Page 33 of This Thing Between Us

Oh, and he was hot. It’s a truth universally acknowledged that being hot always helps.

Again, Jack’s hand gravitated to my lower back, and I found myself grateful that the dim lighting hid my blush. He pointed us in the direction of the bar, and while I normally didn’t drink, tonight called for a bit of liquid courage. I ordered a hard lemonade as Jack ordered a beer.

We grabbed seats and talked a bit but were constantly interrupted as people walked by to catch up with Jack.

Eventually, he stood up. “I’m going to grab another drink. Do you want anything?”

I shook my head. “No, I’m good.” I lifted my drink, which still boasted half its original contents. I planned to nurse the hell out of it, wanting to be more comfortable but not drunk.

I’d seen that line get crossed too many times.

I started talking to a few acquaintances from my history class while I waited for Jack to come back. But eventually they too got up to get more to drink. I sat back in the chair and played with my phone as I waited.

Still no Jack.

It had been way too long.

I checked the time and decided I was tired of waiting so I got up and did a lap around the house to look for him. He hadn’t gotten caught up at the bar, so I made my way through the other lower level of the house before venturing outside.

A quick scan of the pool area revealed a lot of people making out, but none appeared to be Jack.

Thank goodness.

As I headed back towards the oversized French doors that served as the gateway between the indoor and outdoor living space, I caught Jack’s familiar frame. Just a glimpse of his broad shoulders as he walked upstairs. I followed quickly, trying to catch up, but I lost sight of him as I ascended the spiral staircase.

This was it. I’d pull him into one of the empty rooms and tell him my feelings. Nerves coursed through my veins as I practiced what I wanted to say over and over in my head.

But as I reached the top of the stairs, I noticed something.

Jack wasn’t alone.

My stomach clenched.

Arms were wrapped around Jack’s neck.

And that unmistakable shiny hair gave away whose arms they belonged to.

Katie Kooney.

The contents of my stomach threatened to reverse course.

Jack said something to her, but I couldn’t make it out. I couldn’t hear anything over my rapidly beating heart.

Then she placed her lips on his neck.

I felt faint.

I walked backwards down the first couple steps, then turned and ran down the rest. I kept running until I was out the front door, well away from the house.

I turned back to see silhouettes of people dancing, drinking, and having fun.

Meanwhile I stood outside with my heart shattered.

Jack never mentioned anything about Katie to me. If he had, I certainly would have remembered.

My rapid breathing didn’t settle down despite the fresh air. I couldn’t fully catch my breath. A panic shot through me as I desperately tried to relax. That only seemed to make matters worse.

Lying down in the tall grass, I placed my hands on my stomach, willing myself to calm down.

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