She grabbed her laptop and started her search for which courses she wanted to take next. I wonder if they offer a course in common sense. She half chuckled and half sobbed as she searched. “I’d have probably failed that class anyway.”
Jordan had no fucking clue what was going on with Marvin. They had been friends since elementary school. Marvin was six years older than Gianna, and he was acting like he was six years younger instead. When he saw his friend again, they were going to have one serious talk. Jordan wasn’t thrilled with being put in this situation, but no way could he have just left Gianna at the church to handle it all herself.
He didn’t have any sisters, but if he did, he’d have kicked the bastard’s ass for treating her like that. But Gianna’s behavior was odd. He’d thought for sure she’d be bawling all over him and he’d need to pry her off. Instead she was distant. He got it; she wanted to be alone. That’s what he’d have wanted as well. But he’d felt like shit leaving her, even at her request.
Jordan didn’t know her parents, but there was one friend of hers, Mary-Lou, that he had the phone number for. They had spoken a few times in regards to the agenda for the wedding. He wasn’t sure calling Mary-Lou was the right thing either, but at least he was trying. That’s a hell of a lot more he could say than Marvin was doing.
He dialed the number and it went to voicemail. “Hello, this is Mary-Lou, you know what to do.” It was followed by giggles and then a beep. He wasn’t about to leave a message. Hanging up, he tried Marvin. That number went directly to voicemail. Apparently no one wanted to speak with him.
He couldn’t just drive away. Gianna might not want to admit it, but she needed someone to talk to. Jordan sure as hell didn’t want it to be him. Damn. He started the car and drove a few blocks. He pulled into the parking lot of a pizza joint he’d passed on the way. Maybe they didn’t need to speak, but eat instead. He placed an order and headed back to her apartment. Even as he climbed the stairs, he questioned why the hell he was doing this. She wasn’t his friend. They didn’t even like each other. So why wasn’t he just walking away?
Because I’m not Marvin.
He knocked on her door, but no answer. Then he tried again, a bit louder this time. A door to the apartment adjacent to hers opened. The older woman said, “She’s home.”
“Thank you,” he said. It was something he already knew. Jordan tried knocking again.
“You might want to call her and tell her you’re here. She’s had a rough day and probably could use a friend right now,” she said.
Unfortunately, all she’s got is me.
He was going to try one more time. If she didn’t answer, he was leaving. But she opened the door this time.
“What are you doing here Jordan?”
“I didn’t have a chance to eat and thought you might be hungry as well,” he said. Really it was just an excuse to talk to her again.
She shook her head, but opened the door letting him in. Her body language said she was less than pleased that he returned. Once the door was shut, her words confirmed it.
“What the hell is wrong with you guys? You think you can just walk into my life and take control? I’m done with people manipulating me,” she snapped.
Jordan stood his ground knowing damn well that Marvin had done just that. If he hadn’t been concentrating on his own affairs, he might have noticed what he was doing with Gianna. He knew Gianna wasn’t Marvin’s type, but now it was obvious Marvin was just using Gianna until Rhonda was back in the picture. It was an asshole thing to do. He hated being compared to him. Then again, why wouldn’t she? You are who you chose to associate yourself with.
“The only thing I controlled was what type of pizza I brought.”
“And if I wasn’t hungry?” she asked.
“Then I’ll leave it and maybe you’ll want it tomorrow.”
She glared at him but eventually asked, “What kind?”
“Hawaiian.” It was his favorite. Damn. She’s right. We do try to control everything. “I would’ve picked up something else if I knew what you liked.”
“You should’ve brought a bottle of wine instead,” she sighed.
Jordan wasn’t about to remind her that she was underage. He placed it on the table and said, “Why don’t I leave it here for you. You might change your mind later.” He’d done what he came for, checked on her.
As he headed for the door she said, “Jordan, why are you here? And don’t say because I looked hungry.”
He turned and met her gaze. Jordan wasn’t really sure why he was there, but he needed to tell her something. “I…feel responsible for what happened?”
“You mean your friend being an ass?” she asked. That’s being nice. He nodded and she added, “Although I’d like to blame you, I can’t. This is all on Marvin and me.”
“You? What did you do?” he asked. From what he saw, the only thing she was guilty of was being young and naïve.
“I should’ve noticed that Marvin was just on the rebound. I’ve read enough romance books to know those relationships never work out,” she explained.
Jordan bit back his laugh. “Don’t cut him any slack. His behavior was…appalling.”
“Wow. And you’re his friend?” she asked.
He nodded. “That’s why I can say it.”
She sat down and opened the pizza box. “I hope my friends have my back.”
Jordan asked, “And you think I don’t have Marvin’s?”
“Let’s see, you’re here bringing me pizza. So I’d say no.”
Jordan said, “I’m here because I am Marvin’s friend. He asked me to keep an eye on you. Make sure you were okay.”
Gianna grabbed a slice and said, “Maybe he should’ve thought about that before?” She took a bite and then added, “Now you can go and report back to him. I’m fine.” With a grin she added, “Actually, I’m better than fine. I even have his friends checking on me.” He saw her cute nose wrinkle then said, “Not that I need or want them to.”
That wasn’t about to happen. He was the only person in Marvin’s life who’d do this. Most of them were as self centered as Marvin was. Besides, Jordan could only imagine what stories Marvin was making up about Gianna. Jordan never was one who stood there listening to gossip, and definitely didn’t want to hear any about Gianna. He might not know much about her, but he did know his friend. Marvin was a player. Always had been and always would be. His marriage to Rhonda wasn’t going to last. He’d give it a few years at the most.
Gianna was going to go through a rough period, but damn, someday she’d realize she was lucky. Of course for now, she was pretending as though it wasn’t affecting her at all and he would heed her hint again to leave. “I’ll be sure to tell Marvin that you’re doing well.” He saw a pen lying on the counter, picked it up and jotted down a number on the pizza box. “If that changes and you want someone to cuss out, give me a call.”
She just sat there not saying a word. He knew she’d never call him, and that was okay. He’d done his part, heck more than his part. The rest wasn’t his concern.