I wake up angry the next day, but not at Finn.
Although, he should really learn not to treat people like he treated me last night, I'm a lot more upset at myself.
I know my worth. I know my priorities. Why I would let this guy get to me like Finn has is unbeknownst to me. A lapse in judgement I suppose.
I came here to win this competition and get a scholarship to college. Not to let some guy leave me in the dark. Finn may be hot, but it's not like I know much else about him.
The next morning, I wake up at five and go for a run. Then, I come back and take a hot shower. I showered after Finn left last night, but it's like I can still feel him on me. I scrub hard with my loofah, and then I take time putting lotion on when I get out of the shower.
I smell like vanilla when I'm done, and a cloud of steam follows me into the bedroom. I get dressed and braid my hair so it will be out of my face.
I text Olivia, and meet her downstairs for breakfast.
"So, how was your date last night?" I still haven't told Olivia the extent of my relationship with Finn, and after everything last night I just don't want to. So, I stick to talking about Sean.
"Sean was nice, but I don't think there was really a spark between us." I tell Olivia.
"That's too bad. I think Sean is nice, but he does seem kind of dull." Olivia says.
"Yeah-" I'm about to explain more about what happened on the date, and maybe even talk about how Finn showed up, when I am distracted. Just then the most beautiful boy I have ever seen (Besides Finn. Ugh, why can't I stop thinking about him) walks into the hotel breakfast area.
He has bright, blue hair and deep, green eyes, and he is standing across the room, but I can still see how straight and white his teeth are. He has on a cropped, black shirt that shows a strip of tan skin, and baggy, grey sweat pants that stop just above his slip on vans.
Olivia turns around to see what I'm looking at.
"Woah. That guys is like super hot. If I didn't have Brian...." She trails off.
"I'm gonna go get some more orange juice." I say, standing up.
"Right..." Olivia says with a wink.
I walk over to the bar and grab one of those small, clear plastic cups they give you for continental breakfast.
Just as I'm reaching the juice bar, blue haired boy walks over with his own plastic cup.
We stop and look at each other, unsure of who should go first. He waves his arm in front of him with a smile.
"Ladies first." he says.
I step forward and press down on the button that says orange juice.
"I like your hair." I direct to the boy, "And your shirt." I glance again at the patch of skin. His sweats have dropped lower, and I have to look away before I am caught gawking.
"Well, thank you. I like your shoes." His voice is very melodic.
I look down at my roughed up sneakers and laugh.
"Thanks." His eyes have a circle of gold around the pupils.
I'm still looking at how pretty his eyes are (why do boys always have beautiful lashes), when something cold splashes on my hand.
"Um, your orange juice." he points at my cup where juice is overflowing.
"Oh, shit." I take my finger off of the button and pour some of the orange juice into the little grate that catches dripping.
"Sorry." I tell hot boy as I reach to grab some napkins.
He chuckles, "It's okay. I knew if I wore a crop top that I would surely be distracting people today."
"Yeah." My cheeks blush. "But in a good way." I reassure.
I head back to Olivia who is laughing at me.
"Smooth. Real Smooth." She jokes.
"Whatever." I say, still blushing.
"Did you find out his name?" she asks.
I look back at the blue haired boy and notice he is walking towards our table. I smile and wave.
"No, but I think I am about to." I say as blue haired boy sits down.
"Mind if I sit?" He asks, even though he is already sitting.
"Of course not." I say, a little too quickly.
"So, does orange juice girl have a name?"
"That's funny, I was calling you blue haired boy." I say, pointing at his bright locks.
"You were talking about me?" He, surprisingly, seems a little shocked to hear that.
"Well, you know, crop top and everything." I say with a smirk.
Olivia gives me an amazed look. I have never really been very good at talking to boys, but I guess everything with Sean and Finn these past few days has given me confidence.
"I'm Jamie." He says. Something in the back of my head alarms, and I have a feeling like I know that name. But I can't place it.
"Hi, Jamie. I'm Laney."
Jamies face drops, "Laney, as in-"
But he doesn't get to finish that sentence, because just then Finn walks through the door and calls his name.
Now I remember how I know that name. Jamie is Finn's best friend.
When Finn spots me sitting next to Jamie, something like anger glints through his eyes.
Oh no, no, no. He does not get to leave me last night and then act like I'm in the wrong.
I set my hand on Jamie's arm and give Finn a meaningful look.
"You are that Laney." Jamie says, looking between Finn and I.
"You know Finn?" Olivia asks. "We went to a party with him the other night."
"You were at Junior's party?" Jamie asks.
I look back at him, "Were you there too?"
"Yeah. There was major fall out when Sally and Junior broke up. Finn and I had to comfort each of them all night long."
"Sally and Junior broke up?" I ask at the same time Olivia asks, "Who are Sally and Junior?"
Yeah, right before the party started." Jamie answers me. "I figured Finn would have explained that to you since he was hanging out with her all night."
"Finn told me they were still together when I asked if there was something going on between him and Sally." I respond, my temper rising.
"Huh. I don't know why he would lie. He and Sally hooked up at the party."
Something clenches in my gut, and I feel like throwing up.
I got played.
Finn walks over, and I stand up.
"Going somewhere, Laney." He asks me in a snide voice.
"Anywhere I can to get away from you."
I expect something like confusion or shock to pass over his face, but when I look at him all I see is nothing.
Finn doesn't seem to be affected by me at all.
So, I'm not going to be affected by him either.
I get up, and Olivia does the same. She can probably tell how angry I am right now.
"Bye, Jamie." I take one last look at his crop top and then turn on my heel and leave.