Chapter 3

Joey's PoV:

It was the morning after Jaime's birthday and I woke up before Mariah so I went into the kitchen to make some coffee. I was trying to be quiet so she could sleep in, but being as clumsy as I am, I dropped my mug on the ground, shattering it. Damn, that was one of my favorites. Lauren had given it to me as a gag gift in college but I've loved it ever since. I cleaned up the pieces and sadly threw it in the trash.

Mariah must have woken up from the noise because a few minutes later, she walked into the kitchen. I tried to give her a kiss on the cheek, but she sort of dodged it before grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting down at the kitchen table.

"What's wrong babe?" I could tell something was bothering her.

"Nothing."

"Come on I can see something's wrong. Now tell me what's the matter this instant, woman." She gave a faint smile that disappeared as quickly as it came.

"Well... last night at the party I sort of saw you looking at Lauren. Only, you weren't looking at her, you were looking at her. I don't know, it just made me a little uncomfortable. I feel like you don't look at me like that."

I panicked a little bit. I was looking at her like that, but only because I let my mind get away from me. I still had my feelings for Mariah. I had to cover it up.

"Don't be silly. I was looking at her, but I was just happy she was feeling good about herself. She's been feeling a bit lonely lately. She's one of my best friends and it was just nice to see her happy."

I think she bought it because then she came over and sat on my lap. She kissed my forehead and then stared out the window, sipping her coffee.

A few hours later we were on the couch watching TV and the doorbell rang. It was Lauren coming to pick me up for our coffee date. Mariah wasn't too happy to let me go, but she came with me to answer the door and gave me a quick kiss before I headed out with Lo.

Lauren's PoV

What to wear, what to wear? I've got to look good for Joey. Wait, why? He's just your friend. I decided on some jeans and a cute top. I then threw my hair up in a ponytail and put on a little make up. I didn't want to look like I was trying too hard. Looking at the clock, I decided I should get going to I went out to my car and drove to Joey's.

I walked up to the door and knocked, waiting a few minutes before he finally answered. What's taking him so long, he knew I was coming. Oh god, are he and Mariah..? I pushed that thought as far from my mind as I could. Just as I was doing so the door swung open. There was joey with Mariah hanging on behind him. She was wearing one of his t-shirts. Gross. Oh whatever. She gave Jo a quick kiss and closed the door behind him.

On the way to the coffee house, Kofenya, we talked about how much fun we had had at Jaime's party. I wish I had gotten to see more of Joey, but I didn't let on about that part.

We pulled up to Kofenya, parked, and walked inside. Joey ordered while I went to secure our usual table. Once he came with his coffee and sat down I just blurted out what was on my mind.

"Joey, I'm so glad we make sure we have this time together. I was worried a little when you first started dating Mariah that you would sort of forget about our coffee dates and I guess I'm just really glad that you haven't." I felt myself blush a little as I said this.

"Lo, of course I would never forget about making time for you. You're my best friend and no girl, no matter how serious, could come between that."

"That means so much Joey. I'm gonna go grab a muffin, do you want anything?" I offered.

"No thanks, I'm good."

I walked up the counter and asked the barista for a blueberry muffin. I noticed he was pretty cute, but ignored it. Well, until our hands touched as I handed him my cash.

He looked into my eyes and said, "You have beautiful eyes."

I felt myself blush and what more could I say than thank you. He handed me my muffin and while doing so he said, "My name is Taylor, It's nice to meet you."

"I'm Lauren. Nice to meet you too." I responded, still blushing a little.

There was no one in line behind me so we chatted a little bit. I realized I had been gone for a while so I decided it was time to go back over with Joey. "I should be getting back to my friend now" I said.

"Oh, just a friend? Well in that case, here is my number. Give me a call some time." He slid a napkin over to me which I grabbed and shoved in my pocket, slightly embarrassed.

"Maybe I will" I said trying to play it cool. He gave me a wink and a smile and with that I went back to sit with Joey. We chatted for about an hour about random things before leaving. On the way out, Taylor the barista waved goodbye and smiled. I gave a small wave back, hoping Joey wouldn't make a big deal. I don't even think he saw though because he continued to walk without any teasing.

Joey's PoV

When we got to Kofenya, I went to order and Lauren grabbed our table. When I walked over with our coffee and sat down she almost immediately started talking.

"Joey, I'm so glad we make sure we have this time together. I was worried a little when you first started dating Mariah that you would sort of forget about our coffee dates and I guess I'm just really glad that you haven't."

It felt so good to hear that she still valued our relationship so much. How could she ever think I would forget about her, though? I set her straight and she then said she was going to get a muffin. I watched her walk away and then looked down at my coffee, letting my mind wander.

When I looked up, I saw she had her muffin in hand, but she was still at the counter talking to the barista. She looked back at me so I quickly looked down. After a few seconds I looked up again and he was sliding her a napkin while saying something and smiling. Then he winked at her and Lauren turned around, blushing, and made her way back to the table. I decided not to say anything about it.

We sat there and talked for about an hour and then decided to leave. On the way out, the barista waved at Lauren and she gave him a little wave back. I turned my head the other way, pretending I didn't notice. Why did it make me so uncomfortable to see her flirting? I have Mariah, it shouldn't make me feel like this to see Lo with another guy.