Chapter 18

Confidence in My Steps

I haven't really talked to Tyler since I left his house. He was supposed to call me but he never did. I didn't know if I wanted to confront him about what he said or act like it never happened. He had to of been sobered up enough to realized what he was saying but I could be wrong. It wasn't even that much of a deal if he did say it. After Matt told me I knew that I was in love with him...even if it did take me that long to realize it I knew that Matt is the man I wanted to be with. And I know he wants to be with me. I have a ring to prove it now. I couldn't stop admiring the promise ring that he gave me. It was just gorgeous. I was glad that my mother hadn't notice the ring yet because I know for a fact that she is going to see the ring.

My phone rang the 'I'm sexy and I know it' ringtone that Tyler set for himself.

"Ello love," I said in my fake British accent.

"Howdy," he said back. "What are you up too?" I laughed and thought about how I was going to tell him that Matt gave me a promise ring.

"Admiring this new ring I got." I said. Now it wasn't a complete lie because it was true I did just get a new ring, but I know how Tyler would react to it.

"I see. Well I was just calling to ask if you wanted to go to lunch with me at Ocean Blue?" he said.

"I'd love to." I smiled. "Just give me twenty minutes to get ready and I'll meet you there. We hung up and I went to my bathroom to put my hair in a loose bun on top of my head and swiped mascara across my long lashes. My mom was sitting at the island in the kitchen on her laptop when I came down stairs.

"Hi mom," I said leaning against the counter. She smiled up at me.y

"Just some work and emailing your father. His trip is going to last awhile longer." I nodded. I missed my dad a lot. "I also have to leave tomorrow morning. I have to go to Atlanta for a business conference." I nodded. She didn't have to go over all the rules because I already knew them. "Tyler's parents are going to check up on you occasionally. You know the rules." I nodded again.

"Mom, I'm going out to lunch with Tyler so I have to go." She nodded and smiled going back to her laptop and typing quickly. Ever since we moved to Hill Side, my parents where even more busy with the family business then they were back in Iowa. More of their businesses were here in the south anyways. My mom had to go to these business conference every other year to discuss stocks and everything. She knew a lot of people from other businesses that were similar to ours. Before this year I'd always stay at Sophia's when they were gone, but now that I'm 18. I think I can handle being home by myself.

I pulled in next to Tyler's truck and looked towards the restraunt. I could see Tyler through the window with someone next to him. l couldn't tell until I got to the door. The first thing I saw was her fake blond hair, then her piercing blue eyes when she turned around instantly meeting with mine. She shoot me daggers. If looks could kill, I'd be a dead women right now, my lifeless body sprawled out on the floor. She smirked at me then pushed her lips hard against Tyler's. He instantly wrapped his hands around her petite body deepening the kiss. I knew I looked like a fool standing in the middle of the restraunt with my mouth wide open and frozen in place. I seemed like several minutes past that I couldn't move. I finally shook away my thought and strode towards them with confidence in my steps and my chin held high. When I got to their table they didn't notice me. I cleared my throat and Tyler instantly jumped to the other end of the bench.

He coughed into his hand. "Hey Bethaney." I smiled slightly before sitting down then rolled my eyes when he wasn't looking. I picked up the menu setting in upright so they couldn't see me and quickly pulled my phone out of my pocket to text Matt back.

Come to Ocean Blue quick. No questions asked. I'll explain later. Act like I didn't text you.

Luckily Matt was at the beach when I texted him so he was here in a matter of minutes. He came in and peered around looking for me. I smiled and waved. Tyler looked at my with a suspicious look then turned around. He sighed then turned back to me.

"Hey. Fancy meetin' y'all here," he said. I never really noticed his slight southern accent that he had but it was so cute on him.

"Hi Matt. Would you want to join us?" Tyler asked. I could tell by his tone that he was hoping that Matt would say no.

"Well if ya don't mind, sure." He slide into the booth next to me and kissed my cheek. I smiled at him and set my menu down. He put his hand on my thigh giving me instant warmth where his skin met mine. I shivered and he chuckled to himself. Tyler looked between the two of us but didn't say anything. A few minutes later a middle aged women with dark curly hair came up to us to take our order.

"Y'all ready to order yet?" It was like her voice was dripping with sugar, she seemed that sweet. We all quickly ordered. I felt weird ordering a cheeseburger and french fries with a chocolate milkshake because all Kaylee got was a salad and ice water. I had high enough metabolism I could burn off calories really easily. Matt got popcorn shrimp with hush puppies and Tyler got a cheeseburger like me. There wasn't a lot of conversation going unless it was between Matt and I or Tyler and Kaylee. But Tyler finally spoke.

"So I heard ya mom is leaving for Atlanta tomorrow," he said. I nodded.

"Yeah, I could throw some sick party or something." I said but it was mostly as a joke. Tyler and Matt laughed but Kaylee just crossed her arms over her chest and looked at me with a scowl on her face. I didn't know what her problem with me was. It's not like I ever did anything to her to make her angry. I never really liked her when I started hanging out with her, infact the only reason I hung out with her at all was because I knew no one else. This was before I met Elly and Travis. I haven't heard from Travis in awhile. He's been in Florida visiting his grandparents.

"You should," Tyler started. "Saturday night." Kaylee then looked at him with wide eyes.

"We were supposed to go out Saturday night," she whined.

"Well her party can be our date." He said never looking away from me. She huffed and turned away from him a bit which he of course rolled his eyes at.

"So Saturday night?" he asked again. I thought for a moment. A party gave me a reason to spend time alone with Matt in my room...but we could do that anyways since my mother wouldn't be there, but a party sounded fun. I looked at Kaylee and her breath was heavy.

"Saturday night." I replied. Now her cheeks were red and she was really breathing heavy. I tried to keep the laugh inside my mouth. She stood up quickly and looked at Tyler.

"I'll be right back k?" She some how still made her voice sound sweet and happy even though you could tell she was mad. I rolled my eyes when she sauntered off towards the restroom.

"Bitch," I said under my breath. Tyler kicked me under the table and sent me a glare. I just kicked him back making him jump again and he shot me another glare. I smirked then leaned against Matt.

"Looks like you're staying over on Saturday," I smiled.

"Yep, I guess so." He smiled back and I put my head to hide the blush. I heard Tyler sigh loudly across from me making me giggle a bit. Now I couldn't wait for Saturday to come.