chapter 3

Sorry Not Sorry & A Deal with a Twist

"Baby, I'm sorry (I'm not sorry). Baby, I'm sorry (I'm not sorry)!"

Kova and I were screaming the lyrics to Demi Lovato's Sorry Not Sorry at the top of our lungs, loud enough for the entire United States to hear.

"Being so bad got me feelin' so good. Showin' you up like I knew that I would!"

Damn, Demi Lovato is amazing! And right when the high note hit, Kova absolutely nailed it.

I turned down the music a little and looked at him. "You know, you're actually good at singing, Ko."

Kova gave me a confused look, so I repeated, "You sing sooo great, Ko. That's what I said."

His face turned red instantly. Kova never really sings in front of people, and I have no clue why he hides his talent.

"So… where now?" he asked, quickly changing the topic.

"To Jonathan," I replied.

Kova frowned. "Why are we going to him?"

I shot him a knowing look. The you'll-know-soon kind of look. He got the message and nodded, replying with his own ahh-I-get-it look.

Beachside Chaos & The Party Animal

The road near the beach was a mess—construction was going on, and half of it was blocked off. Finding a parking spot was hell.

The ocean sparkled like a jewel-blue canvas, waves lazily rolling under the sun's golden embrace. The sky looked like a silk curtain, with fluffy white clouds drifting by. A few people were lounging, soaking up the sun.

And then, in the distance, there was Jonathan—right in the middle of a morning party. Seriously, how does this guy always manage to party? Morning, afternoon, night—it never stops!

"So, we have to find Jonathan in this crowd?" Kova asked as we stepped out of the car.

"Just look for the most overdressed guy, and boom—we'll have him," I replied, locking the car.

Jonathan, in his late twenties, was easy to spot. Tall, lean, well-dressed, and effortlessly cool. His milk-white skin contrasted with his messy blond hair, and his sharp green eyes scanned the crowd as he talked to a girl in a mismatched bikini.

The girl? She was hot. Stunning figure, effortless confidence, and a very obvious lack of interest in Jonathan. She walked away, heading toward the beachside bar.

"Jonathan!" I called out.

He turned, flashing a wide grin before striding over in colorful beach shorts and a blue open shirt that showed off his toned abs.

"Nessa, hi!" He pulled me into a quick handshake before turning to Kova.

"Kova, my boy!" They exchanged one of those manly side-hugs that guys do.

"What brings you here?" Jonathan smirked.

I gave him an exasperated look. "You know why I'm here, John."

Jonathan casually shoved his hands into his pockets and pulled out the treasure—our Harry Potter theater show tickets. My eyes lit up. I turned to Kova, whose face mirrored the same level of excitement.

"90 dollars."

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

"90 bucks or 90 dollars?" Kova asked, needing confirmation because we were both shocked.

"90 dollars," Jonathan repeated.

I gawked. "Are you kidding me?!"

"I bought these for 110, but since you're my favorite person, I'm giving them to you for 90," he said with a grin.

Kova raised a brow. "Favorite person, and it's still 90?"

I folded my arms. "Jonathan, we agreed on 70."

"Well…" His grin widened. "I could lower the price if—"

I knew that smirk. Bad feeling.

"If…?" I prompted cautiously.

Jonathan subtly tilted his head toward the girl from earlier—the one who had ditched him.

"Get me her number, and I'll give it to you for 60 bucks."

Kova burst out laughing. "Her number? The girl who isn't even interested in you?"

Jonathan shot him a look. "Well, little Kova, I guess you don't want the tickets, then." He turned and started walking away.

"Wait, wait!" I called after him. "I'll set up a date too, but you'll drop it to 50."

Jonathan smirked. He knew I'd do anything for those tickets.

"Deal—"

"Wait!" Kova cut in, grabbing my wrist and pulling me aside.

"What the hell are you doing?" he whispered fiercely.

"What?" I whispered back. "I'm just setting up a date for Jonathan, and boom—we get our tickets."

Kova narrowed his eyes. "It sounds easy, but don't you remember what happened last time?"

"That was just—"

"Just what?"

I sighed dramatically. "Kova, don't you want those tickets?"

"I do, Ness, but—"

"No buts," I cut him off. "I'm setting it up, that's all."

Before he could argue more, I turned back to Jonathan. "Deal."

Jonathan grinned and shook my hand. "Deal."

Liza, the Unexpected Twist

I pushed through the crowd and found the girl—sitting by the bar, sipping a cocktail. Up close, she was breathtaking. Ruby-red hair, soft glossy lips, mesmerizing rapture-blue eyes, and a smile that could make anyone weak.

"Hey," I greeted, sliding into the seat beside her.

She turned, giving me a curious look. "Hey."

Damn. Even her voice was smooth.

"The weather's nice—just like you."

She smirked, taking a slow sip of her drink. "It is, indeed."

I smiled. "I'm Vanessa Valencia." I held out my hand.

She shook it. "Liza Shawn."

I studied her for a second, completely mesmerized. Then—

COUGH.

I snapped out of it. Focus, Ness. Remember the deal.

"So, Liza, guess what?"

She raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"You're like a lily in a field of roses."

Liza chuckled. "And you don't like lilies?"

"Oh, I love lilies." I winked, making her giggle.

"Let me guess—you're matchmaking?" she teased.

"Bingo." I sighed. "I need your number to set up a date with Jonathan to get Harry Potter tickets."

Liza smirked. "Poor guy. I'm not interested in him."

I pouted. "Why not? He's hot—"

She leaned in, brushing her lips close to my ear. Warm breath. Soft voice.

"I'm not into guys, Vanessa."

My breath hitched.

I pulled back, eyes wide. "Wait… what?"

Liza just smiled. "I'm into girls."

I was speechless. My brain completely short-circuited.

"But—I'll help you get the tickets," she added.

I blinked. "You will?"

"With one condition," she said, mischief twinkling in her eyes.

"What?"

"A date. With you."

…

I hesitated. But then—why not?

"Deal," I grinned, grabbing her drink for a sip.

She smirked and handed me her number.

As I walked back to Kova, he frowned. "Why are you smirking?"

Before I could answer—

CRASH.

A sound erupted behind us.

I turned around.

And froze.

...

Here is another chapter of 18 to 80

have a good day.