Page 42 of Off The Rush
A pang of hesitation strikes me, and I decide not to tell him about my complicated feelings for JD, Luka, and Alec. Knowing Tristan, he’d probably hop in his car and drive over here just to threaten them. And if he invited our other football-playing brothers, things would get even more chaotic. Mic would probably bring his boyfriend too. I can’t help but worry for JD, Alec, and Luka in that situation.
“Nothing too crazy,” I lie, trying to sound nonchalant. “Just keeping busy with school and hanging out with friends.”
“Alright, well, if you ever need someone to talk to, you know I’m here for you,” Tristan says earnestly, making my heart swell with gratitude.
“Thanks, Tris. It means a lot,” I reply, touched by his unwavering support.
“Of course, sis. I love you, and I’ll catch up with you later!” Tristan says before ending the call.
As I set my phone down, I can’t help but feel grateful for my little brother’s love and concern. Even though we’re miles apart, our bond remains strong.
The moment Tristan’s call ends, the door to my room swings open, and Tessa strolls in with her usual bubbly energy. “So, how’s your little brother doing?”
“Tristan? He’s alright, I guess,” I shrug, trying not to give away too much about our conversation. “He’s just dealing with some girl drama.”
“Girl drama, huh?” Tessa raises an eyebrow, a strange look crossing her face for a moment before she brushes it off. “Well, you know boys… Anyway, enough about him. Are you ready to tell me what happened tonight?”
I can’t help but let out a small sigh as I recall the events of the evening. “Well, everything was going great until Alec decided to flirt with some random girl right in front of me.”
“Ugh, what a jerk!” Tessa exclaims, clearly on my side.
“Right?” I agree, feeling validated by her support. Then, almost hesitantly, I add, “But, you know, JD and Luka were there too. We had a really good time together before that happened.”
Tessa narrows her eyes thoughtfully. “Wait a minute… Do you think Alec might have been jealous of you hanging out with JD and Luka? Maybe that’s why he acted like that.”
“Jealous?” The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. “Why would he be jealous? It’s not like we’re actually dating or anything.”
“True, but you guys have been getting closer lately, haven’t you?” Tessa points out. “Maybe he didn’t like seeing you have so much fun with the other guys.”
I consider her words, the idea of Alec being jealous both surprising and confusing. I mean, sure, we’ve been spending more time together, but could that be enough to spark jealousy?
“Maybe you’re right,” I admit slowly, unsure of how to process this revelation. “But what does that mean for me, Tessa? I like spending time with all three of them, but I don’t know if any of them actually like me in that way. What am I supposed to do?”
“Emma, you need to follow your heart,” Tessa says firmly, her eyes filled with concern and love. “You deserve the best, and if one of these guys is the one for you, then you’ll figure it out eventually. Just give it some time and let things play out naturally.”
I nod, her advice easing my mind a bit. Maybe she’s right. Maybe I just need to let things unfold and trust that everything will fall into place.
“Thanks, Tessa,” I smile, feeling grateful for her unwavering support. “You always know exactly what to say.”
She grins, giving me a quick hug before heading toward the door. “Just remember, Emma, you’re amazing and anyone would be lucky to have you.”
Would they be?
Chapter 19
JD, Alec, and I are walking back from Emma’s house and I am reeling.
I could hardly believe my ears when Alec admitted to JD and me that he and Emma arefakedating.
It’s crazy. Insane. Absurd.
Something positive finally penetrates my confusing thoughts.
“If you’re fake dating then we can talk to Emma, right?” I ask.
A surge of excitement courses through me – this means I might actually have a chance with her!
But JD likes her too. Both of us have been struggling.
