Here we go, a short chapter seven.
CHAPTER SEVEN
"I can't believe how awesome you were," Jake tells Marley as he gives her a hug. Marley burrows herself into the warmth of Jake's body. She closes her eyes. He smells good. He always does. She's slightly dizzy as she presses her cheek to Jake's chest. She opens her eyes, wanting to say something to him, but her eyes find Ryder instead.
He is smiling at her, again, giving her his famous thumbs-up. She smiles, wriggles her fingers at him, and mouths a thank you. After nodding at her, Ryder turns his attention back to Gina.
Marley's smile fades. Suddenly, Jake's body doesn't feel so warm anymore.
"Told you you'd kill it, G," Ryder high-fives Gina. "Oh, you'll be the talk of the town!"
"Shut up, Elmo," Gina laughs. "But yeah, it was great."
"I'd second that."
Ryder and Gina turn around to see Nick approaching them, with a big smile on his face and hands in his pockets. "You totally got my attention, Gina. That was some great dancing."
Ryder starts to scowl. "This is restricted for McKinley students only," he says, a little coldly. "You can't be in here."
"Don't be such a mood killer, Ry," Gina scolds him. She's beaming, her cheeks are starting to blush, and she looks flattered. Ryder doesn't like it. "Thank you, Nick. I'm glad you enjoyed the performance."
"Oh, being all sweet now, are we?" Ryder mutters. "Where's your sarcasm gone, G? The cat got it?"
"Shut up, Ryder."
"Anyways, I'm here to ask you a little favor," Nick says, rubbing his hands together. "After the whole show's over, don't go away first, will you? I have prepared something special for you and uh, I hope you don't mind seeing it."
"Sure," Gina says.
"Wait a minute," Ryder takes Gina's arm. "You don't even know what this guy wants, and you're just saying sure?"
"It won't be anything weird," Nick assures them. "Just a little something I'd like to show off to her. It'll be in the auditorium."
"You heard the guy, Elmo," Gina prompts. "I'll see you soon then, Nick."
Nick grins, waves, then turns to leave. Gina is smiling to herself as she watches him go.
Ryder? He feels his jaw and fists clenching. Tight.