Chapter 13
Jared
As I sit on my bed, phone propped up against the pillows, the screen lights up, and I find myself staring at my sister’s face. The distance feels strangely formal, the digital gap between us more noticeable than I expected. Still, it’s better than nothing.
“Hey,” Serena greets me with a smile, leaning back on her couch in her room. The warm light of the sunset bounces off the windows in the background, and for a second, it almost feels like we’re in the same room.
“Hey, what’s up?” I ask, keeping my tone casual. “How’s the internship going? Still surviving?”
“It’s going,” she says with a long, drawn-out sigh, raking a hand through her ponytail. “I think one of the developers hates me, though. Every time I turn something in, he looks at it like it’s a third-grade science project.”
I chuckle, sinking deeper into the bed. “Maybe they just have resting bitch face?”
“Oh, I didn’t think about that. His RBF makes me want to cry at my desk,” she deadpans, but there’s a twitch of a smile on her lips.
“Bet you five bucks he secretly loves your work.”
“Bet you ten he doesn’t,” Serena shoots back with a snort, readjusting on the couch. “The man is practically glowing with disappointment.”
“Well, you can’t win him over with talent alone. Bring him a coffee next time,” I suggest, propping myself up against the headboard.
“Is that what you do to make your coach like you? Caffeinate him until he stops yelling?”
“No, but I’m naturally likable.”
“Debatable,” she utters, rolling her eyes. “Anyway, what about you? How’s football?”
“Still good. Still football,” I reply with a shrug, keeping my answer short.
“Just good?” she asks, her brows arching. “Aren’t you excited for the game?”
“Games are just games,” I say, keeping my tone casual.
Serena’s eyes light up with something devious. “No, idiot. This will be the first game with you having agirlfriendin the stands!”
She practically sings the word “girlfriend,” drawing it out like it’s a brand new, sparkly headline. Inching closer to the screen, her smile turns downright gleeful.
I groan, covering my face with my hands. “Please don’t make it a big deal.”
“Oh, but I have to,” she says, grinning wide. “It’s not every day my single and handsome brother gets into a relationship.”
“It’s really not that deep, Ser,” I mutter, avoiding her gaze.
“Not that deep?” she repeats, a teasing smile curling at the corners of her lips. “You’re practically the poster child for being emotionally unavailable, and now you’re suddenly dating my best friend in the whole world.”
“Stop acting like I won the lottery.”
“Uh, Alliisthe lottery,” she teases, tucking her legs beneath her. “Bonus is, now I can tell people that my brother is off limits.”
I roll my eyes, letting out an exasperated sigh. “You’re annoying.”
“It’s myjobas your little sister,” she says with a cheeky grin. “But honestly, Jared… I’m happy for you. For real.”
Despite her teasing, Serena’s approval matters, even when I won’t admit it out loud. “Thanks,” I mumble, scratching the back of my neck.
Her smile returns in full force. “You’re welcome.”
I roll my eyes, but a chuckle escapes. “Gotta go, Serena. I’m heading out.”
