❝Heart, don't let me trust these butterflies❞

- Zendaya, Butterflies.

"River's been looking," Zuri said to me in a sing song voice.

"God, no," I said back through clenched teeth.

"I'm serious, though."

I knew she was. I could feel his gaze on me from time to time and when he did, I would pretend to laugh at something Zuri or Marnie had said.

I couldn't believe I was doing this. In fact, I couldn't believe I agreed to do it, but I trusted Kaleb more than anything and this would just have to turn out good.

"Hey, Zuri, get back to your place behind the counter now, would you?" Sky called to her and I chuckled as Zuri grumbled and walked back to her spot.

Now all I had to do was think of a way to leave without River noticing because I knew he would come after me. As soon as Sky told me I could get have the rest of the day to myself, I bit my lip and threw a quick glance at River who was now focused on his drawing. Now was a good time. I grabbed my bag and was set to leave when I remembered the place River had shown me the other day. The part of the bakery that was outdoor. I would take that route. Oh God, I felt like a burglar.

Was doing this even good for me?

I was about to leave when I heard Sky call, "Hey, Renée wait."

I liked back at her as she walked briskly to me.

"I'm really sorry if it seems like I'm intruding," she started, "But is there something wrong between you and River?"

I chuckled, "Of course not. Why would you think that?"

"Well, things just seem different between you two. Just as Zuri said earlier, he really was looking at you at intervals, but you looked like you didn't care."

"Maybe I don't?" I said, trying to sound like I was joking.

Sky laughed, "That's not true."

She was right. Ever since that Friday when I'd seen him kiss that girl, he had been on my mind even more. I didn't understand why.

I laughed as well, "Really, though. It's nothing. Everything's fine."

"If you say so. I'll see you tomorrow, plus maybe I'll let you take a scone home."

I nodded, chuckling, "Yeah, you better." Then I turned to leave.

"Why are you taking that way out?" Sky asked.

I opened my mouth and looked at her, shaking my head. "Nothing. I heard there's a way out through there and I want to go through there for once because, you know, I've never gone through that place before."

I was such a rambling liar.

But at least, I was able to leave without River actually noticing.

The following days, I'd been doing a good job in making River jealous — I think. But it was as hard as writing a math test when I had to act like I wasn't paying him any attention.

Everything had been going well every other work day and just when I thought I would have made it through the week without speaking to River, Friday spoilt it all.

I walked out of the bakery through the front door seeing that River wasn't seated where he usually sat so I assumed he'd gone to the rest room. I'd barely started my actual journey home when I heard the familiar voice call my name.

I closed my eyes and groaned inwardly. Remembering not to be a jerk, I turned around. "Hey River," I greeted in the most cheery tone.

I couldn't explain how I felt standing right in front of the guy I couldn't stop thinking about. The one who'd caught my eye from the first time I saw him. The one who'd kissed someone else. I missed looking at his beautiful eyes. Missed being this close to him but I couldn't show it.

While I'd sounded cheery, River looked at me. He looked different. Nothing had physically changed about him but he looks different. Not so much a good different but what could I do?

"What's up?" I asked and he looked like he was struggling with words until he said, "Hey... I uh, I've been meaning to talk to you. Not over call or text, but actually talk to you. It feels like you've been avoiding me. Now, I totally won't blame you if you are, but Renée, about that Friday—"

"No, River. I'm over it."

It was a small lie, but this was me taking Tanner's advice right now. I shouldn't put myself in a place to be hurt.

River face masked surprise, "What do you mean you're over it?"

"It means... I'm over it," I shrugged.

"I don't want you to be over it," he said sharply then sighed in frustration, running a hand through his hair and said softly now, "I mean, I do want you yo be over it, but I need to explain—"

"What exactly is there to explain?" I retorted softly as well, "You have a girlfriend—"

"That's the—"

"Look, there's no point being mad or upset. Yes, I was, but not anymore. You have someone, River and now, I respect that. What this all meant for me was to stop being so upset about it and now be with someone who feels the same way and wants to be with me."

At the last part, his expression changed drastically.

Yes!

The last part had triggered him. That was one of the goals, right? Seeing that had got him, I proceeded to add, "He'll come along. So, don't worry about me, River."

And the actual look of jealousy in his eyes flashed.

Oh yeah.

"Rae, that's great! Now imagine the look on his face when I show up at the bakery." Kaleb said the moment I told him what had happened with River.

"Oh my God, I know!" I said in excitement.

I felt bad for doing this but I couldn't deny that after what happened the day before, I started feeling more confident and even excited. Kaleb had been right when he said this step was the most interesting. I couldn't wait for Monday.

"Can you follow me to Woodley and Bunny after work, please?" Marnie asked me on Monday while we worked. "I need to get some hair supplies."

"Woodley and Bunny? No way! I heard they've got expensive stuff."

Marnie chuckled, "So, you won't come with me?"

"Yeah, I will!" I said in excitement. "I said no way because I've never been there."

"Well, my cousin works there so I'm able to get cheap stuff once in a while."

"That's so cool." I playfully rolled my eyes.

"I know," she chuckled. "I'll go ask Sky if we could get off now so you don't get home late."

"Okay," I nodded.

Minutes later, I was preparing to leave work when River walked up to the counter.

"Hey," he greeted.

I smiled widely, "Hi."

"How's work going?"

"Ah, it's good. I'm about to get off, but do you want something?"

I watched him swallow, "Actually uh, do you want to hang out tomorrow? My uh, sister wants to hang out."

I was confused. His sister? The last time I met his sister, she didn't even reply to my greeting.

"Your sister?" I asked, still confused.

River nodded, "Yeah."

I saw it all now. This was his way of asking me to actually hang out with him.

"I know it's crazy, but she really wants to hang out."

Oh he meant, I really want to hang out.

I let out a breath and answered, "I'm sorry, but I'll be busy tomorrow."

"Is it work? I could help talk to Skylar, if you don't mind." He said hastily.

"No," I shook my head. "It's not work. I just have stuff to do."

It was the first time I'd seen him look beyond disappointed. He tried to speak, but he just nodded and left.

Throughout the ride to Woodley and Bunny with Marnie, I felt terrible. Why? I didn't know. I mean, obviously, his sister wasn't the one who wanted to hang out, he did. But the look in his eyes said something else.

Ugh. I hated this.

Arriving at Woodley and Bunny, me and Marnie got down from the taxi and I marveled at the sight of the shop. It was beautiful, but the interior was even more beautiful and all the products screamed money. There were only about three people in the shop. A man and woman I assumed were a couple, and a lady by the counter with levelled shoulder length black hair that reminded me of Khloe Kardashian. She was dressed simply but stylishly just from the view of her back.

While Marnie spoke to her cousin, I checked out the products in the shop. Dang, I would have to cry lemonade to Tanner if at all I wanted him to get me any of these, not because he wouldn't be able to afford it, but the prices were way too ridiculous. But I knew the products will work wonders for hair so it would be worth it.

I was a bit late by the time I turned to look at the lady who had been standing by the counter. She had now made her way out of the shop and was getting into her car.

I froze.

Was that Zee?

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