“Just think about it, we’d be helping each other out. No strings attached, just two old friends doing each other a favor. I’m there for you, you’re there for me.”
She holds my gaze, her face giving nearly nothing away, and I think there’s the dimmest chance she might accept the idea. But then, she sighs, a small, resigned smile manifesting on her lips.
“Sorry, Jared, it’s a no. Thank you for checking in, but let’s just leave everything how it is.”
I watch her walk toward the door, the bell chiming as she leaves. I lean back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. This plan… it’s risky, but it could work. If anything, it’ll be a decent distraction from the chaos of college life.
I finish my drink and gather my stuff, feeling disappointed and rejected. It didn’t go as planned, but what was I expecting? Alli’s right, we’d never work—real or not. I head out of the café, thinking about how things could have been different back then and now. Who knows? Maybe there’s a reason things turned out this way.
Chapter 8
Alli
Four years ago
The summer trip to Carolina Beach Lake is everything I’ve wanted to do with my childhood friends ever since Evelyn gushed about her own summer adventures. I breathe in the scent of pine and campfire smoke, wishing there was a candle that smelled exactly like this place. A few of our middle school friends made a pact to go camping once we were older and got our licenses. Fast forward years later, we’re about to be juniors at Skyline. We’ve set up camp a short distance from the water, the crackling flames from the campfire setting a cozy glow on our faces as we gather around, laughing and chatting.
I grab a blanket and settle in close to the fire, enjoying the comforting warmth. The blend of Beckham’s guitar strumming and his voice fills the air. Others are off to the side, playing beer pong. It’s one of those perfect summer nights where everything feels surreal and nothing can go wrong.
In a seriously twisted series of events during truth or dare, Jared and I hooked up. Weirdly enough, it felt right and good, exciting and confusing. I never thought losing my virginity would happen this summer, let alone to someone I’ve known since middle school.
I’ve never thought of Jared that way. He’s my best friend’s brother and always the class clown, the guy who thought a well-timed prank could save him from any detention or late homework. I mean, he once convinced the whole class that thechemistry lab was haunted just to avoid a pop quiz. Seeing him in a different light feels a bit like realizing your favorite childhood toy has suddenly become a real-life superhero.
We always had this push-and-pull, flirty relationship but never acted on it. To me, he was just a childhood friend, then he mutated into one of the hottest guys in our class. In a flash, I imagine what being more than friends would look like, of us being a real couple.
I sit by the fire, pushing those thoughts aside when Mia and I decide to make a quick trip to the local store for some extra supplies. We chat about the day’s adventures and our plans for the rest of the summer as we drive, the radio playing in the background.
The store is small but stocked with everything we need.
When we return, the campsite is quieter than before. Most of our friends have either separated into more secluded areas or gone back to the cabin that Mia’s parents rented for us. The fire dies down, its warmth less intense but still comforting. I notice a small group gathered near the edge of the campsite, their voices low yet animated.
I carry the snacks to the table, trying to remain casual, but my curiosity gets the better of me. As I approach, I hear bits and pieces of the conversation.
“I’ve always thought Jared was great,” Lily says, her tone teasing, but there’s something else behind it, something a little more serious. “I might just make my move this summer.”
“Jared Collins? You used to friendzone him back in seventh grade,” Luca quirks an eyebrow. “What’s changed?”
Lily sighs. “I don’t know. I guess I’ve just started seeing him differently. He’s grown up a lot, you know? And he’s kind of… hot now, too.”
I almost drop the marshmallows I'm holding.Hot? Jared?I mean, yeah, he’s got that tall, athletic thing going for him, and those eyes… but hearing someone else say it out loud, especially with everything that went down last night, definitely messes with my head.
Luca chuckles, shaking his head. “Good luck with that. He’s not exactly the settling-down type.”
Lily lowers her voice, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “Maybe he just needs the right person. Besides, I think we’d look cute together.”
I swallow, the motion thick in my throat.
Luca smirks. “Yeah, right. Jared doesn’t date. He won’t settle down until he finds ‘the one,’ which likely won’t happen until college.”
“How do you know that?” Lily defies.
“I’ve known Jared for a while. Trust me, he’s not looking to settle down right now.”
“But—”
Luca holds up a hand. “Lily, don’t get your hopes up, okay? You’ll thank me later.”
My stomach knots. Jealousy? Regret? I set the snacks down, trying to keep my expression neutral, when in reality, my heart sinks. Luca’s words hit me like a bucket of ice water, making my earlier daydreams feel like just that, a dream. It’ll never happen between us. He’s not the type to date girls, let alone someonehe’s known for so long. What was I thinking? Us hooking up didn’t mean anything. It shouldn’t mean anything. I force a smile as I set down the snacks and join the group, trying to mask my inner turmoil.
