Page 41 of Side Out

Him possibly thinking that I’m a cheater makes me physically sick. But when it boils down to it, I guess… I guess I technically am.

The thought of him thinking that puts my body in motion.

I slowly start getting dressed in the same “costume” that I had on last year.

Black cargo pants.

Black long-sleeved athletic shirt.

My all-black running shoes.

And lastly, the fucking mask.

I look in the mirror above the dresser and nod to myself. Twisting my wrist so my watch face flicks to life to show me the time, I say to no one but myself, “Fuck it.”

What else have I got to lose, right? Only my job, the respect of my parents, my engagement, and the last bit of dignity I have left. No big deal.

The feeling of Deja Vu is strong as I retrace my steps from last year. I exit my house using the back door, careful to not be seen by students standing out on the street. But instead of getting to Jax’s backyard, I stop dead in my tracks when an all too familiar voice rings out from the wicker chair on the front porch. “You lost, Mr. Young?”

Immediately, I realize my error in judgment.

Good idea wearing the same fucking costume, Theo.

Jax is in the chair in what looks to me like some sort of Indiana Jones costume, and I can’t take my eyes off of his chest through the open buttons. Trying to maintain a modicum of composure, I steel my spine. “Not at all, Mr. Baker.”

“I guess your fiancée wound up going out of town after all, since you’re here on my porch with that mask on.”

Despite my efforts, a heavy sigh falls from my mouth. “You could’ve responded to my text…”

“I could’ve… but I didn’t, did I, Theo?”

Okaaaaaay.

I nod because I know the game he wants to play. He doesn’t want to be the one giving in to me. He wants to befriendly. Amicable.

And if I was being a true “friend” I would turn around right now and go back to my house. I should leave this poor man alone. I’ve done enough. The last thing I need to be doing is standing in front of him, daydreaming about his lips being on mine. Because despite howfriendlywe have been, when it comes to him, I’m a lost cause.

Fake - I Prevail

CHAPTER25

FUCK FRIENDLY

JACKSON

“Fine,” Theo bites out as he takes one step toward me.

I don’t shift in my chair despite how anxious his close proximity is making me. But then he takes another step, and another,and another,until the toes of his shoes are touching mine, and I’m forced to look up at him in that fucking mask.

I don’t know why in the flying fuck I invited him to this party. Actually, yes I do. Because I’m trying to beme. I’mtryingto pretend like none of what has happened between us actually happened. I’m trying to move forward. To make this year my bitch. And I have been. I have a new doubles partner, and he’s actually really good, and we get along great. I’m kicking ass in all my advanced-level classes. I’m feeling stronger than I ever have. And I even have a few companies trying to recruit me for jobs once I graduate in the spring. But most importantly, every time I have seen or had an interaction with Theodore Young, my composure has remained intact.

But as soon as he walked across the street inthatcostume, I felt my composure crumble. Because, yes, I did invite him. And yes, that was idiotic of me. But how dare he.

How dare he actually show up.

How dare he wear that mask.

And how dare he question how I react toward his advances.

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