She traces the rim of his drink with one finger, smiling like this is a completely normal interaction. “There’s no ulterior motive this time. Seems like a waste not to finally have some fun.”
Something sharp twists in my stomach.
Around them, a few people have gone suspiciously quiet. Alex and I haven’t explicitly announced that we’re together, but it’s undeniable if you pay attention. Especially after today.
Lila’s gaze flicks toward me briefly before returning to Alex, the corner of her mouth lifting. Oh, she knows exactly what she’s doing. This is just another performance for the cameras.
For a second, I consider pretending I didn’t hear it.
Week-One Taylor might have.
Week-One Taylor would’ve laughed it off, focused on her own conversation, and convinced herself Alex was a big boy that could handle himself.
But I’m not Week-One Taylor anymore. I’ve changed over these last few weeks, and I’m done letting people walk all over me. Just because I’m nice doesn’t mean I’m weak.
Finale-Taylor isn’t going to stand idly by while someone intentionally antagonizes her. If she wants to invite me into some drama, then fine. I’ll accept and meet her there.
My feet move before I can second-guess what I’m doing.
“He’s not interested.”
The words leave my mouth calmly, almost conversationally. And I’m proud because they’re in sharp contrast to the fire burning in my chest.
Lila turns to me slowly and arches one eyebrow in complete disbelief that I just interrupted her moment with Alex.
“Oh yeah? Did he tell you that?”
I hold her gaze, unflinching. “He didn’t have to.”
Alex stands and immediately wraps an arm around my shoulders, choosing to present a united front against Lila.
“She’s right,” he confirms. “And I’ve already told you I’m not interested. I’m not going to be as nice about it next time.”
Satisfaction blooms in my chest and I give her a sweet smile as I lean into Alex’s side. His body is warm against my skin.
Lila studies both of us for another moment before lifting her hands in mock surrender. “Relax, just trying to have some fun.”
“Try someone else,” RaeAnn quips from behind me.
A ripple of laughter breaks the tension as Lila saunters off back toward Ace, the moment dissolving as quickly as it formed.
Jasper cannonballs into the pool, sending a wave sloshing against the edge. Conversations resume. Music fills the space again. And gradually, the crowd shifts and scatters into smaller groups.
Lost in thought, by the time I realize how quiet it’s gotten, the patio is completely empty. Even Alex and Julian have wandered off, probably to refill their drinks.
I’m sitting on the edge of the pool with my feet in the water, absently kicking slow circles when a familiar figure appears beside me.
Alex lowers himself onto the concrete with a soft grunt.
For a while, neither of us says anything.
The water glows faintly blue under the lights, rippling around our ankles. The party carries on, fragments of laughter carrying faintly from inside the house behind us. Here, though, it’s quieter. Like the night is giving us a small, temporary reprieve.
Alex stretches his legs out, leaning back on his hands beside me. Close enough that I can feel the warmth of him even through the cooling air. “You handled that pretty well back there.”
I glance over at him. “Handled what?”
He turns his head toward me, that familiar crooked smile tugging at his mouth. “Lila.”
