Page 99 of The Friend Zone

“Well then, son, you’re fired.”

“Fired?” he barks out an incredulous laugh. “Really?”

His father’s tone softens. “Really. I’m sorry if you felt like you couldn’t talk to me about your aspirations, Jag. If you want to play hockey, I’m not going to stop you.”

Rachel chimes in. “All we want is for you to be happy, baby. Your father and I couldn’t be prouder of the man you’ve become. Whether it’s on the ice or in a corner office, we want you to succeed and we’ll cheer you on every step of the way.”

Jagger’s eyes are wide with shock. “What about Grandpa?”

Keith smiles. “Let me take care of my father. He’s always been your biggest fan. He’ll get over the disappointment. Besides, wait until he meets Bay. You’re going to have some competition. My father has always been fond of strong women,” he adds for my benefit. “That’s why he approved of Rachel. And Bay, I want to thank you.”

“For what?” I ask.

“For having Jagger’s happiness at heart. If you hadn’t said anything today, he would have given up on his dreams for the sake of some misplaced family loyalty. Son,” he says to Jagger. “Good choice. Bay isn’t just beautiful and smart. She cares about you. She’s a keeper.”

My heart is so full when we say goodbye to Jagger’s parents that I can barely contain my smile.

A huge part of me was stressed about meeting them today. After the way Topher’s parents treated me, I was worried that Iwould be welcomed the same way. That they would take one look at me and deem me unsuitable for their son.

We drive back home in companionable silence, each of us too lost in their own thoughts to say anything.

“My parents love you,” he says, after parking his car in the driveway of the Gamma house. “I had no doubt they would, but I’m glad you and Mom hit it off.”

I smile. “She’s lovely.”

“Wait until she invites you to every holiday, and she calls you to help her pick out her outfit for date night. She was really impressed by your tutorials and the aesthetics of your social media. While you and Dad were talking about the new house, she kept asking me if I knew that I was dating a legit fashion guru.”

“That’s a little far-fetched. I know a lot about makeup and I love clothes, but?—”

Jagger silences me with a kiss. “You’re awesome. Your beauty is just the tip of the iceberg, Nova. You’re kind and the bravest person I’ve ever met. If it wasn’t for you, I would never have found the courage to bring up how unhappy I was not to try to make it to the pros.”

The way he’s looking at me warms me from the inside out. “I love you, Jagger.”

He cups my jaw, his golden eyes smoldering with the same feeling that’s coursing through me. “Does this mean that you’re no longer mad at me?”

I nod. “It does. I think you’ve learned your lesson and if you ever wanted to end things with me, you’d at least call.”

Jagger laughs. “Ha. Fat chance. I’m sorry to tell you this, but you’re stuck with me. You’re everything I want, Bay. And now my mom would kill me if I fucked up again.”

When we exit the car, we’re both smiling from ear to ear.

We walk to the front door, holding hands.

“Hey,” Jagger pulls me closer when I try to step away from him. “Where are you going?”

“I’m just trying to be discreet, in case Topher is home.” I admit.

He wraps one arm around my shoulder as he unlocks the door. “Fuck him, Bay. I’m done letting Mumford dictate my decisions. If he wants to post that video, I can’t stop him. You and my parents know about it and Mom promised that she won’t watch it, no matter what. Besides, we’re going to the gala together tomorrow night. The asshole might as well get used to us dating.”

Who am I to object when he puts it that way?

“Hey Tucker,” I greet the hockey team goalie as he comes out of the kitchen with a sandwich on a plate.

“Hello Bay, looking pretty today. Look, I’m using a plate. You’re right that it’s less messy if I use one.”

Corey is right behind him. “Hey sweetie. It’s about time someone house trained Tucker. His future wife will be grateful.”

“Shut up dispshit. You didn’t use plates either before Bay told me to. You’re just as domesticated as I am.”

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