I went to my locker hoping I looked okay.

"Hey," Nick said when he got to his locker.

"Hi," I said shyly.

"Me and Tiff wanna go mini-golfing on Friday, you wanna come?" he offered.

"I have to work," I said disappointed once again.

"When do you get off?" he asked.

"9:30," I said simply.

"We weren't gunna go until 10 anyway," he replied.

"Then...okay," I gave in.

"Great," he smiled, "where do you work?" he asked.

"Starbucks, you?" I replied being polite.

"Oh, I'm a lifeguard during the summer," he answered.

"Have you seen Tiff? I think she might be sick, but I'm not sure," I trailed off. The late bell rang.

"I'll tell her you're looking for her," Nick said leaving. I hurried to get to my class.

At lunch Tiff didn't show, so I figured I was just going to do homework to make it look like I wasn't lonely.

"Can I sit here?" I heard Nick ask.

"Oh, um, sure," I said totally taken by surprise. He sat across from me and popped the top to his coke.

"Carter, what're you doing talking to this piece of shit?" Chris asked walking up behind him.

"Oh, don't worry," I said a little angry, "Nick here was just humiliation me, so don't worry Chris, he's still your buddy who hates anyone not like him," I said getting up and leaving.

"So, was it the classic flirt and dump?" Chris asked sitting down.

"Something like that. Only, I was dumped," Nick said getting angry. He got up ready to chase after me.

"Are you actually saying that you like that bitch?" Chris asked disgusted.

"I'm just saying you don't have to treat people like that," Nick explained.

"So are you Mr. Softy now?" Chris yelled.

"What is your fucking problem?" Nick yelled back.

"You're making yourself AND me look bad," Chris said with anger flaring in his eyes. The bell rang.

"Just leave her alone," Nick said calmly.

I went the rest of the day hoping not to see anyone I knew. I tried to hurry up at my locker, but Nick caught me.

"Ali wait," Nick called me so I turned around, "You didn't have to do that today. I'm sorry about him. He's such a prick sometimes."

"Okay, I forgive you," I said starting to walk away.

"Ali, come get a bite to eat with me. I need to talk to you," Nick said starting to chase after me.

"I have to work," I said unlocking my car.

"What time do you get off?" he asked.

"5"

"My mom needs some coffee, you think I could maybe get a discount?" he asked smiling.

"Yeah," I said driving away. I got to work and put my apron on. Things were going smoothly until I saw Nick pull up.

"Marie, if a blonde guy asks for me, I'm not here," I said running in the back room. Nick came in and started to bug Marie.

"Is Ali here?" he asked.

"No," she said flatly.

"You sure, she's suppose to be working," Nick said seeing her bookbag.

"Positive," she replied pointing into the backroom. Nick nodded and went back there.

"Where's the best coffee you guys have?" Nick asked.

"You can't be back here," I said startled.

"But I need coffee," he said in a baby voice.

"Okay, just get out of here," I laughed. Nick finally got out and I followed behind.

"Okay, I need coffee," Nick announced.

"Yes, that is why you're here, now what kind do you like?" I asked.

"What kind do you like?" Nick asked smugly.

"I don't drink coffee. It stunts growth," I explained.

"Really? Then I woulda thought you drank a lot considering your height," he joked.

"No discount for you," I said hitting his shoulder.

"Please?" he begged.

"Only if you're good," I said raising her eyebrow.

"Then I'll take a frappocino," Nick told her. I fixed one and gave it to him, "How much?"

"On the house," I shrugged.

"Wow! Thanks," Nick said surprised.

"Ali, phone," Marie called. I picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"MacLaren! I just wanted to let you know, Nick's being paid to spend time with you," Chris said and hung up.

"Who's that?" Nick asked when I hung up.

"Nobody," I shrugged," Are you being paid by anyone right now?"

"What? Why would I be paid? For what?" Nick was very confused.

"Nevermind," I shrugged again.

"I gotta go, the guys at the gym are gunna teach me some basketball training tips," Nick said getting off a stool.

"Okay seeya," I smiled.

"Thanks, bye," Nick waved leaving.

"Who's the cutie?" Marie asked in her interested voice.

"Oh, him? I think he's being paid to hangout with me. I'm not exactly in his circle of friends," I said kinda confused about Nick.

"I don't, he was flirting with you so bad. Made me jealous," Marie smiled.

I disagreed, but went back to work. I finished off my shift.