Page 16 of Seeds of Love
Ethan reappears at my shoulder, poised to make another smartass comment, but a familiar laugh grabs my attention. I turn, and there’s Alex and Tara, just walking in. And Alex... well, she’s dressed to kill. Definitely something from Tara’s wardrobe—a black top and jeans that make her look tall, legs endless. Her hair’s down in loose waves, but she looks uneasy, tugging the hem of her shirt, shifting from foot to foot.
“Looking good, ladies!” Ethan calls out.
Alex’s cheeks flare pink as she ducks behind Tara. “I told you this top was too much,” she mutters.
“You look hot,” Tara declares. “Right, Freddie?”
I shoot Tara a glare. “You both look nice,” I reply carefully, noticing Alex visibly relax. “Rough night getting ready?”
“Oh my god,” Alex groans, finally letting out a laugh. “Tara tried to murder me with an eyelash curler.”
“It’s not my fault you flinch like I’m coming at you with a knife!”
“It was hot metal near my eyeball!”
A laugh escapes me before I realize it. The Brianna situation fades from my mind, the tension loosening. Then, speak of the devil?—
“Freddie,” Brianna purrs, appearing at my side. “Ready to get out of here?”
I feel Alex stiffen slightly next to me. Meeting new people’s hard for her, and if I wasn’t so pissed at Bri, I’d make a proper introduction.
“Actually,” I say, “we’re heading back to mine. House party.”
Brianna’s eyes narrow as they shift to Alex and Tara. “And you’re bringing the baby freshman? How... sweet.”
Before I can reply, Alex straightens, meeting Brianna’s gaze head-on. “Actually, I’m perfectly capable of deciding where I go without anyone ‘bringing’ me anywhere. But thanks for the concern.”
Holy shit. Ethan lets out a bark of laughter beside me.
Brianna blinks, momentarily thrown. “I just meant?—”
“We know what you meant,” I cut in, wrapping an arm around Alex’s shoulders. I can feel her trembling slightly; that little burst of confidence took a lot out of her. “Ethan, grab the guys. We’re out of here.”
As we walk away, Brianna’s annoyed huff follows us. “Whatever. Text me later?”
I pretend not to hear her.
“You okay?” I murmur to Alex as we head out.
She nods, still tucked close against my side. “Yeah. Thanks for...”
“Being your human shield?” I grin. “Anytime. Though that was some pretty badass standing up for yourself back there.”
She ducks her head, but I catch her smile. “Tara’s been teaching me about confidence.”
“Damn right I have,” Tara chimes in. “Now come on, I want to see Troy try to convince Alfie to do karaoke again. I wanna hear that guy sing!”
Later,we’re sprawled out across my living room like the world’s most dysfunctional family portrait. Ethan’s hogging the couch, Alfie’s in his usual corner spot looking half-asleep, and Alex perches on the armchair like she’s afraid it might collapse under her.
“Who’s ready for Troy’s famous nachos?” Troy yells from the kitchen.
“Fuck yes!” Ethan pumps a fist. “Tell me you’re doing the spicy thing with the cheese sauce.”
“Obviously. What am I, an amateur?”
The poster of Einstein’s ridiculous tongue mocks us from the wall as Tara pulls a bottle of tequila from her bag. “While we wait... truth or dare?”
“Oh god,” Alex groans, but she’s grinning, her cheeks flushed pink now that the alcohol’s loosening her up.
