Book 2: Chapter 30

***Chapter 30***

The next morning was a little awkward because I was sitting right across from Jay. Neither of us said a word to one another and barely looked in either direction. The argument we had still weighed on both of us heavily. Him more so than me because he wasn't his usual self. What could we even say to each other though? We couldn't start an argument here. Not at brunch. Then afterward we were going drinking on a party bus. This day didn't seem like we'd be able to talk at all and it kind of pained me.

Everyone chattering around us, I reached my hand for the blueberry muffin in the mix of others around it. Of course, Jay also reached for that same one making both of us pull our hands back. This would probably be our only interaction for the whole day and I was going to take it.

The noise in the room seem to die down as we both stared at one another thinking of anything to say. It felt impossible to come up with words. We were technically supposed to be dating at this point but I felt he couldn't be honest with me. Now here we were starting from square one all over again.

Clearing his throat, he handed the muffin to me with a small smile etched on his face. "Uhh, you can have it if you want," he said nervously.

I took it looking away from him. "Thank-thank you." Why did I stutter?

Awkward moment aside, Farah came trotting her way into the dining room to grab us all. We headed outside and I held onto Bradyn on the way out. When we got outside all of us were excited to see how big the bus was. It was even better inside as drinks were awaiting us and don't even get me started on the pole. It was everything you could ever want in a party bus. The led lights included. It almost didn't feel like we were going wine-tasting.

"This is going to be fucking awesome!" Bradyn cheered as we sat down with one another.

The girls sat on one side of the bus while the guys sat on the other. Somehow Jay and I ended up being the ones in the middle sitting next to one another as well. We kept a respectable distance. Mainly because we weren't exactly talking at the moment. Though, it was hard to keep my composure being so close to him.

Thankfully, Farah came into the bus to give her spiel for the rest of day about what was expected. Surprisingly, she was pretty relaxed about the whole ordeal. She was going to end up with a bunch of drunk young adults on the way back home. I hope she was ready for that responsibility.

"Listen up, we are going to at least six different places for wine and you'll each try five different kinds at each venue. Try not to lose your shit too much as you also have drinks here on the bus." She informed us. "Most of all, have a fun night you're on a party bus for crying out loud."

With that we all cheered and as she got back off the bus to start our journey of wine tasting. Neither of us wanted to crack open a drink until after our first stop. It was mostly us just talking with one another coming up with something fun for us to do throughout the evening. The game was simple really. One by one as everyone passed out, they'd get the feel of whipped cream on their face. The last one to survive wins as they don't get whipped cream. I for sure was going to win.

It didn't take long for us to get to our first spot and it was quite nice actually. We got to go through the vineyard and see how they made their wine. It was like a trail ride of sorts as walking would be too much. The ride was nice though and the breeze felt amazing.

We got to a small dining area where there were cheeses and wine to taste at every table. We went around every table tasting wine and eating cheese. It was a lot more fun than anticipated. I was especially happy to see Kira enjoying herself. This was her first time being in Sunbury and it did not disappoint her.

"This is the life of luxury I'm telling ya," she gawked as she sipped on her wine.

I laughed indulging with her. "You haven't even seen the half of it." I give her a little heads-up.

She scoffed. "What else could there possibly be? I can see why you fell in love with this town, it's spectacular!"

I agreed. "Despite all the drama, it is a pretty cool place," I admit. "Just wait until we get our bakery opened."

We both clanked our glasses to that enjoying some more of this lovely spread. Once we were done with that place we got back on the bus where the real fun would start to begin. Our drinking game was underway and we started by opening a nice bottle of tequila. The music started going as the sun would soon be setting. We made it to our next spot in peace not even feeling tipsy yet.

Getting off the bus, we were all in good spirits this time around. Everyone joking around with one another and laughing was always a great time in my book. That was one thing about weddings that I loved. The groomsmen and the bridesmaids get to have a great time together building memories that last for a lifetime. My friend group just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Though Cyrus had to mess with me.

"Guys, I think I know whose gonna pass out first," he said pointing toward me. All the guys started making ooh and ahh noises.

I rolled my eyes because I know what he was referring to. "Eat shit that was one time. One time!"

He laughed as I shoved him away. Of course, he focused his attention back on Jenna as that was a part of our deal. Nonetheless, it was quite fun having him mess with me. It was friendly banter and wouldn't look suspicious in the slightest. Honestly, Jenna didn't seem like she noticed anything since he immediately shifted gears. However, there was Kameron who was watching like a hawk smirking at me. I ignored her though and continued to focus on the wine.

This time we didn't get to explore a vineyard but got right to the wine itself. I don't think we were keeping up with how they tasted. That job was left for Cyrus and Jenna to decide. The rest of us were just enjoying the drinking aspect of the whole thing. Jules seems to have the most knowledge about this stuff.

Regardless, it was a fun time as we hopped back on the bus to continue our shenanigans. By the time we got to stop number four, we were all feeling it. The sun had set by then and the party was able to begin. The lights were flashing, the music blasting, and it was amazing getting to see the boys try out the pole as drunk as they were. Wolf nearly broke his neck in the process.

"Wolfe you okay there?" I asked laughing my ass off.

"Are you kidding we're just getting started!" He yelled.

The boys jeered him on. "That's my man!" Jay fist-bumped him.

