Page 59 of Never Enough

“Isn’t that what you’re doing?” Even as I ask, guilt gnaws at me. We used to be close, but now, every move feels like a misstep on a minefield.

“Everything’s changed,” she chokes out between tears, and I can’t deny the bitter twist of truth in her words.

I tentatively reach out and press my palm against the quiver of her spine. Her sobs soften under my touch, but they don’t stop. “Remember the time when…” She trails off, catching her breath.

“When?” I ask, not sure I want to dredge up the past.

She nods, sniffing. “I told you to try out for football.” A wistful smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. “You were so shy back then. If it wasn’t for me, you’d still be that pudgy kid with no friends.”

Her words burn. They’re meant to. At the same time, I can’t help feeling a twinge of gratitude mixed with the resentment. Is she right? Would I be where I am without her?

“Look at you now,” she continues, voice softening. “Hot, lean. All because I pushed you.”

“Maybe,” I concede, fingers stilling on her back. It’s hard to argue when I’m not even sure myself. Do I owe her this new life?

“A-Alex,” Celeste whispers as her voice breaks again. “We were great together. I never saw the end coming.”

I swallow hard, the weight of our history pressing down on me. “I know,” I admit. “I just—”

“Thought we were forever,” she cuts in, her eyes locked onto mine. Her gaze is heavy, loaded with memories and what-ifs. “I was waiting for a ring, you know? Dreaming of little ones running around.”

Aww, fuck. I knew she thought about marriage, but a family too?

“Celeste, I—”

“Miss us,” she murmurs. “It was all so easy before.”

“Easy,” I repeat, the word turning to ash in my mouth. Was it ever easy? Or do I just wish it was?

“God, I miss that.” Her hand reaches for mine, and I let her take it. Just for a moment. Just until the tears stop.

The door slams open, and I jerk my head up, heart hammering. It’s Victoria, eyes snapping shut as she takes in the scene—Celeste on the bed, t-shirt gone, me standing too close in front of her.

“Sorry! Carry on!” Victoria blurts out, turning her back to us.

“No, wait!” My voice is sharper than I intend. I have to fix this. Deciding that going for a swim would explain why my ex-girlfriend’s shirt is off, I blurt, “We were just heading to the pool.”

“Really?” She spins around, curiosity piqued. “Me too! Let’s go.”

I nod, eager to escape. “Where’s Eden?”

“Making out with some random sophomore.” Victoria shrugs, brushing off the thought like it’s nothing.

Silent relief washes over me. Eden’s busy; she won’t see this mess. If she doesn’t see, she won’t tell Daphne how I lied about my plans tonight.

“Come on, then,” I urge.

As we reach the pool and take a seat on the concrete so my feet dangle on the edge, a jolt of pain travels up my leg. I had been tackled quite a bit tonight, and I guess I haven’t fully realized just how much my muscles are aching.

“Ouch,” I mutter under my breath.

Ever observant, Vic eyes my wince. “Hot tub might help with that,” she suggests.

“Good idea,” Celeste chimes in, also appearing concerned.

Masking my discomfort, I agree.

We shuffle towards the steaming hot tub. The air around it is thick with humidity and the scent of chlorine, mixed with a heady cocktail of adult sweat and perfume. Victoria commands, “Make room,” and somehow, like a school of fish, the bodies part to let us in.

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