Page 19 of Never Enough

“Another victory for Whitmore,” she says, raising her cup to the packed house. Somehow, she conned me into going to said frat party in honor of WU winning their football match tonight. I’m here because I’m trying. Really trying.

That’s when they enter.

Celeste bursts through the door first, all blonde hair and oversized lips, a vision of calculated perfection. She clings to Alex like he’s the trophy she parades. Her latest win. He’s smiling, his brown hair falling into his eyes just as I remember, as he greets his teammates with enthusiastic high-fives. His lean frame is a testament tothe hours on the football field, muscles subtly pronounced under the fabric of his shirt.

I need to get laid.

Celeste’s hand strokes his chest in an obvious display of possession. She’s marking her territory, claiming him in front of everyone.

But Alex doesn’t seem to notice. He’s absorbed in his conversation, laughing at something one of the guys says. It’s as if he’s unaware of her touch, or perhaps he’s just so familiar with it that it’s second nature.

A pang of jealousy tightens in my chest. Why should I care? Because I do. I always have, ever since we were kids, and I was just the girl from the wrong side of the tracks and he was the golden boy with the weight of expectation on his shoulders.

“Can you believe them?” I murmur to Eden, nodding subtly towards Alex and Celeste.

“Ugh, it’s like watching a bad soap opera,” she replies, sipping her drink.

Their drama unfolds further as Celeste leans in closer to Alex, her voice a purr designed to entice. “Babe, you were incredible today,” she coos, loud enough for nearby ears. “I could eat you up.”

Her fingers trail down his arm, lingering with brazen intent. The sight makes my skin crawl, but I can’t tear my gaze away.

“Thanks,” he says, his smile now a rigid line. His eyes meet mine for a fleeting moment before he extracts himself from her grip. “Excuse me.” There’s an awkwardness to his departure, but I try not to dwell on it.

“Looks like he’s had enough of the show,” Eden comments dryly.

“Maybe,” I reply. My fingers tighten around the glass, the cool surface grounding me to the here and now.

Celeste watches him go, her painted mouth twisted in annoyance before she masks it with another saccharine smile. She turns back to the crowd, ready to play her part once more.

I’m swirling the remnants of my drink in my glass, trying to avoid Celeste’s performance, when Alex’s piercing gaze suddenly locks onto me. My heart does a traitorous leap as his deep brown eyes hold mine captive. He excuses himself from the rowdy throng and makes his way towards me, a genuine smile softening his features.

“H-h-hey, Daphne, hi. H-how are you?” His voice is warm, familiar, and tinged with a hint of shyness. I feel a flush creep up my neck as I struggle to form a coherent response.

“Good,” I manage, trying to focus on anything other than the heat radiating between us. “You played exceptionally well tonight.”

“Thanks.” He rakes a hand through his tousled hair. There’s a vulnerability in his expression that he usually masks. “L-listen, uh, c-can we t-talk later? After things quiet d-down a bit?”

“Sure.” I nod, trying not to let my hope rise too high. The way he looked at me just now reminds me how he used to look at me.

Unaware of my longing, Alex gives an embarrassed chuckle. “Great.” He flashes me one more charming smile before glancing over his shoulder and heading off towards the bathroom. It reminds me of the dorky yet endearing man I used to know.

“Smooth,” Eden teases beside me, but her playful tone fades as she watches Alex disappear. “What was that about?”

“Nothing,” I say with a nonchalant shrug, but inside, my heart beats erratically with possibilities. Both good and bad.

She doesn’t seem convinced, though. Before I can dwell on it further, Celeste pushes her way through the cluster of bodies surrounding us. Her emerald-green eyes lock onto mine with challenged intensity.

“You know, Daphne, he and I—”

“Alex and you?” I prompt, bracing myself for what’s coming next.

“We’re in love,” she declares, her voice loud enough to be heard above the music. Her words hit me with the force of a physical blow. “I’m pretty sure he’s going to propose any day now.”

The party blurs around me, and for a moment, I can’t even breathe. Celeste waits for my reaction.

“That’s great.” I force the words out past the tightness in my throat. “I’m happy for you.” I try to mean it, but deep down, I don’t. How could I when the man I love is happily in love with someone else? But love is selfless, right? Love is kind.

Love is… Oh, fuck it. Ithurts.It really fucking hurts to know they’re together while I only got one stolen kiss years ago.

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