“We’re leaving,” he said callously and then he turned to look Antonio up and down.
I was caught off guard by his tone. He paced toward his car without looking back to see if I was following behind him or not. Antonio looked at me curiously and I flushed red with embarrassment as I shrugged to convey my confusion. I didn’t like the thought of him witnessing the way AJ spoke to me. I hesitated for a moment before complying and followed behind him. By the time I reached the car, AJ was already sitting inside waiting - scowling. I didn’t understand what brought on the change in his mood.
“What’s your problem? The dance isn’t over for at least another hour!” He didn’t respond. “Hello?”
“Please don’t talk to me right now. I don’t wanna say anything I’ll regret.”
None of this made sense to me. What could I have done? “Is this because I was talking to Antonio? You said that you didn’t mind.” He didn’t say anything, but he accelerated until he was going nearly twice the speed limit.
“AJ! What did I do?” We pulled up to a stop light and he whipped his cell phone out of his pocket, pushed a few buttons and tossed the phone into my lap. When the light changed he floored it and weaved in and out of traffic. I stared at him for a second and then picked up the phone. My gaze drifted down to the screen and I thought I might actually have a heart attack. Someone had sent him a picture message of Antonio and me from the night we went out to dinner in December. It was clear and there was no mistaking that it was us.
My mood shifted from ashamed to outraged. Antonio had gone too far this time. In an attempt to get me back, he’d set me up that night. There was no doubt in my mind that Terrence and Brian had helped him pull it off. One of them must have showed up at the restaurant to take the picture and then sent it to AJ on prom night of all nights. That must have been what Terrance was doing on his phone when I passed by him. This was supposed to be one of the most memorable nights of my life, and Antonio ruined it because he couldn’t control his jealousy.
“Nothing happened,” I replied defensively.
“You probably wouldn’t even tell me if it did. Who knows what else you’re keeping from me.” He laughed sinisterly. “Nowwww it makes sense. That’s why you were driving me crazy with all this crap about me cheating. “
This wasn’t a good look for me. “I’m telling you the truth!” I yelled out in desperation. AJ didn’t say another word to me as he drove me home. Since the first day I’d seen him, I knew that he was the one thing I couldn’t live without. If he left me over this, I’d probably go insane.
He pulled into the driveway and turned to stare at me, but he looked at me in a different way now that he felt like I’d deceived him. The thought crossed my mind that he could ask me if anything else had ever happened between Antonio and me. If I really did grant his request that would mean that I’d also have to disclose the kiss that Antonio and I shared. Was I strong enough to do that – risk everything? If he decided that he never wanted to speak to me again after knowing that, I completely deserved it.
“Will you please let me explain?” I pleaded. “AJ, I refuse to lose you or your trust over this. Nothing happened.”
His gaze was intimidating. “I’m listening,” he replied.