“Not in the mood for anything strong,” her voice is quieter than usual, like her mind is miles away.
I study her for a second, waiting for her to look at me, but she’s focused on the crowd, like she’s avoiding something, avoiding me. The easy banter we usually have is missing, and I can feel it, like there’s this invisible wall between us tonight.
I don’t push it, though. Not yet. We’ve been dancing around whatever this is for too long, and if I’m being honest, I’m not sure I’m ready to break through that wall either.
When the bartender finally hands over our drinks, I pass her drink over, and we find a spot in the corner, away from the crowd. It’s quieter here, but not quiet enough to hear all the thoughts racing through my head.
I lean against the table, watching her take a sip of her soda, and before I can stop myself, I ask, “Are you sure you’re okay?”
Her eyes meet mine, and I swear I see something crack in her armor. But just as quickly, she shuts it down. “Yeah, of course. Just tired.”
It’s the same excuse she’s given all night, but I know better. The real question is, does she trust me enough to let me in? Then again, that’s on me, isn’t it? I should be showing her that she can trust me. That I’m not here for some game or strategy. I never was. It could be all banter, some laughs, and great sex, but there’s more to this, at least for me. She’s just… I wish I knew what was going on in her head. Maybe that’s why she gets so quiet. She’s afraid of disappointing me when she says she’s not interested. It’s Ethan Díaz who has her attention, not Jared Collins.
“Alli! Jared!” Serena’s voice cuts through the noise of the bar, and I look up to see her and Tyler weaving their way through the crowd. Tyler gives me a nod as he wraps an arm around Serena’s waist, pulling her close like he’s afraid someone’s going to steal her away.
Protective of her always.
“Hey, you two.” Serena grins, her eyes bright as she pulls Alli into a quick hug. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too.” Alli says, giving her a tight and long hug that looks like it’s been long overdue.
When they break apart, Serena’s eyes lock on us, filled with curiosity and a hint of satisfaction, like she’s been waiting for this moment. Before I can say anything, she smirks.
“I always knew this would happen.”
I shake my head, letting out a low laugh. “Of course you did.”
But the truth is, she’s not entirely wrong. We did happen, just not in the way either of us ever planned. It wasn’t a big romantic gesture or some picture-perfect moment.
It was messy. Complicated. And now, I’m not even sure what to call it.
Serena crosses her arms with a smug look. “You know, you two have this… energy. I could always see it, even if you two were blind to it.”
Alli shifts beside me, her smile tight. I just shake my head, laughing it off. Serena’s been pushing this narrative for years, ever since that summer when we were sixteen. Not that she knows the full story. Hell, even I don’t know what to make of it.
“You and your conspiracy theories,” I joke, trying to steer the conversation into easier territory. Tyler’s smirk from the corner of my eye doesn’t go unnoticed.
He shrugs. “She’s not wrong, though.”
Serena elbows him, but she’s watching us closely, as if trying to piece together something we haven’t even figured out ourselves yet. Alli keeps her focus on her soda, swirling the cup around like it holds all the answers to her anxiety.
“Honestly, it’s just nice seeing you two together,” Serena says, her tone calming, like she’s finally putting down the matchmaker role. “You both deserve to be happy.”
Alli’s head snaps up, caught off guard by Serena’s warmth. “Yeah, it’s… been good,” she replies, but her voice wavers at the end.
Tyler clears his throat, breaking the moment. “Babe, didn’t you need to use the restroom?” He gestures toward the back hallway.
“Oh, right!” Serena links her arm through Alli’s with a pleading smile. “Come with me?”
Alli hesitates for a split second, but then nods, letting herself be whisked away. As they walk toward the long line, she glances back over her shoulder at me, her eyes filled with something I can’t name.
“So,” Tyler says, breaking the silence as he leans against the table. “How’s your mom doing, Jared? Haven’t heard much from my aunt about her.”
The question lands like a sucker punch to the gut. I don’t talk about her, not with anyone, really. But Tyler’s the type who won’t let it go, especially since his aunt works as her social worker. Small world.
“She’s…” I pause, the words sticking in my throat. “She’s fine. Still in rehab.”
Tyler nods slowly, but I can tell he’s not buying it. He crosses his arms, leaning in just a little. “Fine, huh? You sure about that?”
