Page 59 of Love Medley
“Damn, girl,” Iz breathes. “That guy has got it bad for you.”
I’m startled out of my trance by my friends’ comments. Could Jake possibly feel something more for me than just friendship? But he’s not over Sam, right?
I clear my throat. “I’m sure he saw Weston, and he’s just putting on a show. You know, for the fake dating.”
Iz gives me a sympathizing look and reaches over to touch my hand. “Oh honey, bless your heart.”
Wait, could this actually be something?
At that moment, Zoe sidles up with a tray of four glasses of white wine.
“Did you suddenly become a barista?” Amelia shoots Zoe an amused look.
“Yeah, maybe I should take this on as a side gig. At least I'd get paid,” Zoe grumbles, rolling her eyes as she lowers the tray to our table. “By the way, that bartender is hella hot, but also kind of an asshole.”
The three of us turn as one to glance back at the bar, and sure enough, a guy in a backwards green cap gives us a small salute.
“Did you all have to look at him at once?” Zoe hisses. “Jeez, be more obvious!”
"He's wearing your color," Iz remarks, probably referring to his dark green cap.
"Well, I guess that's one point in his favor," says Zoe with a huff.
I raise my eyebrows. “Since when do you care about a guy’s opinion?” I ask, glad that the focus is on someone else. “Methinks the lady doth protest too much.”
“I’m not the only one who is protesting too much. Fake date, my ass,” Zoe mutters, plunking down into the last seat.
Annnnd of course Zoe heard Jake’s declaration.
Once again I wonder why he would choose to announce our “coupledom” in a place that he probably considers a second home. Is it really because of Weston?
My thoughts are whirling as I refocus on Jake, who is finishing up the chorus, his hands flying on the keys. The crowd loves him, and most of the patrons are singing along to the words. Even though I know the lyrics by memory, I just mouth them silently. I shiver during the last chorus—I still can’t believe Jake’s dedicated this song tome. And his eyes remain fixed in my direction the entire time.
What if…this isn’t just for show?
Could this really be something more?
“Jakedefinitelyhas feelings for you. No guy would do this for a girl he didn’t like.” Isabelle nudges me excitedly.
Is Iz right? My chest aches with emotion, hoping for something that couldn’t possibly be true.
I’m drawn to Jake, for better or worse. But if he returned my feelings, would it even matter with the obstacles standing in the way? I have so much baggage to deal with. In fact, some of that baggage walked into TNT tonight and is currently glaring at us.
And what about Sam?
None of this matters if Jake still wants to be with her.
I manage to suppress these thoughts for the next couple of hours so I can focus on Jake. He and his partner alternate playing songs, sometimes joining forces for duets or yelling jokes back and forth. They lob crumpled requests to one another, all while seamlessly ensuring there are no gaps in the music. Then they perform a totally hilarious rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The girls and I crack up when both guys exaggerate their falsettos in perfect harmony. We aren’t alone—the crowd is loving it.
“Jake’s really good,” Amelia says, jerking my attention towards her. “I’m impressed.”
Amelia is hard to please. She has classical training and plays the violin. So if she says he’s good, he’s good.
But if I’m honest, I’ve been impressed by Jake for a while now. Not only is he some sort of Renaissance man, but he’s just…more. I feel like I’ve met someone that just gets me, a soul-deep connection that I’ve never felt before. I wonder how many times a person can feel that kind of undeniable pull towards someone else. I’m assuming not many. And I’m falling—headfirst without guardrails, no parachute or safety device.
And maybe I’m okay with that. Because it’s Jake.
He’s always been a soft place to land.
