Page 41 of Off The Rush
When we get to the main area, JD and Luka insist on coming with us. It’s a quiet walk back to her house.
I hug her before she goes inside despite wanting more.
Time to face the guys.
Chapter 18
I step inside my house, closing the door behind me as I wave goodbye to Alec, Luka, and JD through the window. The warmth of the house envelops me, a stark contrast to the chilly night air outside. My heart feels heavy, but I try to shake off the weird emotions that have settled in my chest after our night out.
Alec’s flirtation with that girl at the bar plays on a loop in my head. His piercing blue eyes met hers, their laughter filling the air between them while my smile faded. I had thought he might be starting to have feelings for me, but maybe I was just reading too much into things. I forced myself to pretend I wasn’t hurt, telling him it was all just about maintaining public appearances.
“Hey Emma,” Tessa calls from the living room, her voice pulling me from my thoughts. “How was your night?”
“Fine,” I say, trying to sound casual. “Just a normal night out with the guys.” I can hear the slight quiver in my voice, and I cringe inwardly, hoping she doesn’t notice.
“Emma, you know you can talk to me if something’s bothering you, right?” Tessa’s concern is genuine, but I don’t want to burden her with my confusing feelings.
“Thanks, Tess,” I reply, forcing a smile. “But really, I’m fine. Just a bit tired, I guess.”
“Alright, well, let me know if you want to talk later,” she says, giving me a knowing look before returning her attention to the TV.
As I walk away, I replay the events of the evening in my head. The laughter, the teasing, the camaraderie we shared—it all felt so natural and easy. But why did Alec have to flirt with that girl right in front of me? And why did it hurt so much? I sigh, feeling the weight of my emotions dragging me down.
Closing the door behind me, I slip off my shoes and make my way to the bathroom. The hot water cascades down my body as I step into the shower, washing away the tension in my muscles and the lingering scent of the bar. My fingers work through my long, wavy brown hair, lathering it with shampoo before rinsing it clean. I let out a deep sigh, feeling the water wash away the remnants of my makeup and, at least temporarily, all the frustration and confusion from tonight.
As the water courses down my face, I can’t help but think about how much fun I was having with Luka and JD. Our laughter filled the air, and their playful teasing brought a warmth to my cheeks that had nothing to do with the alcohol. I could see myself spending more time with them, getting to know them even better—but then there’s Alec.
“Ugh,” I groan, running my hands through my wet hair. “Why is this so complicated?”
I remember the way JD’s warm brown eyes crinkled when he laughed, his contagious joy spreading to everyone around him. And then there’s Luka, with his easygoing demeanor and that mischievous glint in his eyes, always ready for a good time. They both have qualities I find attractive and endearing, but I can’t shake the image of Alec flirting with that girl right in front of me. His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers as if I wasn’t even there.
“Could any of them ever really like me?” I wonder aloud, the sound of my voice barely audible over the sound of the water.
“Emma?” Tessa calls from outside the bathroom door, her voice muffled by the running water. “Is everything alright in there? You’ve been in the shower for a while.”
“Y-yeah, I’m fine,” I stammer, switching off the water. “Just lost in thought.”
“Okay, well, don’t take too long,” she says before walking away. “I don’t want to run out of hot water!”
“Got it!” I reply, quickly wrapping myself in a towel and stepping out of the shower.
Droplets of water cling to my skin as I step out of the shower, drying off with a plush cotton towel that feels comforting against my body. The steam rises and fills the small bathroom, clouding the mirror and leaving me feeling refreshed yet disoriented from my earlier thoughts about JD, Luka, and Alec. My heart races at the idea of a potential connection with any of them, but uncertainty pulls me back into reality.
Suddenly, an electronic melody cuts through the haze. My phone is ringing.
“Who would be calling me on a Friday night?” I wonder, reaching for my phone on the bathroom counter.
“Tristan!” I exclaim with a smile upon seeing my little brother’s name flash across the screen. We’ve always been close, even though he’s away playing football at another university. I quickly answer his call, eager to hear what he has to say.
“Hey, Emma! How’s it going?” Tristan’s voice booms through the speaker, filling the room with warmth.
“Tris! Why aren’t you out having fun?” I ask, genuinely curious.
“Ha, well, I have a game tomorrow, so no partying for me tonight,” he explains with a slight groan.
“Ah, that makes sense,” I nod, understanding the dedication required for college athletes like him. “So, what’s new with you?”
“Ugh, some girl drama,” Tristan sighs, his tone shifting from enthusiastic to weary. “But enough about me, how are you? Anything exciting happening over there?”
