Watching Ryder dig into his funnel cake, Isla couldnât help but scrunch her nose in mild disgust. âHow you think that greasy mess is better than LadurĂ©e, Iâll never understand,â she sighed. Though she did help herself to one of the strawberries. As her brother suggested going on a cruise some time soon, she pursed her lips in thought. The only way sheâd be going on a cruise would be on the family yacht. Sharing a ship with thousands of strangers, including kids, was not her idea of a vacation, and she was just about to tell Ryder this when they were interrupted.
Turning around, she was surprised to see Justin. She was even more surprised to see him without Jordyn, like she had expected. She was just about to ask where the bottle blonde was when he asked to speak to her alone. Isla hesitated for a second before agreeing, stepping away from Ryder. Crossing her arms, she asked what was going on when he revealed that heâd gotten her a Valentineâs Day present. Her eyes widened, slightly taken aback as Justin pulled out a silver necklace. She was even more surprised by the gesture that followed, as he moved behind her to help put it on for her.
Dropping her arms, her hand felt for the necklace. Looking down at her gift, it was only then that she realized that it was her name. For once, Isla was speechless. No snarky remark, no passive aggressive comment, nothing. What was going on and where did this come from? She knew Justin couldnât have just picked the necklace up at some store. It wasnât like she had a basic name like Sarah or Taylor. He had to have ordered it, but why? Despite all the questions in her head, she couldnât help but smile as she met his gaze.
âThank you, Justin. But... why?â she asked. Though regardless of why, it was probably one of the sweetest things a boy has done for her. Hell, it was definitely the sweetest thing any jock has ever done for her. Maybe she was wrong about him all this time. Maybe she was too quick to judge. Maybe she should give him another chance and- âYa, I try to get something for all my single friends on Valentineâs.â Hearing his answer to her question, she could practically see the bubble burst in her head. The smile immediately fell from her face as she resisted the urge to slap him. What. The. Fuck. So this was just a pity gift and to rub it in her face that she was single.
âSofia and Milo arenât exactly single,â she pointed out. Taking off the necklace, she shoved it into her coat pocket. âThanks for the pity gift, but it doesnât exactly match my outfit, so,â she shrugged, then added, âNext time you can save the cheap jewelry for your girlfriend or whatever.â It was a little snarkier than she had intended, but she couldnât take it back now.