Chapter 5
JULES
Cara pounds the dining table with her fist like a gavel. “Rule one: no openings with Ed Sheeran. It’s a cliché and I’ll die on that hill.”
Riot smirks. “My groomsmen’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’ is more dangerous.”
Calvin leans in, calm as a lake. “How about something nostalgic?”
The room laughs. I don’t.
Because while they’re debating playlists, my head is still stuck in the bathroom with Calvin. Ten years gone. And somehow, he’s right here again.
Meanwhile, my boyfriend bailed, knowing full well my über-successful ex would be here. And now Calvin sits within footsie distance, calm as ever, while I pretend Ed Sheeran is the real issue.
“Nostalgia, huh?” I tap my mug harder than necessary. My eyes flick to him before I can stop myself. Outwardly, I keep it playful. Inwardly, I’m split. Half of me wants to spar. The other half remembers those kind eyes that once undid me.
“Being back in this town is plenty of nostalgia already,” I continue, letting the joke carry more weight than anyone realizes.
Riot doesn’t miss a beat. “Ah, the good ol’ days when life was simple. How about we blast those late-night football field heartbreakers with our old flings? ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’? ‘Sugar, We’re Goin Down’?”
Maddie laughs, shaking her head. “Let’s not traumatize Jules further. She already looks like she’s stuck in a wedding she didn’t RSVP to emotionally.”
“Thanks, Maddie, for the concern,” I shoot back, rolling my eyes at Riot.
Calvin shifts slightly toward me, subtle but I feel it like a spotlight.
“She’s tougher than you think,” he says easily, eyes flicking to mine for the briefest second. “Jules has always known how to hold her own.”
Riot groans. “Aww, look at Stewart playing knight in shining armor.”
Maddie smirks, covering her mouth like she just witnessed something she definitely plans to bring up later.
“Not like I’ve had much of a choice,” I mutter.
Calvin’s mouth tilts, half grin, half dare. “Guess I leave an impression.”
Riot pounds the table. “The games are on!”
“Hey! I did not sign up for this,” I snap, pointing my mug at him, then glaring at Cara. “Any winnings, no matter who takes the prize, I get half.”
Calvin perks up. “So you’re saying there’s a chance?”
The table bursts into laughter, and even I can’t hold back a grin. “No, Mr. Pickup Artist. I happen to be in a very loving relationship. Evan treats me better than… well, some people I used to know.”
I aim the last part at Calvin, but my stomach twists. He’s filled out, sharper at the edges, more unfairly handsome than ever. I need Evan here. Without him, I’m not sure I trust my own thoughts.
Riot howls. Cara nudges me. Maddie’s grin lights up the table.
That’s my cue. I lift my mug in mock salute. “Alright, everyone, enough playlist politics. You’re all adults. Flip on a Spotify mix and call it destiny. I’m putting on ‘The Great Escape’—pun intended. Bridesmaids’ duties await.”
I stand, “I’ll be in my room if anyone needs me… except you, Calvin. You’re not invited.”
I flash Maddie a smile, mostly to keep from slipping in front of him. My mug is warm in my hands, but my chest feels hotter than I want to admit.
Am I seriously flirting with him?
My heart hasn’t stopped pounding since I left home yesterday. Something I’m not ready to name. But one look at Calvin across the table and I know he feels it too.
This is only the beginning.
?*
*?Soundtrack for this chapter:
“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” – Green Day
“Sugar, We’re Goin Down” – Fall Out Boy
“The Great Escape” – Boys Like Girls