At the fourth stop, I realized that I picked the wrong day to wear heels. At this stop, we had to walk quite a distance to even get to the vineyard let alone the lobby itself. I sat with a pout on my face contemplating if I wanted to go barefoot or suck it up. I definitely would have sucked it up since the ground was dirt. Instead, my problems were solved by a certain someone.

"Man, why did I choose today of all days to wear heels?" I questioned myself trying to take them off.

Suddenly, sandals were present in my lap. I looked up to see Jay handing them to me.

"I figured you might need these so I brought them just in case," he said not looking at me.

At first, I was shocked, but I think the alcohol was starting to take over a bit. "Oh, so you do speak?" To be fair he's been the quietest one all day.

Shocked by my response, his blue eyes were now filled with fire. "What is that even supposed to mean?" He questioned a little angry.

"You haven't spoken to me all night and now you try to be my savior because you brought a pair of sandals? Big whoop!" Yeah, it was the alcohol getting to me. Though I was peeved by Jay because of our argument.

He rolled his eyes not willing to argue with me. "Just take the Damn sandals Autumn," he said annoyed.

I did take them because my feet truly did hurt. None of us wanted to get off the bus again but we did two more times after that. Then it was a long bus ride back to the house. On the way back though we were having a lot more fun as we didn't have to pause every time to get off. The music was up louder as some of us danced in the seats while others danced around everything else including the pole.

The drinks never stopped either and slowly but surely one by one we started dropping like flies. First Stephen passed out toward the front of the bus thinking we wouldn't get him. We did and dubbed him our first official victim. Then it was like he caused a chain reaction as more people succumbed to slumber.

After Stephen, it went Sienna, Rob, Myles, Ocean, Bradyn, Wolf, Jenna, Twila, Jules, Ashton, Kira, Kameron, and eventually Cyrus. Jay and I were the last two awake making this ride awkward as hell. I was drunk and Jay looked like his normal self. The snores filling up the bus were astounding Cyrus was the worst snorer there was. I don't know how any of them could be passed out in this nonsense but they were.

Seeing how everyone was asleep, I figured this would be a good time to clear the air with Jay. His mood has been off all day I'm sure a lot of that had to do with our situation. Plus, I did give him an attitude earlier when he was trying to be helpful. I'm unsure if he wanted to talk to me after that but it was worth a shot.

Inching closer to him, I rested my head on his lap as he looked down at me not amused.

"What do you want Autumn?" He was not in the mood.

"To talk," I say. "I don't like the way things happened the other day."

He sighed stroking the top of my head. "Me either, me either..." he trailed off.

I sat up eager for him to be truthful with me this time around. "So, let's fix it!" I smile softly.

Jay looked at me with a look on his face I couldn't quite read. If he would just tell me what happened with him and Kameron then we could move forward. I don't understand why it was so hard for him to do so. I wouldn't be sad. Maybe a little pissed but that's to be expected. I'm going into this with the mindset of if I'm doing it, then he should be able to too. It was only fair and for my sanity, I needed him to tell me the truth.

But he did the opposite.

Looking at me, panic rose in his voice as he explained things. "Autumn, please listen I can't say at the moment. But you have to believe me, it's truly not what you think."

My nose scrounged up. "Why should I? Everything she says to me shows otherwise." I point out.

"Because she's an asshole and wasn't even supposed to do what she's been doing," he says confusing me even more.

I groan with frustration thanking God everyone was asleep. "What exactly is she meant to be doing!" I yelled a little.

The snores continue as Jay and I try to reconcile our differences. Nothing he said was making sense as much as he wanted it to. He left me with half-answered questions thinking I'd accept that. As much as it would be nice to move on from this, I couldn't take that as it was. He needed to do some more explaining because I wasn't getting his half-baked answers.

Jay sighed out of frustration grabbing my hand and slipping a strand of hair behind my ear. He barely touched me but my heart still filled up with so much warmth. Regardless of our stupid bickering, there was no denying how much I loved this man. Which is why it annoyed me, even more, that he wouldn't tell me the truth! Or maybe he was.

"I can't say right now, A. It's a surprise that I'm cooking up but if I say more I'll give it away." He explained some more.

I crossed my arms. "You mean to tell me Kameron is working with you to surprise me?"

He nods. "Sort of, just trust me, please? I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you, Autumn. I love you."

Why did he have to say that? They were three simple words but simple words that meant everything between the both of us. It wasn't in my plans to be so forgiven but something told me I was overthinking things. Maybe she was just helping him plan something big and to deflect she resulted in being a bitch.

Either way, my heart couldn't resist the temptation I had to kiss him ever so lightly. So that's what I did. I leaned in planting my lips right on top of his feeling a sense of relief. His hands cupped my face putting as much passion as I was into it. Though it's only been a day and a half, it felt like an eternity since we've been able to lock lips. Every time it was amazing. I don't know how he would be able to outdo himself but he's trying.

Biting my lip afterward, I look him in the eyes apologizing for my behavior. "I'm sorry I get so worked up, I just don't want to lose you, Jason."

"Don't you worry your pretty little head gorgeous. I ain't going anywhere." He said hugging me.

I laughed, focusing on more serious matters. "Well, our last victim has fallen asleep," I say grabbing the whipped cream bottle. "Wanna cream him together?"

He flashed that beautiful smile at me. "Fuck it. Let's do this."

I giggle admiring his good looks. "Who knew a smile could be so sexy." I wink.

Jay chuckled. "Focus baby."

I rolled my eyes. "Fine, but I'm still gonna drool over you."

I can't believe I said that out loud.