Although they all belonged to the same social circle, there were smaller cliques within it.
Jett had never chilled with Bobby before, and that definitely wasnât about to change just because of Fannie. They werenât cut from the same cloth, and they werenât aiming for the same prize.
Bobby stepped in with a thoughtful nugget of advice, genuinely hoping to lend a helping hand.
âWhat? You went straight to the families? Man, is this your first time trying to win over a girl?â
Jett flushed slightly, annoyance flickering in his eyes. âWhat does it matter to you?â
Bobby exhaled a thin stream of smoke. âLet me guessâsheâs pulling back, keeping her distance, right?â
That was so spot on!
Jett couldnât help but look at him. âHow did you know?â
âThatâs not important.â Bobby chuckled. âLook, man, I really do want her to end up with a good guy, and I can see youâre serious. So, trust me on this: handle it yourself, just the two of you. Donât pull her parents into it.â
âWhy should I listen to you?â
Jett eyed him suspiciously. Bobby had a reputation for being a smooth-talking flirt, not exactly the most trustworthy advisor. Bobby clicked his tongue. âLook, nobody likes having their choices made for them. Do you want Fannie to marry you because her parents told her to, or because she actually wants to be with you?â
Needless to say, it was the latter. Jett sighed, letting the question settle between them.
Was he so far off, though? All he wanted was to prove his sincerity. Wasnât that what dating was about in the end?
Feelings could grow over timeâhe just hoped sheâd notice his genuine intentions.
Had he really crossed a line?
Bobby patted him on the shoulder, jolting him out of his thoughts. âGood luck, man.â
The words only added to Jettâs unease, though he couldnât explain why he let Bobbyâs opinion affect him so much. With a shrug, he brushed off Bobbyâs hand, rolled up the car window, and drove off, his mind still churning.
It wasnât until he pulled up to Fannieâs house that he remembered why heâd come here in the first place.
He scanned her from head to toe, concern etched on his face. âNo injuries?â
âNope. Not a scratch.â
Regardless of the circumstances, Fannie felt grateful that Jett had come such a distance for her.
âNext time something like this happens, call me, okay?â Jett said.
Fannie countered, âYou know calling the police would probably be more effective, right?â
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