Page 24 of The Road Less Traveled By

The walls are light pink, and fairy lights decorate my shelves. I like turning them on at night for a beautiful ambiance. It’s like I have my own personal library, and this is by far my favorite room in the house.

I’m sitting on my futon as I adjust my body so I have a better view of Teags.

“What mafia man are you falling in love with this time?”

“Hey! Don’t knock my newest book boyfriend. He just threatened to kill someone for touching his wife.”

Oh shit. “Nothing gets you going like threatening murder.”

“I know!”

“Does Gregory often do that?” I say, wanting to know more, but knowing Teags probably still won't budge.

“He’s not like that, but that’sfine with me.”

“Are you sure?” I find it odd that Teags has been so secretive about this guy, and I know her girl crush on Dom still exists, so what the hell is going on inside her head?

“Yes, I’m sure. Gregory is nice and patient. I think that’s what I need in a guy anyway. Someone who’s not like me whatsoever. It brings a nice balance to things.”

Yeah, right. She’s lying through her teeth. For one, she’s brushing through the ends of her hair while she speaks, which is her tell. If I know my best friend like I think I do, she wants someone who makes her feel as alive as the dark romance books she reads.

Teags needs to meet her match, and maybe one day she will, but I don't see Gregory being that for her.

“Understood. It’s nice that you know you have a type. I don't think my type exists anymore.”

“Oh, believe me, I know your type: emotionally unavailable, tall, has an arm sleeve, name rhymes with—”

I throw one of my pillows at her because I hate what she’s insinuating. “He’s my bodyguard, Teags. He’s just doing his job.”

“And? He’sbeautifulto look at. I swear, that stare is panty-dropping. He has aged quite nicely these past few years.”

“Ew, Teags. Stop it.”

She only giggles at me. Teagen West isgigglingat me. “I’m just saying, girl. He came back for you. He kept his promise, and you can’t ignore how he looks at you.”

“How he looks at me is hisliteraljob, Teags.”

“Yeah, and you have always loved protective men, at least in books. Now that you have your own, who knows what could happen?”

“Nothing. That’s what’s going to happen. Now, this is a reading date, not gossip time, sohush.”

“You’re the one who started asking me about Greg,” she mumbles, flipping the page of her book.

“You’re a closed door about the guy, babe. Forgive me for wanting any crumbs you could give me. Plus, my relationship is fake. Let me live vicariously through yours.”

“I’m happy you have your platform, but Gregory was my choice. You didn't have any say in the whole Alex situation. Doesn't that get annoying?”

“Yeah, it does.” I wish I had choices over my life, especially about who I’m dating. Even though Alex and I are real in the media’s eyes, we’ll never have that connection.

This conversation is bringing me back to the only boy I ever loved—or thought I did—until he broke my heart.

Seven Years Ago

As I sit acrossfrom Tommy, gaze full of wonder, I notice that he looks a little nervous. We’ve only been dating for around seven months, but it’s been going great. The two of us are only seventeen, but he’s the first boy I’ve ever loved, and if life works out for us, he’ll be the last.

We’re sitting outside of one of my favorite places—a coffee shop around the corner from school. It’s a fairly nice day out, and I’m wearing one of my pink sundresses. Tommy opted for his normal spring attire—black joggers and a simple blue t-shirt. His blond hair is messy, with some straight pieces peeking through on the sides.

“So, for my next video, I was thinking about doing a day in my life. Is it okay if you’re in it? I know how you feel about your privacy, and it doesn't even have to be your face if you don't want it to be.”

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