The Bad Boy Next Room (Charlie and Taylor)

Taylor was excited to meet his friend. He wanted to catch up, learn more about Drew's experiences, and perhaps get insight into the basketball scouts coming to Luxford that year.

Before meeting his friend, Taylor stopped by the Carrington manor to check on his brother. He lingered for a while before heading to Luxford City Sports Club, where the gathering was ongoing. When he arrived, he was welcomed with friendly banter.

"Finally, the second-best basketball player in Luxford Westvale Academy has arrived!" Drew, Taylor's senior, teased.

"Fuck, I'm the best," Taylor claimed it. "You're just older than me, that's all."

"Damn you, Taylor West! At least admit that I'm the most handsome one on the team," Drew said, making everyone laugh.

"That's so gay, Man," Taylor remarked, encouraging further amusement.

"Nice seeing you, Taylor!" Maxwell, another former classmate, greeted.

"Fuck, Maxwell. I see you every day. I'm going to kick your ass in our match," Taylor said. Maxwell also attended Luxford University, but he studied music. They were old friends but rivals in basketball.

About ten of them were Luxford Westvale Academy alums and former teammates on their high school basketball team.noveldrama

"Hey, Taylor, where's your girl?" Maxwell asked.

"You have a girl? For real?" Drew asked playfully.

"Yeah, man. It's real this time. It's not just gossip," Maxwell teased.

"That's news!" Drew said, offering Taylor a beer. "Bring her over."

Taylor laughed as he settled into an empty seat. "I'm not showing you my girl, Drew. I know you too well."

"What the hell, Taylor? I'm not gonna steal your girl," Drew said, laughing. "I just want to check her out-"

Taylor chuckled. He said, "Over my dead body."

Drew Wilder was undeniably good-looking and always nominated prom king in high school. While Taylor had never cared much, the thought of Charlie possibly noticing Drew did not sit well with him. Hence, Charlie was sitting this reunion out.

Their group continued with reminiscing, basketball talk, and Drew sharing his experience. They had so much to talk about they lost track of time.

"I didn't make it big, guys, but at least I tried Drew admitted. "But Taylor here we all know he has a better shot. Let's cheer him on because, I'm telling you, I bragged about Taylor, and now more scouts are coming to Luxford University's championship!"

In between chats, Taylor tried calling Charlie. No, ke did not miss her. He was just worried that his roommate might have already burned the apartment down. Unfortunately, Blondie didn't answer, so he simply tucked his phone back into his pocket.

Taylor thought the night would end there, but much to his surprise, Maxwell had planned a surprise party for Drew! At six in the evening, they were all led to the club's pool, where many of their old high school classmates were apparently waiting.

"Surprise!" a group of people cheered.

"Welcome home, Drew!"

"We know you did your best, and we are proud of you!"

Minutes later, the party was in full swing, with plenty of food, drinks, and familiar faces, especially girls from their old high school competing for attention. But Taylor had learned his lesson. He wasn't interested in those girls.

He had high standards. The perfect Mrs. West must be blonde, with zero cooking skills, smart but a little clumsy, and a virgin. Not that he had anyone in mind, but if her last name sounded royal, then she'd definitely be the one.

While they were drinking, Drew suddenly said, "Fuck, who is that? A sexy angel? She looks fresh and hot." He stretched his arms, warning the guys, "No one dare approach! I saw her first!"

Taylor turned to see who Drew was talking about, and when he did, his heart filled with anger!

"Is that-oh, shit! That's-" Maxwell could not even finish his sentence because the beer bottle in Taylor's hand fell on the floor.

'Charlie!'