Page 39 of Off The Rush
I ignore JD.
“Let’s get going,” I say, leading the way out the door. The cool night air feels refreshing against my skin, helping to calm my nerves as we make the short walk over to Emma’s house. My heart pounds in anticipation, and my palms are slightly sweaty.
I knock on the door, and moments later, Emma emerges. She looks stunning - her long legs are on display and her green eyes are framed by just the right amount of makeup. She’s wearing a tight red dress that hugs her curves perfectly, accentuating her waist and neck. A pair of black heels complete the outfit, giving her an air of confidence that takes my breath away.
“Wow, Emma,” I manage to stammer out. “You look… amazing.”
“Thanks, Alec,” she replies, her cheeks flushing with a hint of pink.
“Gorgeous,” Luka chimes in, causing me to scowl involuntarily. JD nods in agreement, a warm smile spreading across his face.
“Thanks, guys,” Emma says, beaming at all of us. “Shall we?”
We make our way to the bar, the four of us walking side by side. I try to focus on the sound of our footsteps, the hum of distant traffic, and the occasional laughter from nearby groups of friends. But it’s hard to shake the feeling that tonight is a turning point - one way or another, everything will change between Emma and me. I steal glances at her as we walk.
“Are you ready for this?” I ask her quietly, hoping my voice doesn’t betray my nerves.
“Of course,” she replies, flashing me a reassuring smile before lowering her voice. “It’s just a night out with friends, right?”
I hate that word. Friends.
“Right,” I echo.
The bar is busy tonight, the low hum of conversation mixed with music creating an ambiance that’s both exciting and nerve-wracking. We all order our drinks at the bar, and I expect Luka and JD to go off and mingle with other people but instead, they remain close to Emma, their eyes never straying far.
“Hey, Emma,” Luka says, a playful grin on his face. “What’s your favorite drink?”
“I like a lemon drop. You?” Emma asks.
“Well, my Swedish genes demand I say schnapps or vodka.” Luka lifts his glass of straight vodka on the rocks as an example.
Emma laughs, her dimples showing, then turns and asks JD and me next.
“Craft beer,” I say.
JD lifts his whiskey and says, “Whiskey neat.”
I wrap my arm around Emma and pull her into my side. She fits so perfectly there like she was made for me.
We listen to the music and make small talk all together. I’m trying to hide my annoyance. Why are they still hanging around? They should be talking to other girls, not flirting with Emma, who’s supposed to bemygirlfriend.
“Let me get you another lemon drop,” Luka says. “Anyone else want something?”
Luka ends up buying all of us another round so I can’t complain.
“Thanks,” I grumble.
“Emma,” JD interjects smoothly, “I love sitting next to you in our Lit class. Are you enjoying it?”
“JD,” she chuckles, “you’re too sweet. Yes, I like it and you’re smart too.” She takes a sip of her drink, her green eyes sparkling with amusement but not flirting back. The lighthearted atmosphere should be enjoyable, but inside, jealousy gnaws at me.
Suddenly, a girl approaches our group, her long blond hair catching the dim light of the bar. Her eyes lock onto me, and she sidles up, clearly interested.
“Hey,” she purrs, “You’re Alec, right? I’ve seen you play hockey – you’re amazing.”
“Ah, thank you,” I respond, my ego momentarily swelling as I glance over at Emma. She’s watching us, a hint of something unreadable in her eyes. It’s strange; I’m supposed to befakedating Emma, but this jealousy makes me want to flirt with this girl, just to see her reaction.
To get her attention on me instead of the other two.
