Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 512

By midnight, Juniper had gotten her hands on some alcohol and was completely tipsy. Shanley decided to end the birthday party early. “I need to take care of Juniper,” he said in a low voice to the others. “Could you give Janet a ride?”

With Juniper sprawled uncomfortably across the chairs, there was no room for anyone else in his car now.

“Hey, Janet, I can give you a lift,” Luella offered, dangling her motorcycle keys and raising an eyebrow at Janet.

“I…” Janet began, but before she could finish, Melvin Steele seemed to appear out of nowhere, stepping in front of her to face Luella. “It’s late. A car is safer,” he said coolly. “I’m heading her way anyway. I’ll take Janet.”

Heading her way? Janet blinked, trying to recall where Melvin lived. Not only was it not on the way, it was in the complete opposite direction.

“Mr. Steele, isn’t your place…” Janet tilted her head, trying to politely point out the discrepancy.

“Janet, why don’t you take this to the car,” Melvin interrupted gently. “I just need a word with Mr. Langley. I’ll be right there.”

“Okay.” Seeing that they had something to discuss, Janet didn’t want to intrude. She obediently took Melvin’s jacket and headed for the car.

Once she was out of earshot, the polite smile on Melvin’s face vanished. “Mr. Langley, Juniper considers you a friend, so I’ll respect you,” he began, his expression grave and his tone serious. “But Janet is a good kid. She’s not some girl from a bar you can beckon with a snap of your fingers and a wad of cash. I don’t care what your intentions are, but I’m warning you: you’d better stay away from her.”

It was obvious to Melvin that this ‘guy’ had a thing for Juniper. Now that he couldn’t have her, he was turning his attention to Janet. What a piece of work!

Luella stood with her hands in her pockets, listening to the accusation, and then she just burst out laughing. Did Juniper’s brother actually think she was interested in Janet?

“What’s so funny?” Melvin’s face darkened. If Luella wasn't Juniper's friend, he'd have thrown him out long ago.

...

As Luella was leaving on her motorcycle, she came face-to-face with Jimmie Tate’s car. The road was too narrow; one of them had to back up.

Jimmie glared at Luella, the image of him taunting Melvin fresh in his mind. How did Juniper even make friends with someone like this?

Luella met Jimmie’s judgmental stare and returned it with a cold smile, refusing to move an inch.

“Mr. Langley, it would be easier for you to back up, wouldn’t it?” Jimmie said, rolling down his window, his smile devoid of any warmth.

“You want me to move?” Luella gripped the handlebars, her eyes narrowing under her helmet. A lazy grin spread across her face. “Fine. Beg me.”