never be like that with Sean. I always feared getting rejected like my life depended on it. Matt had kind of rejected me by not giving me an answer and yet, I was standing here and smiling at him with no hard feelings. Maybe that's what growing up felt like.

"He's good, isn't he?" asked a voice beside me and I turned to find a guy, looking up at the stage with admiration.

"Yeah, he is," I agreed.

"Are you a friend of his?" he asked with big eyes.

"Sure."

"I saw him at last year's music event. All everyone could talk about was his voice. I'm from his rival school or we would've been besties." He grinned at me, blue eyes shining under the dim lights.

I chuckled at the thought of Matt being besties with someone. I don't think he had a best friend. Or were Will and Parker his besties? Maybe Chris?

"Why? Are you into music, too?" I asked.

He nodded with interest. "Totally. It's like I worship that dude. I follow his YouTube and his Instagram. Did you know he's got these cute baby cats? He posts pictures with them and I—I just totally came off as a stalker, didn't I?"

I laughed. "I think you're fine. Stalking someone on Instagram is so normal these days. I do it all the time."

"Right?" His eyes widened with excitement again and I nodded, glancing up at the stage.

I was a little taken aback to find Matt's eyes fixed on us as he sang. I offered him a smile before turning back to the guy, who was busy admiring Matt on the stage.

"So how long have you known him?" he asked without taking his eyes off him.

"It's been a long time," I answered. "Years."

"Are you guys together?"

I smiled again. I can only wish.

"Sorry. None of my business," he added to my lack of reply.

"It's fine. We're not together. If you want his number, just ask him." I smirked.

He narrowed his eyes playfully, finally turning to me. "It's not his number I'm fishing for. I adore the dude but I'm 100% straight."

"Oh...OH!"

"Yeah." He nodded.

"I'm sorry. I-I don't know if it's a good time—"

"It's okay. I get it. I'm Brett by the way." He extended his hand and I shook it.

"Rebekah," I replied.

"It was really nice meeting you, Rebekah. I'm gonna leave you alone now. Can you at least tell him I'm a huge fan?" He gave me the puppy eyes.

"Of course, Brett. You can just stay here if you want. Talk to him once he's back."

"I don't know about that. I once met JB and I couldn't even utter a word. Ever since, I've had this phobia of meeting the people I adore through screen, weird as it sounds. Looks like the performance is almost over. I'm gonna run. Bye."

"Bye," I called after him as he disappeared in the crowd. Wow! I didn't know Matt was that famous.

I turned back to the stage and he had his eyes on me again...if he'd ever taken them off me in the first place. He ended the performance and the room broke into a loud round of applause. The three of them smiled at the audience before walking off the stage.

I started to walk up to him. "Wow—"

"That was so amazing!" A girl approached him from the crowd, barely containing her excitement as she squealed, "aren't you Matthew Williams?"

He nodded. "That's me."

"I knew I recognized you from somewhere. I once came across your channel and listened to one of your songs. You're good!"

"Thanks!" He smiled, cutting a glance at me and I quickly waved my hand dismissively and mouthed 'later'. Then I took a step away to go in a random direction until Will and Parker waved me over to their table.

"Hey, guys." I sat down.

"Hey, Beck—" Will started but was cut off.

"Always gets the girls. Little bastard." Parker grimaced towards Matt.

I chuckled. "Sorry, Parker."

"You know, you should date him," he suggested, then flinched in pain when Will elbowed him in the stomach. "I mean, Becks, you'll keep him busy. You'll be helping us."

"I don't know if that's gonna be necessary seeing that someone else has got it covered already." I threw a look at the girl sweet-talking him. She had a spark in her eyes when she talked and kept running her fingers through her brunette hair.

Maybe Matt didn't like blondes. I frowned slightly.

"Oh yeah!" Parker had a smirk on his face, which I realized was directed towards me until I'd looked his way and he quickly averted his eyes to Matt.

"They look nice together, don't you think, Will?"

"Totally. He's giving her the look. See?"

I looked at Matt again. "What look?"

"The I wanna sleep with you look."

"Really?" My brows pulled together. "Looks pretty normal to me. They're just talking."

"We've known him for years, Becks. Let's just say every time he looks at a girl that way, he gets laid." Parker shrugged.

I scoffed. "You two need to get a life."

"Ouch!" Will feigned a look of hurt.

"We do have a life," Parker argued, looking just as hurt.

"Sitting here and stalking Matt with a girl and at the same time, complaining he gets them all. Wow. What a wonderful life."

I leaned back in my seat, satisfied with the point I'd made and spotted Brett sitting up ahead all alone, sipping on a milkshake while scrolling on his phone. He looked up briefly, saw me and sent a little wave. I waved back with a smile.

"And yet, you're sitting here with us." Will smirked. "So, if we don't have a life, you don't either."

"First, that didn't make any sense because I'm not even complaining I don't find guys and second, I was just leaving." I offered them a sarcastic smile and got up.

"Uh oh! We pissed Becks off." I heard Parker say as I neared Brett's table, followed by their laughs. I really hated them sometimes.

"Hey!" I smiled at Brett. "What are you up to?"

He locked his phone and placed it down on the table with a smile. "Scrolling through Instagram."

"Honestly, what else?" I chuckled. "Can I sit down?"

"Please," he said, pointing towards the empty seat in front of him and I settled down.

"Are you here all by yourself?"

"Yeah, I'm kind of a loner." He pouted.

"Am I disrupting that?"

