"Let me guess... A hamburger, no pickle, extra mustard with a side of fries and... a chocolate milkshake?"

"You forgot the extra tomato as well, but other than that, you're spot on."

"Yes!" I exclaim, sitting back in my seat with a satisfied smile. I look to Reece with a smirk, "I bet you can't guess mine that good."

He rolls his eyes, "Easy. You'll get the chicken burger with half the lettuce, double the sauce and a side of fries – curly fries actually – and water, because you don't like flavoured drinks with your meals."

My mouth drops open slightly as I nod, surprised. "Well done. That was spot on. How'd you know I'd go for the chicken burger and not the hamburger."

Reece only shrugs, "Chicken is your favourite."

"Okay, now that... that is done," Anna looks between Reece and me with raised eyebrows from the other side of the booth, "Can we order?"

I immediately blush a bright red, sinking down low in my seat as I look towards the waiter who is staring at Reece and I expectantly, along with everyone else. We got so lost in our own little world that I didn't even notice when the waiter showed up. After quickly reciting our orders to the man, he walks away, leaving us alone at the booth.

"So, Layla," My attention turns to Ella who sits across from me and I see she is smiling widely, "is there a special someone in your life at the moment?"

I automatically think of Reece, but of course I can't mention him when he's sitting right beside me. So, I go with the safe option. "Nope. Just me for the time being."

Ella pouts dramatically, "Aww, we'll find you someone, don't worry! I'm sure there's heaps of guys waiting to take you on a date!"

I start to feel awkward, fiddling with my hands in my lap. I don't like when all the attention is on me, especially when it's regarding my love life. "Uh, not really. But I'm happy on my own for now."

"Be a bit pickier next time, babe," Amanda tunes in, looking to me with a smile, "Preston was trash."

I sigh, hating the reminder of my ex. "Don't bring that up, please. That was a bad judge of character on my part, I know."

Suddenly Reece's hand is on top of mine and I look down, realising I have been cracking my knuckles. I look up at him and he doesn't do anything but glance at me once. That one look says it all. He's telling me to relax, that he's here and there's no reason to be scared. I smile at him gratefully and take the opportunity to trace his tattoos instead of cracking my knuckles as a way to calm myself. It works much better.

"What about you, Ella?" I ask, switching the subject from myself to her, "Have you got your eye on anyone in particular?"

"Well, I have had my eye on a certain guy for a little while. We'll see how it goes." She shrugs with a smile. Then her eyes dart to Reece, lingering for a moment. My heart sinks into the pit of my stomach.

She likes Reece. Has something happened between them? What if he likes her too?

Suddenly feeling deflated, I stop fiddling with Reece's hand and tuck my hands under my thighs instead. He looks down at me, clearly confused, but I don't spare him a glance. If he has feelings for someone else, I should start distancing myself from him now. It will hurt less in the end.

Our food arrives soon after that and the seven of us eat in mostly silence. I can feel my mood dropping and dropping as time passes and soon I just want to leave. The thought of Reece liking someone else hurts me more than it should. I have no right to feel this way. He's allowed to be with whoever he chooses.

The meal is over soon and I haven't spoken a word. Reece excuses himself to go to the bathroom and so does Amanda and Ella, leaving Mark, Liam, Anna, and me at the booth.

"Layla," I look up when Anna says my name and she's staring at me intensely, "You're overthinking what Ella said."

I furrow my brows, feigning ignorance. "I don't know what you mean."

"She was looking at Reece. I know you saw. You've been quiet ever since."

I shrug, fiddling with the napkin beside my plate. "I don't care if she likes him. He can date whoever he chooses."

"But Layla-"

I abruptly stand from my seat, "On second thought, I actually need to go the bathroom as well."

I quickly walk towards the bathrooms, not wanting to discuss the topic any further. I hate that everyone can so obviously see my feelings for Reece. If only he could see them too.

Rounding the corner as I head to the bathrooms, I see something that makes me halt immediately. It's as if time has slowed as I watch the sight before me. She leans up, eyes closing and he just stands there. He stands, unmoving. She leans in further and further until her face is inches away from his. Then suddenly he yanks himself back and away from her, eyes wide.

"What the hell was that?" Reece growls, glaring down at Ella.

"I- I just thought-"

"No. I don't like you, Ella." He states blankly. He rejects her with no hesitation. His voice is cold and unforgiving. I shrink back. Is that how he would reject me if I told him as well?

"But why-"

"Look, you seem... nice," He lets out a sharp breath as if he is having to force himself to be so calm. "But I can't. I... I have feelings for someone else."

What? That can't be true. Who does Reece have feelings for?

Feeling my heart tear in two, I know I can't just stand here like an idiot. I have to say something and let them know that I heard.

"You like someone, Reece?" I force surprise and a little bit of happiness into my voice, pretending to be happy for him. When they both turn to look at me, I walk forward, forcing a smile. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I-" he gulps, seeming unsure of himself, "You weren't supposed to hear that."

I force a laugh and I probably sound like a dying frog. "Why's it a big secret? You can't even tell your best friend? Come on, who is she?"

"I- I can't do this right now, Sunshine." He mutters before walking past me, back towards our table. Ella quickly follows, looking like she's about to cry.

I stand there for a moment, trying to keep my own tears at bay. I can't let anyone see how torn up I am about this. It's just a stupid crush. It doesn't mean anything. I'll be fine. Reece can like whoever he wants to like. His feelings have nothing to do with me and I have no say in who he's with.

"Lay, are you okay?" Amanda asks, suddenly appearing from the bathroom doors.

