Chapter 16

"Lindsay come on!" Ryan pleaded as he followed her out of the room. "It was just a game!"

"Word to the wise Ryan," Lindsay spat back, "Any game that involves you kissing your ex-girlfriend isn't a game you should be playing when you're dating somebody else."

The others sat in the T.V room listening tentively, "Guys," Zach started, "Maybe we should give them some priv-"

"Shh!" Summer cut him off.

Ryan, hearing the silence from the other room, ushered Lindsay out to the porch. "Lindsay, I'm sorry, but it didn't mean anything!"

"That doesn't matter to me Ryan! You know how intimidated I am of her! We've had this conversation before."

"You don't need to be intimidated Lindsay! You're my girlfriend now!"

Lindsay looked down, "Yeah, but don't you think it kills me to know that if Marissa wanted a relationship right now, you guys would have one?"

Ryan forced Lindsay into eye contact. "What? What makes you say that!"

"Ryan, I know that in the beginning of the year you wanted to get back with Marissa but she was with somebody else."

Ryan paused, he didn't know how to respond, "But Lindsay, I don't want to be with Marissa right now, I like what we have!"

Lindsay shook her head, "Listen, I should be going. Maybe I'll call you tomorrow or something."

"Lindsay, don't leave like this."

Lindsay turned to Ryan as she was walking down the steps, "Ryan, can you honestly tell me that you are as happy with me right now as you were with Marissa a year ago?"

Ryan stood shocked, he didn't know what to say, "I-but-"

Lindsay swallowed, "I'll talk to you later Ryan."

Ryan covered his face with his hands and trudged back into the house. He ignored Seth's calls and walked past the T.V room, outside and headed back to the pool house.

"What do you think happened?" Summer asked.

"I'm guessing that Lindsay wasn't pleased." Seth said quietly.

"So, Ryan probably isn't coming back, is he?" Asked Alex.

Marissa shook her head, "Well I guess is the game is finally over we don't need this bottle anymore." Marissa picked up the Tequila bottle, screwed open the top and took a long sip. Summer rolled her eyes, and Seth and Zach sat awkwardly, not knowing what to say. Alex swallowed and got up. She avoided eye contact with Marissa and turned towards the rest of the group, "Guys, this was really fun, but I'm going to take off. I'm sure I'll see you all at the Bait Shop this weekend right?"

Seth nodded his head, "Only a fool would miss Rufis Wainright."

Alex nodded and started to walk away. Marissa looked up, and excused herself from the group. She ran after Alex and grabbed her arm, "Hey, why are you leaving?"

Alex looked at Marissa, "I uh, I just have to go home. I'll talk to you later."

"No Alex, wait, what's wrong?"

Alex looked slightly annoyed, "Look Marissa, I have a few things that I want to talk to you about, but Zach's in there and he doesn't know about us, so in less you want him to find out loudly, right now, you'll let me go."

Marissa looked stunned, but let go of Alex's arm. Marissa stood in the doorway, watching Alex leave. She had no idea why Alex was mad! She hadn't said anything mean to her tonight at all! Marissa walked back to the family room where Zach, Summer, and Seth all sat. Seth and Summer sat quietly, making sure they didn't allude to any connection between Alex and Marissa.

"What's wrong?" Zach asked Marissa, who's eyes were becoming wet.

Marissa shook her head, "Oh nothing. But, I think I'm gonna head out guys. Sum, I'll call you later ok?"

Summer nodded and stood up and hugged her friend goodbye. "You ok?" She whispered.

Marissa nodded and went to follow Alex.

Summer sat back down next to Seth. He immediately put his arms comfortably around Summer, who leaned against his chest getting comfortable. They sat quietly for a second until they realized that it was only them and Zach left. Seth cleared his throat and moved away from Summer. "So Zach, you up for another round of Ninjas? I'm sure my fingers were cold and too slow before."

Zach smiled, "Actually Seth, I think I'm going to make you sweat it out. I'm going to go home, but tonight was good. We'll have to do it again sometime, maybe with a little less drama."

"Oh Zach, unfortunately, tonight does not rate high on our drama meter. But yeah, we'll call you." Seth said.

Zach nodded, "Bye guys."

Summer smiled, "Bye."

After Zach had left Seth and Summer settled comfortably on the couch. "Geez," Seth started, "Some party, the house is cleared out, and it's 9:15."

Summer smiled, "I'd say people left just in time Cohen." Summer crawled over to Seth slowly and kissed him softly.