Page 56 of Off The Rush
I hit send and wait, hoping for comforting words and support.
My phone buzzes in my hand, and I look down to see a message from Alec. A faint smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I read his response.
Hang in there, Em. You’re an incredible singer and an even better person. Don’t let it get to you.
I can’t help but feel a warmth spreading through my chest at Alec’s words. He’s able to make me feel better, even with just a few simple sentences.
Luka’s response comes next, and it makes me chuckle softly.
Forget about Kenny. If he keeps bothering you, just remember that you’ve got three handsome guys who are more than willing to come to your rescue. Plus, I’m pretty sure I could take him in a fight if needed.
There’s a playful flexing arm emoji, making it clear he’s joking around.
Finally, JD’s reply appears, and it has an unexpected sweetness to it.
Hey Emma, sorry to hear about your rough day. Just remember how talented and amazing you are, and don’t let anyone else’s negativity bring you down.
I sit under the tree, smiling genuinely now as I reread their messages. The support and affection from Alec, JD, and Luka means more to me than I can say, and it’s comforting to know they have my back. With renewed determination, I stand up, ready to face the world - or at least my next class - with my head held high.
I tell them all thank you and Alec responds one more time with a message that makes me giddy.
Hey, are you free on Friday? I have a plan for our next date.
I respond immediately.
I’m free! Can’t wait to see what you have planned.
I slip my phone back into my bag and walk towards the music building for my next class.
I wonder where Alec is going to take me.
Chapter 25
The savory aroma of bacon fills my nostrils as I descend the stairs, still feeling the lingering warmth from Emma’s touch. I step into the kitchen and find JD standing at the stove, flipping the bacon with practiced ease. The crisp morning light filters through the window, casting a warm glow on his broad shoulders.
“Morning,” I greet him, grabbing a coffee mug from the cupboard and pouring myself a cup. The rich scent of coffee beans fills the air, mixing with the sizzle of the bacon.
“Morning, Alec,” JD replies with a grin, his brown eyes crinkling with amusement. “You’re looking quite chipper this morning.”
“Am I?” I chuckle, trying to suppress the giddy feeling bubbling inside me. Just then, Luka strides into the kitchen, his blond hair tousled and his gray eyes stormy. Of course, he’s shirtless. He pours himself a cup of coffee before leaning against the counter, studying us both intently.
“Is Emma still here?” Luka asks.
“No, she had to leave already. So, you can put a shirt back on,” I tell him.
“Alright then, let’s talk about last night,” Luka says, directing his gaze at me. I can feel the weight of his scrutiny, but it doesn’t faze me. Not today.
“Last night was… fun,” I admit, taking a sip of my hot coffee and reveling in its bitterness. “Emma is something else, isn’t she? I don’t want to feel like I’m second or third best in her eyesbutI can give her this time to see what the best choice is.”
Luka nods, his disappointment evident in the slight furrow of his brow. “Right, time to make her choice.”
“Choice?” JD asks.
“We all agreed to this arrangement, and Emma deserves the chance to explore her feelings for each of us. Let’s just see how it goes from there,” Luka says.
“Fine,” I concede, setting my mug down on the counter with a sigh. “We’ll see how things go.”
“Good,” Luka says, his disappointment fading as he takes a sip of his coffee. “Let’s just enjoy our time with her and see where this leads us.”
