Page 22 of Everything In Between
Beckett holds up his hands in mock surrender. He still has that sideways smirk on his face, telling me he’s up to no good. “Hey, don’t be mad at me. I think it’s great. Be careful, though. I heard her breakup with her last boyfriend was pretty messy. You don’t have time to get caught up in anything like that this season. But maybe hooking up with theworld’s most famous pop starwill do you some good, give you a chance to unwind a bit.”
“I don’t need tounwind,” I bristle.
He gives me a look that says,really?
I roll my eyes and don’t respond.
Whatever is blooming between Jersey and me feels too delicate, too precious. I don’t want Beckett to simply chalk it up to me needing an outlet. And I especially can’t risk the idea that I’m only pursuing her for one thing getting back to her. I’m man enough to recognize the privilege it is for her to welcome me into her thoughts and share her troubles and worries with me.
After we started talking, some online investigating revealed that Jersey ended a long-term relationship about six months ago, and not exactly on amicable terms if the gossip headlines were anything to go by. The tabloids and the headlines can only portray one narrative of the story, which is so rarely the truth. I’d like to ask her about it and get her side of the story, but to do that, she has to open up that conversation herself. We’re not even close to where I could outright ask her to spill the dirty details of her breakup.
While I may be interested in knowing her past, it doesn’t change what I know about her in the present. I’m confident she’d be open to answer any questions I have, eventually, but I want to wait for the right moment. I don’t want to ambush her with my curiosity when she’s barely been in my world.
This version of her that she’s sharing with me now is all that matters. Everything else can wait. While I haven’t figured out what we’re dealing with, I know that it’s more than a measly hook up.
Hell. I haven’t even seen her in person since the VMAs.
We’ve been texting nonstop since the beginning of the week, but that’s the extent of it. With every little layer she reveals, I find myself falling into a full-blown crush on Jersey Matthews, instinctively reaching for my phone whenever I hear it go off, hoping it’s her. I appreciate her willingness to take a chance on me. The fact that she opened up to me right awaywas encouraging, and I hope her trust and vulnerability are something she’ll continue to share with me.
And right on time, a message from Jersey zips across my screen.
Jersey
I’m in the mood for something sweet.
I nearly groan. I know she’s talking about getting herself some Oreos and peanut butter—her favorite snack I’ve recently learned. Her timing with that message couldn’t have been more inconvenient.
Beckett stands behind me, no doubt reading over my shoulder. This fact is confirmed when he snickers to himself.
I set my jaw and walk over to my locker, typing out a response as I go. Fuck Beckett and his stupid games. It doesn’t matter what he thinks. He may be my best friend, but right now, Jersey is all mine.
Hayes
Me too
Jersey
Anything in particular?
My mouth goes dry with her innuendo, and I laugh huskily. Our text messageshavebeen getting flirtier, and I like this playful side of her.
Hayes
Depends on who’s asking.
Jersey
Oh, just some girl who can’t seem to get you off her mind.
Hayes
Well, in that case…
I’m dying to have you all to myself.
Jersey
Same here.
