We, of course, took a limo to the airport. Knowing the extravagance of the Von Barons, I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was.

The trip would be five days, but that was still fairly long. I didn't know what I would do once I arrived. People will wonder who Jay is, they won't have been expecting me, and I'm really not sure what I want to do in Texas.

It was sweet of Jay to offer a trip to Texas. But I'm still not sure what's supposed to happen. Are me and Erin supposed to brawl? Not my thing. I guess I'll have to see once we get there.

We had to wake up at 4 am in order to make it on time, and I thought it was a good idea to stay up until 2 am talking to another one of my friends from back home. I had gotten so wound up over the Erin thing, as my friend, Hannah, had told me what Erin had said. By 3 am, my cheeks stained with tears and my eyes red, I fell asleep.

Throughout the entire process at the airport, I was in a daze. Once we boarded the airplane, I was so close to falling asleep I barely made it to our seat. I'd never flown first class before, and I was surprised to see how comfortable the seats were. I'd grown accustomed to cramped flights and a sore neck afterwards, but something told me I wouldn't have to worry about either this time. Jay and I had two seats next to each other. He insisted that I sit next to the window.

"Are you scared of flying?" I teased, wiggling my brows.

He immediately straightened. "Um, no." He laughed, dismissing my comment.

I had a hard time believing him, but pushed it no further.

I couldn't fall asleep, not until after takeoff. Jay was clutching the armrest so tightly his knuckles were white. His eyes were filled with worry.

I reached out for his hand. He grasped mine tightly, but I could tell he was trying to be gentle. I looked at him and smiled.

"It'll be alright. Don't be scared."

He nodded and closed his eyes. Once we were in the air he seemed to relax for a bit.

I still wasn't able to fall asleep.

"Not scared of flying, huh?" I said.

He chuckled. "It used to be worse." Jay said, now looking at me. "I used to have panic attacks as soon as I boarded the plane. Eventually, I got used to it but the fear never really goes away, does it? You just become used to it."

I nodded, thinking back to how a few days ago, Jay not only was kind enough to give me a chance to see my friends, but he was also willing to fly, despite how scared he was.

I smiled at the thought, and how adorable Jay was.

I eventually ended up going to sleep, hoping to at least get a few hours of sleep in.

I woke up just in time; we were a few minutes away from landing.

I looked to my right. Jay was fast asleep. He looked so peaceful. His eyes, which were usually filled with strong emotion, were closed. His lips were gently parted. His hand was resting on my thigh, and I had just realized that he hadn't moved it at all.

I gently removed his hand and began gathering our things. Jay stirred in his sleep, and eventually woke up.

He looked at me sleepily, and I smiled at how young and innocent he looked.

"Are we almost there?" He said. "And how did I manage to fall asleep?"

I let out a slight laugh. "We're a few minutes away."

He nodded and closed his eyes once more. "I think it was you."

I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"I'm normally not this calm on a flight. Maybe it was because I flew with you." His mouth curved into a slight smile and I was grateful that his eyes were closed so he wouldn't see my face reddening.

"Maybe." I managed to reply. I tried to hide my smile.

Soon enough, we made it to the airport. I was finally able to stretch as we departed the plane.

I had offered to take my bag, but Jay insisted on taking both. My pink bag looked funny slung on his shoulder.

Once we got all of our stuff and had made it outside, we decided to call a cab to Fort Worth.

"How come we've never met?" Jay asked. Our dads were close, and yet I've never seen you.

"Well," I began, "we moved when I was young. So we didn't have that much time to meet, but it's strange. I definitely would have remembered you."

Jay nodded. "Yeah, same."

The subject had faltered out. "So, why did you offer to fly all the way to Texas? You hate me, you don't know anyone here, and you're scared of flying."

"You're so annoying." He said. "I don't fucking hate you." Jay laughed. "And so? I'll meet your friends."

I nodded. "I guess. But why do this?"

"Because it sucks to be away from all of your friends. Shit happens and then you lose everyone and everything. After something happened-"

"What something?"

