CHAPTER 2

Alec looked at his phone. Jace kept on sending him messages and asking him to meet him at Taki's around 8 pm. He knew that there's something wrong going on. After Jace's trip from California, which he shortly followed after, Jace would just like to go out and hang out with friends. He noticed that he and been neglecting Aline for quite some time. He was one of the few people who had been vocal about his opposition of Jace's relationship with her. But he learned to accept the fact that Jace loved her and he wanted his best friend to be happy after all.

He couldn't point a finger on it but he was knew Jace was hiding something from him when they were in Los Angeles. He suddenly became secretive and detached. After several business meetings and ocular inspections on their company's new hotel resort project, Jace would simply say goodbye without giving any notice where he's heading to.

Arriving at Taki's, he looked up and saw Jace. He waved at him. He observed Jace already ordered food for himself. He must arrived earlier than the usual.

"Hey!" he greeted Alec.

Alec nodded and sat on the chair across Jace.

He motioned to the waiter for a menu. After picking food of his choice, the waiter left. Alec looked at Jace examining the expression on his face.

"I thought you were with Aline?" He inquired.

He heard Jace let out a sigh. "Yeah, but I told her I had to leave because I'll be meeting you. Anyway, she's with Camille, she's not alone." He said dismissively.

"Is there something wrong Jace? You've been acting like a dick a few months back and it got worse when we came back from the trip." He observed not leaving his eyes off Jace's face.

Jace felt like he's been splashed with cold water. He's aware that many had already observed his attitude towards Aline, but it was too much for him to be confronted about it. He tried to save whatever feelings left for her but he couldn't bring back the way he used to feel about her. He would want to tell Alec what has been bothering him all those months and weeks, but he couldn't bring himself to. Alec knew that they almost broke up 7 months ago because of her ex-boyfriend Meliorn. The way she treated him and rumors sprung about her and Meliorn, Jace had been expecting that things will soon end between them. Cruel as it may sound but he once hoped that Aline would just let go and call for a break up. But she cried in front of him. He confronted Meliorn and he confirmed that nothing was going on between him and Aline. He made a decision after to forgive her. He was able to see the change in her after. Jace knew that he cared for Aline, but it was not the same feeling he had for her a couple of years ago. But he still put up with her, hoping that somehow things will be like the way they were before. But after his California trip, he's not so sure if he can go on being with her anymore.

"I don't want to talk about it," he replied flatly.

"Crap Jace! You have already changed and matured. I know that you had your fair share of breaking girls' hearts before. You have changed already. Even if I disapproved of her before, she changed you. You were crazy about her. What happened now? I suddenly felt sorry for Aline!" Alec retorted.

"Alec, do you think I want this?" he answered looking frustrated and helpless.

"I don't know what you want Jace. I wouldn't have any idea unless you tell me." Alec snapped. He paused and placed both of his hands on the table.

"You got worse after the trip Jace. What happened to you during the trip? " He inquired, his voice suddenly calm.

Jace suddenly fell quiet. He looked nervous and began fiddling the fork in his pasta.

"What Jace?" Alec was waiting for a response from him.

Jace sucked in a breath. "I met someone." He closed his eyes and pictured the pretty lady with a red fiery hair and angelic face.

Alec's face didn't hide his surprise. "I just knew it." He whispered. He was still looking at Jace studying the expression on his face.

Jace raised his eyebrow at him. "So, if you suddenly got cold with the one you're with there's always someone involved? Is that what you were trying to imply?" He sarcastically replied.

"No Jace, I wasn't thinking that. I had my suspicions but I had to confirm to you about the girl I saw in your gallery when I opened your phone." Alec shook his head and turned a little red.

Jace looking horrified. "You got to be kidding me dude! You sneak!"

"I didn't mean to. Your iPhone was tempting since I was wondering what went on the trip. I saw a message arrived. You didn't have a lock on it, so when I opened it. I went directly to your gallery and saw a few pictures of a red head girl. There were pictures of her not looking at the camera, though there's one picture of her smiling looking right in front. I admit she's pretty and all, but you haven't mentioned about a girl so I was thinking that maybe you just saw her pictures on Google." Alec explained.

"Was she the one you said YOU MET?" he asked accusingly.

Jace didn't say anything but nodded. His gaze was really away.

"How, I mean, how did you meet her? So it means that every time you go out alone, you actually to go to her to spend time with her?" Alec pressed for information. Jace just kept quiet.

"What about Aline? Does your California girl know you have someone here in New York? What's her name?" Alec cannot hide the amusement in his voice.

He looked sharply at Alec. "She's not my California girl!" He wailed.

"You're back to your old ways Jace Herondale. I thought Aline was enough for you already," he mocked.

Jace looked down with pained expression on his face. "There's nothing going on between us Alec. I would be lying if I tell you that I am not attracted. But maybe there are some things that are not just meant to be, you know. And her name's Clary."

Alec held his hands up. "I get it. Of course you have Aline, but don't string this other lady along. You're going to hurt them both." He explained like he was talking to a child.

"I doubt that Alec." Jace quietly replied shaking his head.

"I can't believe you. After the way you're treating Aline and meeting another one that you vocally implied you are attracted to. Convince me Jace." He said disbelievingly.

Jace cleared his throat, sadness washed over him. "Clary, she's… she's engaged to someone else. And I am with Aline. And even before I met Clary, it was a known fact that something's already wrong with my relationship with Aline. Now you get it?"

Alec had a shocked look on his face. He looked intently at Jace who definitely was looking miserable.

A/N

Sorry, had to make some revisions. This one's a short chapter, but the next few would be longer ones.