Nope.
He didn’t seem bothered by the fact that we weren’t talking as much anymore. He didn’t come back home for Thanksgiving break. Didn’t return for Christmas break either.
He was too busy and I couldn’t fault him for that. Being an athlete in college isn’t easy— I read enough articles about it when I was panicking about what would happen to our relationship to know it either works or fails but most times it fails.
It wasn’t healthy for either of us. I was determined to not hold him back. So, I pulled the plug on the whole thing.
My attention comes back to the group as they decide to play truth or dare. Instead of subjecting myself to the game, I decide to go for a drink instead. “I’m going to get another drink,” I whisper in Evan’s ear.
He tucks a loose curl behind my ear. “You want me to come with?” he asks, whispering in mine.
“I’ll be okay,” I tell him.
He nods then helps me up. “Thanks.” I turn and head back to the place where I first ran into him.
With each step I take, I feel lighter. Like, physically distancing myself from Kayden was just what I needed to get myself together.
It’s unbelievable that we’re here. It’s been over a year since the last time we talked and yet here I am in the most unexpected of places running into none other than him.
6 Ari Cole
I’m about to pick up a drink from the cooler when I jump at the feel of a hand on my back. I turn around to find Mercedes behind me. “Are you okay?” she asks, and I’m relieved it’s her. Then again, I’m also a little bit disappointed—though I hate to admit it.
I pull her toward me and wrap my arms around her. “Can we please go?” I ask.
“What happened?” she says, hugging me tightly.
“My ex is here,” I tell her, taking a step pack.
She looks toward the group of people at the bonfire. “Oh crap, seriously? Here!? Do you want me to punch him?” she asks.
I consider her offer for a second then shake it off as ridiculous. “No, we can just head back to the hotel.”
Mercedes bites her lip. “Oh, it’s just,” she says and looks back to Tyler, who is chatting with some other guy a few feet away. “Never mind, let’s go,” she says, resigned to be a good friend for the rest of the evening.
“Thank you,” I tell her.
She nods. “No one left behind, Streamline.”
I force out a smile. I’m relieved that we get to go back to the hotel and that she didn’t put up a fight. Relieved I don’t have to deal with Kayden Harrison and all of the emotions he stirs for a moment longer.
Mercedes and I head up the stairs to the neighboring hotel. “Nice sweater,” Mercedes says when we reach the hotel lobby.
I look down and realize I’m still wearing Evan’s sweatshirt. “Dammit!” I shout.
“It’s fine, I’m sure he won’t miss it,” Mercedes says then winks at me. If my choices are keep the sweater or go back to that bonfire from hell and return it, I’m good. Call me a thief, but I’d rather keep this than go back there and face him. Kayden and his new girl. No thanks.
“I’m sure he won’t,” I tell her.
We walk the rest of the way to our own hotel room and reach our suite. “Sorry I dragged you to this party,” Mercedes says the moment we open the door to our room. She sounds genuinely apologetic, and I feel bad for ruining her fun.
“I’m sorry I dragged you away from your conquest,” I respond, trying to inject some humor.
She cracks a smile. “I’m sure I’ll see him again at some point,” she tells me, shaking it off. “And if I don’t, then it was fun while it lasted,” she adds. I love her attitude toward guys and everything. She’s so relaxed. It makes me wonder if she’s ever had her heart broken. That’s a conversation for another day though, I’m already dealing with a heartbreak of my own.
I plop down on my bed. “So, can we order some room service and watch TV now?” That’s what I’ve wanted to do since we got here.
She shakes her head. “You’re obsessed with TV.”
“I gave your plans a try today and I ran into Kayden,” I tell her jokingly, or at least attempting to make it a joke.
“You’ve never said much about him,” she says, her tone more serious.
I kick off my shoes. “Not much to say,” I tell her.
“That sounds like a lie, but I’ll wait for you to be ready to tell me. I’ve put you through enough hell for one day,” she adds.
As much as I’d like to blame Mercedes for today, it’s not her fault the world decided to bring Kayden and me together. I’ve been trying to stay away from him since elementary school, but it’s like, despite how much I try, the universe has other plans.
The last time it brought us together, it changed everything. This time, it’s just rubbing salt on the wound.
Back then, I shouldn’t have taken the bet, shouldn’t have encouraged him to kiss me, shouldn’t have given him a chance.
This time, I’ll do everything in my power to avoid running into him again. Even if that means staying in this hotel room and only leaving for the airport at the end of the week.
7 Ari Cole
My resolution to stay hidden vanished the moment my roommate opened her eyes. Mercedes woke up with really high energy and instantly started playing her wake up playlist.
I turn on the bed, lying on my back. Grabbing the pillow on my left, I make a grand gesture of covering my face with it. “Why are you like this?” I ask, my voice groggy with sleep.
I remove the pillow from my face just in time to watch her jump from