"I'd rather not talk about it." He said quickly. "But I'll tell you- it happened freshman year. In a twisted way, it happened right on time- I'd be exposed to all sorts of things- drugs, alcohol, sex, parties. My grades dropped and so my dad sent me away to boarding school- the intense type. It was hell, and I came back even worse. My dad just decided to deal with me." He ran a hand through his dark hair. "I kept to my business and he kept to his. In the meantime, rumors had gone around and I came back to no friends. I know how much it sucks to be away from your life. Besides, I've always wanted to go to Texas." He mustered a small smile. I took his hand in mine. Even though he skipped over a few details, Jay had confided in me and I appreciated it. A layer had been peeled back, and I was closer to seeing the real Jay.

We were almost near our hotel. Jay was a lot more modest than his parents. He showed me the hotel he'd rented. The Dalton- it was a nice place but it wasn't extravagant. And I was glad he did so. I wouldn't want him spending any more money on this unexpected trip.

The taxi came to a sharp halt when I least expected it. I lurched forward and almost flew into the front, but Jay's arm had shot out and saved me from an unlucky tumble.

"Watch it." He snapped at the driver. "What the fuck was-"

"Jay." I said. "Stop. He didn't mean to do that."

Jay threw a couple of bills at the driver, which earned a glare from me.

We got our bags from the back and wheeled them inside. We got our room key from the front desk and made our way to our room.

"Thanks for this, Jay." I said in the elevator. He grinned back at me and nodded.

"Even though I'm nervous- I bet Erin already told people stuff- some true, some made up. And what she probably told Griffin will be the worst of it." I groaned, looking at my shoes.

"Alina, she's a bitch and there's nothing you can do to change that. All you can do is be better- which I know you are. And who's this Griffin guy?"

"I don't want to burden you with stupid girl drama."

By now, the elevator had reached the ninth floor, where we were staying. This hotel was around twenty five minutes away from my school, and it was near an area where my friends and I liked to spend time.

"You can tell me."

"Alright. So Erin and I both liked the same guy, and I went out with him for almost a whole year. I didn't know she liked him until many months into the relationship. But I couldn't end it with him, right? I don't know if I made the right choice, but I didn't think it was fair to Griffin to dump him because my friend had a crush. And so our friendship almost ended." I spoke as we walked. "It was a bit worse than this, but we promised to never fight over a boy again. And so Griffin likes me again, and Erin knows, and she let it get to her."

"Why do you let her treat you like that? You don't deserve it." Jay said, opening up our hotel room. "You're allowed to like whoever you want." His demeanor changed when he said that, but I couldn't make out his expression or tone.

It was still fairly early- only three o'clock. We still have time to do something.

"I'm just gonna hop in the shower real quick." Jay said. I nodded and took out something to wear for today. A plain tee and jeans would do.

As I waited for Jay to finish up, I texted Hannah.

"Guess who's back in Texas?"

"lmao who??."

"Me ;))"

"Ur lyinggg!!"

"I just got in today. We should hang out soon!!"

"Ofc! Just tn me, Erin, and some others are going to Bartucci's. You can come but...."

"Yeah I know."

I strode up to the window in the hotel, and looked at the restaurant across the street. Bartucci's was a popular joint for Fort Worth High School students. I hoped I wouldn't run into Erin tonight.

I put my phone back down and gathered all my stuff for the bathroom, as I heard the water go off. Jay walked out his hair sticking to his forehead, black as coal and slick with water.

I smiled awkwardly as I walked past him into the bathroom, and closed the door, letting out a breath. Why was I so weird?

I felt dirty after the flight, and so this shower was needed. I was so scared to see people from my school. No doubt I'd have a lot of attention on me. I tried not to think about it. I now had time to spend with Jay. I finished up my shower on that thought and got dressed. I brushed out my hair as best I could before gathering everything and going out.

"So, what's the plan for today?" Jay asked, his arms behind his head.

I just realized how bad I must look with my wet hair and bags under my eyes. Jay was still gazing at me intently. I suddenly thought of the perfect idea.

"Have you ever ridden a horse before?" I asked. When I first moved to Texas that was all I did; ride horses on my parents' business partners' ranch.

He perked up. "I haven't."

"Then I know the plans for today." I said with a smirk.