Chapter 33
thirty-three
Jeremy
So, Cam and Maia dated in high school, he ended things, and no one really knows why. But now she goes to Rockford with you guys, but he has no clue she’s here, so when he’s around, you can’t talk about her?” Tristyn tugs at her bottom lip.
“Exactly. Look at you catching on.”
“And you guys have been keeping it from him for nearly a year? Isn’t he your friend?”
“Like Maia said earlier, it’s complicated.”
“Okay.” Tristyn’s eyebrows furrow. “And Jax never hangs out with you guys when Alex is around because he doesn’t like him, and wants to be with Brinley, even though he’s made it clear to her many times nothing like that would ever happen.”
“Yeah.”
“Are any of your friends normal?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I think we’re all perfectly normal.”
“Jeremy, if I told anyone what you’re telling me, they’d think I was telling them about some teen drama.”
“That’s fucking hilarious.” I chuckle, then glance in the back seat to make sure Henry still has his headphones on.
“I guess at least you know your lives will never be boring with the amount of drama between all of you guys.” Tristyn flips on her turn signal and then turns right.
“Not all of us have dramatic relationships. I don’t.”
“Your girlfriend is a single mom who had her son before she graduated high school and has to deal with her,” she glances in her rear view, “fuck ass ex who doesn’t actually care about his son but wants to control the narrative. I’d call that pretty dramatic.”
“Girlfriend, huh?” I raise an eyebrow and watch the panic instantly set in.
“I didn’t mean to, I don’t assume, it’s been a few weeks, so I don’t—”
“I like the sound of that.”
“You do?” Her shoulders fall. “You don’t think it’s crazy to already be labeling whatever this is?”
“Maybe it is, but who cares. I like you, Tristyn, in a way I didn’t think would ever be possible for me. I’m all in on figuring out what we could become. Girlfriend and boyfriend are a pretty good place to start.”
“Good.” I watch as her cheeks turn a bright rosy red. “Now, let’s get back to your friends. Becca is Fletcher’s ex?”
“No. They flirted at a party, if you could even call it that, then they became like best friends, and then she became one of my best friends. She mainly hangs out with just me and Fletch, but she’ll be there tonight.”
“And Tate won’t be because she’s on tour. But she and Fletcher dated, and then she ended things.”
“Yes.”
“But not because she stopped loving him.”
“Exactly.”
“I need flashcards.” Tristyn sighs.
“No, you don’t. They’re going to love you. Plus, you knowing all of this, is so you can understand a bit more about the dynamic. I don’t expect you to bring any of this up tonight.” I turn toward her. “It’d probably be best if you didn’t.”
“Got it. My lips are sealed.”
Dinner went even better than I could’ve imagined. The whole gang wasn’t there tonight, which wasn’t shocking. I knew Jax wouldn’t be here because Alex was coming tonight, and I had a feeling Brooks would be over at Liv’s, but we still made the most of it.
Brinley and Alex didn’t stay long after dinner ended either, which could be because they’re still trying to make up for lost time, or it could be because she wants to avoid Jax at all costs.
And Fletcher left about twenty minutes ago because his brother Chase, Chase’s girlfriend Stella, and their son are coming down tomorrow to spend the day with him.
The rest of the crew has all found spots on the couch while we watch Zeke and Henry play video games. Since dinner ended, Zeke’s been teaching Henry how to play NHL 17.
Henry is already better at the game than Zeke is. No surprise there.
“You’re an amazing mom, Tristyn.” Avalon runs a hand up and down Zeke’s back as he gets his ass kicked by a child who just learned what this game was an hour ago. “I couldn’t imagine having a kid that young. Let alone doing it by myself.”
“My best friend Vince was there for all of it.” Tristyn leans into me. “I don’t know how we would’ve made it through without him.”
“Still, you’re an absolute superwoman.” Ember comes around the corner and hands Declan a beer before sitting on his lap.
“Do you guys have to do that in front of me?” Cam’s face scrunches in disgust.
“What, be in love?” Ember asks.
“Be gross.”
“Just be thankful we’re clothed this time.” Declan teases with a wiggle of his brows.
“What?” Tristyn’s eyes widen.
“Long story.” Cam shakes his head. “One I do not need to relive.”
“But a story our new friend needs to hear.” Becca jumps out of her seat. “And one I need to hear as well.”
“There are children present,” Cam argues.
“He’s not even paying attention.” Avalon motions toward Zeke and Henry, who are making similar faces. Their tongues are both poking out just slightly, their eyes are focused, and they’re slouching forward just a bit. “They’re engrossed in the game.”
“Long story short, earlier this year, Cam barged into my room and found Declan and me in bed,” Ember begins.
“You didn’t tell me about this,” Tristyn whispers, leaning forward.
“I think we need the long story.” Becca mimics Tristyn’s movement, resting her elbows on her knees. “And maybe even some popcorn.”
“It was our first Valentine’s Day,” Declan continues. “And—”
“Our first time,” Ember’s eyes widen as she moves her hands in a you know motion.
“Oh.”
“And in all fairness, this asshole barged right in.” Declan shoves Cam. “Who walks into their sister’s room without even knocking?”
“I wasn’t thinking. She never had people over, and it was the middle of the day.” Cam crosses his arms. “And who doesn’t tell their twin brother they’re dating one of his teammates?”
“A sister who was worried he would judge her for it. Which you did.”
“No, I judged you for not trusting me with that information.”
“You were totally right.” I lean closer to Tristyn. “I feel like I’m watching a teen soap opera right now.”
“You walked in on the two of them having sex?” Becca’s jaw drops.
“No.” They all say at once.
“We had just, you know, but like weren’t actively… You know.” Ember closes her eyes, shaking the thought away.
“If he had shown up a few minutes later, we probably would’ve been.”
Ember smacks Declan’s chest.
“I need to go home.” Cam groans. “You coming?”
“I’m gonna stay here tonight.” Ember cuddles against Declan.
“Sounds good. Becca, you need a ride?”
Becca glances at the beer in her hand, downs the rest of it, and stands up.
“Yes, please.” She meets Cam, but before she reaches the front door, she turns around. “I’ll come get my car tomorrow.”
“You got it. Night Becks.”
“Night, guys.” She waves as they head out of the house.
“You ready to go?” I pat Tristyn’s leg, and she falls back into me.
“No!” Henry yells. “Five more minutes, please.”
“Yeah, please?” Zeke begs. “I need to win at least one of these games tonight.”
“Kid’s a natural, what can I say?” I grin, and Zeke flips me off.
“Five more minutes. Then we need to go.”
“You could always stay.” I run my hand up and down her leg. “I can sleep out here, and the two of you can take my room. It’s getting pretty late.”
“I’m not going to make you sleep on the couch in your own home.”
“It’s a comfortable couch.”
“It is.” They all agree.
“I appreciate the offer, but unfortunately, my ex wants to see Henry tomorrow, so I should be home in case he shows up without calling.”
“You want me to stay over there?”
“No.” She shakes her head. “It’s probably better for all of us if you don’t. I appreciate the offer, but Andy can be, well, Andy, and it’s best that when I tell him about us, you’re not there.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
I know she’s lying. It’s not okay. It sucks, and I hate that I can’t do more to help her. She deserves better. They both do.