I force another smile, nodding my head, "Yeah, I'm fine. I just came to look for you. I think we're going now."

She slowly nods and I don't give her a chance to say anything more before I turn and walk back to our table. Just as I get there, I see Reece leaving, leather jacket over his shoulders and a scowl on his face. He doesn't say a word as he leaves the diner, walking out to his car with Anna and Liam trailing behind him. They both shoot me unsure, apologetic looks but I just wave them off. Ella seems to have left as well and Mark is standing by the booth, waiting for us.

"Why's everyone leaving?" Amanda asks him.

"I don't know. I guess they needed to head home." He shrugs.

"Speaking of, I should really head home to pick Bella up before heading to the Carter's house." I force yet another smile, picking up my things from the booth. I start taking out the money for my meal, but Mark's words stop me.

"Reece already paid for yours, Lay. He also told me to tell you that Bella is already at his place with Max. They went there straight after school."

"Oh." I stop before looking back up with a fake smile, "I guess I'll just go straight there then. I'll see you guys tomorrow!"

The entire drive to Reece's house, I overthink everything. I need to know who it is that Reece likes. I need to know who she is. I won't be able to rest until I know. I need to make sure she's good enough for him. If he's not with me, he needs to be with someone that appreciates him and loves him. He needs someone who cares for him as much as I do.

I can handle this. I'll be fine. I've been trying to mentally prepare myself for this moment ever since I came to the conclusion that my feelings for Reece are unrequited. I knew this would happen, but I didn't think it would be so soon.

When I pull up to the Carter residence, I step out of my car and head to the front door. The door is opened in response to my knock by Novah and she welcomes me with a smile. "Layla! How are you, sweetheart?"

"I'm good, Novah, how are you?"

"I'm just fine, love. Reece is in his room if you want to see him." She tells me, shutting the front door behind me once I've stepped inside.

"Thanks, Novah." I quickly start heading towards his room, ready to confront him.

When I arrive at his closed bedroom door, I hesitate for a moment before knocking. I don't get a response. 

"Reece?" I call out. 

No response. Again. "Are you in there, Reece?" 

Still nothing. "I- I'm coming in."

I open the door and step inside, slowly looking around. I immediately spot Reece sitting on the edge of his bed, head resting in his hands. Slowly, I shut the door behind me and lean against it, unsure of what to do. I should have thought this through some more before just barging in here.

"Reece?" I question gently.

"You shouldn't have come, Sunshine." He tells me quietly and I feel a stab in my heart.

"You're the one that invited me." I answer gently, taking a hesitant step forward.

"Well, now I'm telling you to leave." He replies, still not looking up at me.

"I can't do that," I reply, "Not until you tell me what's going on. Why won't you tell me who it is?"

"Stop." He abruptly stands up, meeting my eyes for the first time since I stepped into the room. "I can't do this right now, Sunshine."

"Well I can," I take some more steps towards him, "So you're going to have to deal with it."

"Sunshine, I can't-" Reece cuts himself off with a groan, pulling his hands through his hair and turning around before walking to the other side of the room.

I frown, beginning to walk towards him, "Reece-"

"No," he cuts me off, raising an arm behind him as if to stop me, "Please just stay there."

My frown only deepens as I continue towards him, completely ignoring his words, "No, Reece," I wait until I've walked right around to stand front of him and stop, standing not even a foot away from him. "What is it? Please talk to me."

Reece just presses his face further into the palms of his hands, refusing to look at me.

"Hey," I murmur softly, reaching my hands up and gently prying his own away from his face. He still refuses to meet my eyes, staring at the floor. "Look at me, Reece." I plead, becoming desperate. I don't know what to do. I don't understand why he's suddenly so closed off. Who could it possibly be that he feels he can't tell even me?

Slowly, Reece lifts his gaze until his gorgeous turquoise eyes meet mine. But as soon as he does, he forces himself to look away again and take a step back from me.

My heart sinks. I frown deeply, taking a step closer and leaning in so that our faces are even closer. "Why won't you-"

Suddenly Reece reaches out and grabs me by the waist, gently turning me and pushing me up against the wall. It all happens so fast that my head begins to spin. Or maybe that's just because Reece's forehead is now pressing into my shoulder and his scent is intoxicating me.

"I'm sorry," Reece murmurs, slowly lifting his head up to meet my gaze again.

I shake my head slightly, "What on earth are you apologising for?"

Reece hesitates at that, seeming uncertain. His eyes slowly drift down my face to rest on my lips. I take in a sharp breath. Why is he staring at my lips? There's no way he's considering... kissing me? He can't possibly feel the same. Right?

"Can I kiss you, Sunshine?" The words are so soft and so quiet that I almost think I imagine them. Did he really just ask that? Does he really feel the same? There's no way. I have to be dreaming. 

Just as I'm about to muster up a reply, Reece suddenly pushes away from me, eyes wide as he backs up to the other side of the room. "I- I am so sorry. I don't even know why I asked that, just- just forget that ever happened, alright?"

"Reece-"

"No, Sunshine, I'm sorry, just-"

"Reece."

"Forget it, I'm sorry."

"Reece." He finally looks back up and meets my gaze, looking remorseful. I inhale another sharp breath, scared for what the answer to my next question will be. "Did you just ask to kiss me?"

Reece doesn't reply, instead looking down at his feet to avoid my eyes.

"Please, Reece. Did you?" I take a hesitant step forward.

Reece sighs, "Yes, but it was stupid, just forget it."

"But you didn't even wait to hear my answer," I state and before Reece can get in another word, I walk towards him quickly and take his face in my hands, standing on the tips of my toes to finally, finally place my lips on his.