Page 3 of Sidelined Love

“That’s a great idea. I need to finish a few things before we leave.”

She gives me a small nod and I finish up the minor tasks I need to complete before I leave for the day. I debate whether it’s worth grabbing a small pastry from the coffee shop instead of stopping somewhere else on campus to sit down and eat.

No. We have enough time to eat, and I need to focus on taking some time out for myself instead of rushing to do or attend to the next thing.

I take my apron off for the last time today and go to the backroom to grab my things. Once I double-check that I have everything I came in with, I walk back up to the front and find Jade standing as she places her bookbag on her back.

As we walk out of Brewed Beginnings, Jade leans in and says, “You look like you’re tired.”

I snort. “What college student isn’t tired?”

It’s the truth, but my answer is a way to get her off my case about my workload. We all must do what it takes to achieve our goals, and I'm doing my best with what I have. As seniors this year, we have a lot to think about regarding our future. I don’twant anything to deter me from doing something with my future environmental science degree.

“You know what I mean. You're too preoccupied with work and school to enjoy yourself. One of these days, I’m going to get you to do something spontaneous and fun just for the hell of it. Mark my words.”

“I do spontaneous things.” Well, I do sometimes. Or rarely.

“Like what?”

“Binge-watch reality television shows,” I say.

Jade lets out a short laugh as she loops her arm through mine. “You preplan that too and I sometimes watch them with you. Doesn’t count.”

“Touché.”

“Hey, it’s not like I’m going to recommend we go skydiving or something.”

“If you did, I don’t know if we can be friends anymore.”

Jade looks at me with her mouth open. “Hey! That’s not nice to even joke about.”

The corner of my mouth twitches upward for a second. “Okay, I won’t say that again. Ever. Regardless, I’ll believe that you’ll get me to do something spontaneous when I see it.”

And that isn’t a lie. I’ve come to embrace my work ethic and the time I put into getting things done. It doesn’t leave much time for me to have impromptu adventures.

Memories of finding my mother’s side of the closet empty after returning home from school and the silence that followed are something I won’t ever forget. Although my dad and I adjusted to our new normal, I was forever scarred and changed. Since then, every decision, every action, was a step toward maintaining stability, ensuring I would never find myself in that position of loneliness again.

And that is the story I’m sticking with.

2

LEVI

Ican’t help but stare at the pair of discarded red lace panties, confused by their presence. I don't think I'm the reason why they are on the floor, especially since I only just opened the door. However, it wouldn’t surprise me. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time it’s happened.

The bass coming from the speakers pounds in my chest as I step over the discarded garment. I allow the noise and energy of the party to wash over me. Laughing voices, shouts, and the clink of beer bottles fill the entire house. I’m sure the noise can be heard halfway down the street with how loud this party is rocking.

“Levi! Dude!” Wilder Blake shouts near my ear as his hand lands on my shoulder. It doesn’t take much to see that he is living up to his name. He pulls me into the room, and I’m greeted by the rest of my teammates from the Crestwood Red Wolves hockey team. I grin and exchange one-armed bro hugs with the guys. Their slaps on the back and shouts of “Let’s go, Cap!” only force the smile on my face to grow wider.

We’re all riding the high that comes with our win today. I’m truly happy right now, but I know it’s temporary.

I reach over and snag a beer off the counter across from Wilder. I pop the top and take a swig. The bitter taste is almost like heaven on my tongue. I swear the only thing that tastes better is pussy on my?—

The thought pauses in my mind as my gaze lands on Mya, who’s standing with her friends on the other side of the room. Or is her name Monica? Her eyes are on me as if I’m the only person in the room. When she tosses her hair over her shoulder and looks away, I raise an eyebrow. It’s all part of this game she likes to play, and I only indulge her when I’m bored.

However, right now, I’m not in the mood. Why did I even bother leaving my apartment?

I take another sip of my beer and it goes down easy. Almost too easy.

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