I all but ran into the bathroom. I was so embarrassed. Granted, he said it was nice but it wasn't what I wanted. I wanted him to tell me that I was gorgeous but obviously that wasn't happening. I stared hard at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were wide, frantic almost. Thankfully my make up was still on point. I placed my hands on my cheeks, I was really afraid this wasn't going to go the way I wanted it too. I wanted him to notice me and in his own way I think he had but not the way I wanted too. It was time to get a grip and head back out there. I wasn't going to make me want him standing in the bathroom all night that's for sure.

I walked out of the bathroom and it seemed like everyone had stopped and stared. I felt myself blush and look in the opposite direction. Where was Mia when you needed her? Jesse walked up to me and just stared. I wasn't quite sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing. At least when he stared normally he talked. I cleared my throat to try to snap him out of his trance. He shook his head and his face filled with a smile.

"I miss the red but you look really nice blonde too. It doesn't matter because I like you no matter how you look." I smiled warmly. I think, regardless of what I'm going to hear all night about my new look, that's going to be the best compliment I hear all night. I pulled him in for a hug, and yeah I probably held him a little longer than I should of but Jesse is such a sweetheart. Its a shame I could never see myself with him because I knew he would do everything in his power to make me happy. Much like I would do for Dom, so in all actuality Jesse was me. I felt my eyes water up but quickly shook it off. I pulled back from the hug and really studied Jesse. His cheeks were flushed from embarrassment but his eyes were lit up and a smile was plastered on his face.

"Thank you Jesse. That means so much to me." He looked towards the floor and started rubbing the back of his neck. I knew his mind must be racing right now.

"You uh know that I uh would do anything for you don't you? Because I uh would." I nodded and I knew that I was about to kill his feelings but I had to say it to save them in a way. Jesse deserves someone who loved him the way that he loves them. I sighed and looked away from him. I noticed Vine walking up and I knew I had to make it quick so I didn't embarrass Jesse in front of Vince.

"Jesse, I'm sorry to say this because I know its going to hurt your feelings. You're a wonderful guy, and you deserve someone who feels the same way about you. You've got to be one of the sweetest men I have ever met that's why I'm telling you this, because you deserve so much more than me. You're a great friend, please don't ever change that." I could tell I hurt him and I felt bad for it but h needed to hear it. Maybe now he could move on and find the right girl.

"Its because of Vince isn't it?" Huh?! Why was it always Vince? Couldn't it be Leon or Dom for a change?

"There's nothing going on with Vince and me. We're just friends." He scoffed and rolled his eyes and I resisted the urge to punch little sweet Jesse.

"You guys act like we are all dumb. We see how you two are together." I rolled my eyes and took a step towards him.

"I see so because Vince and I are close we must be fucking well newsflash! We're not!" Just then Vince walked up and Jesse shoved him.

"This is all you're fault! I might have actually had a chance if you weren't around." Vince arched his eyebrow and looked ast me while Jesse stormed off. I put my hand up to my mouth and just stared at Vince. I couldn't believe the things Jesse had said to me. Vince started laughing and broke the silence. I looked at him crazy and then started to laugh too.

"What did you do to pipsqueak?" I rolled my eyes.

"I told him that I wasn't interested. So I was informed that everyone knew we were fucking." He nodded and then smiled.

"So I been tearing that ass up and didn't know it? Sweet!" I rolled my eyes and shoved him.

"Vince...grow up."

I walked outside and sat at one of the tables that were outside. Dom was cooking on the grill. He hadnt noticed me yet and maybe that was a good thing. It gave me time to check my phone. I secretly hoped Jace had replied. I know it was petty of me since I couldn't decide between him and Dom. But Jace did mean a lot to me. I pulled my phone out and there was two new messages both from him.

smokin hot babe - j

And

You've always been beautiful doll nothing will change that. When's the next time I can see you?

i felt my stomach do flips and my smile came back to my face. I quickly texted him back a quick thank you and that I missed him. Hopefully we will see each other soon.I looked up and was startled to see Dom sitting across from me, just watching me.

"That must be boy wonder." I smiled at his attempt to down Jace.

"If by boy wonder, you mean Jace then yes it was him. He likes the new look and the old look I guess." He rubbed a hand over his head and seemed to be in thought.

"I told you you're gorgeous regardless but you shouldn't need a man to tell you that. Look in the mirror Rox, men fall over themselves looking at you. Just don't aim to be someone's prize. You're more than that babygirl." He stood to get up and I put my hand on his arm to stop him.

"Have you ever wanted someone so bad that you'll do something drastic to get their attention?"

"You don't need to change to get someone's attention. Either they like you for who you are or not at all. Don't change for no one Roxie."

His words really hit home. He was right. I was like an old charger. If you didn't like me for how I was you shouldn't go changing everything about me that makes me who I am. And I had done that, to get Dom's attention. How ironic was it that it was him telling me I shouldn't change for no man? Maybe that was his way of telling me that he didn't feel me like that. I don't know but I do know that I felt defeated. No matter what I seemed to do I wasn't her. He would never see me like that. I walked out the front door and sat on the front porch. I grabbed a few strands of my hair and stared at it. I had completely bleached and highlighted my hair and I still wasn't good enough. Whatever! I'm done with this game of cat and mouse. I pulled out my phone and texted Jace.

change of plans. Can I see you tonight?-Rox

Always darlin' I'll pick you up shortly-j

meanwhile...

Vince and Dom were sitting in the backyard drinking a corona. Both laughing and reminiscing on how things have changed. Dom stood up and flipped the last of the burgers and sat back down.

"I need to talk to you about something V, and I know its a sore subject but it needs to be addressed." Vince nodded.

"Alright brotha, shoot." Vince took a long sip of his beer as Dom sat silent.

"You need to stop playing games. If you and Roxie are going to get together you need to do so. Its tearing her up. Did you see what she did to herself to make you notice?" Vince put his beer down and just stared at his best friend. Was Dom really that clueless he thought?

"And what makes you think she changed herself because of me?" Dom chuckled and took a sip of his beer.

"Have you seen the way she looks at you? She's always looking around for you. If its possible she's always with you. She's in love with you V. Don't hurt her." Vince shook his head and laughed.

"She isn't always looking for me when she walks into a room. Its you Dom. If its possible, she is always with me because I listen to her. She feels you won't give her the time of day. Its not Me she's in love with Dom. Its you." And with that Vince stood up to go find Roxie. He needed to find her and tell her what he had done before Dom did.

so a/n: its been forever since I updated this story. I hope this chapter is worth the wait! Please review or pm me and tell me what you think. Thank you for reading and still sticking around, if you have, for this long