"No no." He laughed nervously. "Actually, I was supposed to be here with my friends but they ditched me last minute. More like a minute after I made it here."

"Ah sorry to hear that."

"That happens when they start dating each other and you're the only single person left in the group. I need to make new friends at school."

"Good luck with that."

"Thank you. What about you?"

"Oh, I've got my friends right there at the table behind me. They were being assholes and I needed a break."

He chuckled in their direction before shifting his eyes to me. "Did you get a chance to tell Matt how big of a fan I am?"

"Not yet. He's a little...occupied." I frowned.

"Good. Don't."

"What?"

"Yeah, that's lame. He's probably gonna freak out if he realizes I even know the names of his cats."

"You do?" My eyes grew wide for a second.

"I'm just realizing I didn't tell you that before. Great!" He shook his head to himself. "Yeah. Cheeto's my personal favourite. Somebody's a real genius to name him that. I'm gonna name my pet Cheeto if I ever get one."

I crossed my arms with pride. "You can thank me for that."

"You named him?"

"Yep!"

"That's cute." Looking around, he unlocked his phone and went to Matt's profile, clicking on a picture from a few months ago.

He was in his backyard, lying back on the grass and Cheeto was so tiny back then, laying over his eyes as the sun shone on both of them. I smiled, reading the caption.

'Somebody' named this little dude after a snack. Thanks, but no thanks. Get off my face, Cheeto.

I let out a laugh, wondering who clicked that picture. Was it Garrett or did he make Aiden do that?

"I had no idea he was so active on Instagram."

"Oh oh! Shut it!" He snatched his phone from me and slammed it face down on the table. I stared at him with wide eyes and he had the same expression but towards his phone.

"Hey!" I heard a voice behind me and felt an arm drape over my shoulder. In the very next moment, Matt was stepping up beside me and since the table was high, he easily folded his other arm over it and leaned forward, looking right into Brett's eyes.

"Hey," I muttered.

"What are you doing here?" He finally brought his eyes to mine, letting me see the fading warning in them that he'd just probably given to poor Brett.

"Just chatting. This is Brett. Brett, Matt."

"Hey!" Matt threw him a little nod and Brett cleared his throat before pulling a smile on his face and nodding back.

"Hey! How are you?" He grinned like a fool and I stifled a smile.

"I'm good," Matt replied. "How are you?"

"Awesome! I loved your song, man. I mean, I'm your subscriber, so I already knew it to the last word."

"Oh..." Instantly, I felt his arm relax against my shoulders but it stayed there. "That's great. I'm meeting a lot of my subscribers today. It's a pleasure, really. Thanks for the support, man!"

"Please." He scoffed. "You deserve it. Like all of it."

After that, he just went quiet and stared up at Matt, part fan boy, part awkward.

"Totally," I cut in. "You were awesome on the stage. Brett and I were just talking about it during the performance."

Matt threw me a look I couldn't decipher and his eyes flashed with something similar to annoyance and... anger?

"Right, we were," Brett continued, laughing nervously. "And then I asked for her number. Like a tool."

"Did you?" Matt perked a brow at him. "And what did she say?"

"She is sitting right here," I interrupted brazenly, eyeing him up.

"Turned me down nicely." Brett rubbed the nape of his neck, then flashed me another one of his cute smiles. "I was kinda hoping when you came here, you'd changed your mind. Made me wanna swallow my dignity, push my luck and ask again."

I chuckled. "I'm sorry."

"Hey, I get it!" He raised his hands slightly. "But you can't blame me. You're gorgeous, Rebekah. I don't think I've ever seen anyone with a more beautiful pair of gray eyes than yours."

"Thank you, Brett." I blushed slightly, remembering how Matt had said the exact same thing to me once. Only he hadn't said it for himself. He was passing Mindy's message. "Seriously? You need to make new friends at school and don't have a swarm of people following you already? With the way you talk?"

"Wow." He grinned. "That's the best compliment I've received in a long time."

"You're welcome." I shrugged.

"I'm really tempted to try one more time." He leaned forward with interest, flashing his cute dimples. Some people never give up.

Matt placed his hand on top of mine on the table, tapping his fingers on it as if to distract me. I noticed his clenched jaw as he shot daggers at Brett.

What was wrong with him? Was he...jealous?

Maybe he deserved that for leaving me hanging and playing with my emotions every now and then. I pulled my hand from under his and placed it on my lap, smiling at Brett. "Maybe it's okay to exchange numbers."

His eyes grew big for a second and he grabbed his phone to hand it to me but ended up scowling at the screen. It was broken. Maybe he'd slammed it a bit too hard.

"Fuck!" He cursed under his breath, examined it and put it back in his pocket. "Maybe I could add my number to your phone and you could call me up sometime."

"Sure—"

"Okay!" Matt let out a low chuckle and squeezed my shoulder, tugging me closer to himself to the point where he was literally squishing me into his torso. "This one's mine."

I stopped breathing for a second and stared up at him in surprise. He looked dead serious, not in a threatening way, just in I mean it, don't make me repeat myself way.

"Wait. You guys are together? I asked her. She said you're not." Brett blinked between us. "And I've been going on and on flirting with her like an idiot. I'm sorry, guys."

"It's okay. We were just leaving. Nice meeting you, man." Matt shook his hand as a goodbye but I was too taken aback to react.

It was only when we said goodbye to Will and Parker and stepped out in the fresh air, could I open my mouth to ask him, "what did you just—"

"Get in the car, Becks. We can talk later."