Okay, so, it's been forever and a day...but I'm back! I've also updated Calamity recently and I'm about to post another chapter on that one, also. Keep reading guys, reviews are what got me to start writing again!

Anyways, I'm posting these and I'm also working on an AU Mark Wahlberg fic. Oooh, exciting! Haha, so, keep an eye out for that.

As always, read and review. Thanks so much!!

Chapter Eight

When Tyler saw us approaching his table, his expression changed into one of pure shock. I was walking behind Reid, so I gave him a wide eyed look that translated into "don't say anything about Reid and I being together." He gave me a slight nod and I could tell that he was disappointed that I was with Reid, but my little plan had more than backfired and I was not too happy about it.

"Hey, Ty, Rachel, how is your dinner?" Reid asked, planting himself in the chair beside Rachel Shultz, a pretty brunette from my computer class. Tyler pulled the chair out beside him and I sat down with an apologetic smile.

"It was going great, Reid," Tyler said. I could just see him thinking "until you showed up."

"Wow, Reid, what are you doing here?" Rachel asked him, giving him doe eyes and an innocent smile. I looked at Tyler and saw his jaw clenched and his eyes on Rachel. And then realization set it. The only reason Reid agreed to hang out with Tyler and Rachel was because he'd slept with Rachel. He knew that showing up at dinner would ruin their date, upsetting Tyler and thereby upsetting me. He was punishing Tyler because he thought I was interested in Tyler. Reid, that bastard.

Well, if Rachel was going to be Miss Flirty-Pants with Reid in front of Tyler, then I was going to be Miss Flirty-Pants with Tyler in front of her.

"Reid and I were studying and decided to see with Ty here was up to. Sorry, Rachel, I didn't know that you two were on a date, otherwise I would have just caught up with him later."

"Oh, its okay, Hailey." Yeah, I'm just sure that it was since Reid was there. She glanced at Reid and actually winked at him. I tried to control the bile that was rising.

"Tyler, I just love this shirt on you," I began, resting my hand on his arm, "the color of it makes your eyes even bluer, if that's possible." I gave a really fake giggle and he raised an eyebrow at me.

"Thanks?" The waiter arrived then with their drinks and was surprised to see that his party had gotten larger. He took my and Reid's drink orders and set off to the kitchen.

"I think I'm going to go powder my nose, I'll be right back," I said kicking Tyler under the table. He pinched my leg to let me know he understood before shortly following me to the bathrooms. I was waiting in the hallway when he arrived.

"Hailey, I didn't warn you about Reid so that you could walk right into his plan."

"I know, Tyler, but Reid asked me out and I was trying to mess with him by inviting you. I didn't know you were on a date. Why did you tell him where you were?"

"I didn't. I don't know how he found me."

"You didn't tell him where you were when he called?"

"He didn't call me. I told him I had a date earlier today and the next time I see him, he's sitting across from me at the table."

"God, Ty, I am so sorry. I had no idea. I was trying to be a smartass by inviting you. It really did not work out in our favor, huh?"

"Yeah, no."

"Are you mad?" He gave an exasperated sigh and ran his hands down his face. He leaned against the wall and I mirrored him.

"No. Not at you, at least."

"Well, I'm glad that you aren't mad at me, but I'd be furious."

"It doesn't do any good to get mad." I shrugged and we were silent for a moment.

"Hey, Tyler, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Something personal?"

"If it's about my virginity I'm not going to answer." I laughed and he glared at me.

"Why are you dating a girl that Reid has slept with?" He took a deep breath and I turned my body to face him.

"It's harder to find a girl that Reid hasn't been with than you'd think." I knew what he meant because I was one of those girls. He gave me a pititful smile and I whacked his shoulder.

"Don't feel sorry for me."

"I don't feel sorry for you, Hailey, I just hate that it had to happen to you, too."

"That's very nice of you, Tyler." He literally blushed. "Thanks."

"For what?"

"Being a friend. Being a true friend, rather."

"Same to ya."

"Hey, Ty, you want to get out of here? We could go get a cup of coffee, or go see a movie if you'd prefer not to talk."

"Well, since my date has been once again lost to Reid, I'd love a cup of coffee."

"Once again?"

"Long story."

"Care to tell me about it?"

"Maybe later." I was noticing more and more of those 'maybe later's. I smiled at him and looped my arm through his.

"Might as well put on a show."

We returned to find Rachel all but sitting in Reid's lap. They were hunched over looking at a cell phone and she quickly jumped away from him when she saw us. Reid looked at me and I gave him my best blank look but I'm sure he saw right through it. He just had this way of reading me and I hated it.

"We're going to get a cup of coffee," Tyler announced. I saw Reid's eyebrows shoot up as he looked between us. I glanced at Rachel to see her looking like she felt a little guilty. She should.

"We'll catch you guys later," I said, gently pulling Tyler along.

"I'll call you," Reid replied with an even tone, looking at me.

"That won't be necessary." He didn't look surprised that I'd said that as he nodded.

Tyler threw a some cash on the table as he looked at the two of them. "Night."