EPISODE THREE: JEALOUSY
1384 Words
By Friday afternoon, Ava Montgomery knew something was wrong.
It wasn’t one single thing—it was the accumulation of glances, whispers, and the way people suddenly seemed far too interested in where she was going and who she was with. Even the air on campus felt different, charged with anticipation.
The party.
She had heard about it at least five times that day.
“You’re coming tonight, right?”
“Everyone’s going.”
“Jaxon’s hosting.”
That last part always landed heavier than the rest.
Ava told herself she didn’t care.
She told herself she was above campus gossip and parties thrown by people who thrived on chaos and attention. She had assignments to finish, readings to review, and a carefully curated life that didn’t include crowded rooms and loud music.
Still, as she sat on her bed that evening, staring at her closet, she hesitated.
“You’re overthinking,” she muttered.
Her phone buzzed.
Lila: Please tell me you’re getting dressed.
Ava sighed.
Ava: I never said I was going.
Lila: You didn’t say you weren’t.
Ava stared at the screen longer than necessary.
Ava: Why does it matter so much?
Lila: Because Serena is going. And because Jaxon Reed will definitely notice if you’re not there.
Ava’s chest tightened.
She tossed the phone onto the bed and stood abruptly. “This is ridiculous,” she said aloud.
She had no reason to care who Jaxon Reed noticed.
None.
Yet twenty minutes later, she found herself slipping into a fitted black dress—simple, elegant, and undeniably intentional. She kept her makeup minimal, hair falling naturally over her shoulders.
She glanced at her reflection.
Composed. Controlled.
She grabbed her bag.
Across campus, Jaxon Reed leaned against the kitchen counter of the off-campus house he shared with friends, watching people spill in through the front door. Music thumped through the walls, bass vibrating beneath his feet.
Normally, nights like this came easily to him. He knew the role—charm, confidence, distraction. It was effortless.
Tonight, it felt hollow.
“You waiting for someone?” Marcus asked, handing him a drink.
Jaxon took it absently. “Maybe.”
Marcus smirked. “Let me guess. The girl.”
Jaxon didn’t answer.
He checked his phone again, irritation flickering when there were no new messages. Ava hadn’t responded to anything since earlier that day.
He told himself it didn’t matter.
The door opened again, laughter filling the room as another group arrived.
And then—
She walked in.
The room didn’t actually go quiet. The music didn’t stop. But for Jaxon, everything else faded.
Ava Montgomery stood just inside the doorway, her presence unmistakable. She looked different outside the lecture hall and library—softer somehow, but no less guarded. The dress hugged her curves without trying too hard, confidence woven into every step she took.
Her eyes scanned the room briefly.
Then they met his.
Something sharp twisted in his chest.
She came.
Ava felt the weight of his gaze immediately. It was impossible not to. Jaxon didn’t stare like other people did—he watched, steady and unapologetic, like he wasn’t afraid of being seen.
She forced herself to look away.
Lila leaned close. “I told you.”
Ava took a breath and followed her inside, accepting a drink she barely wanted. The house was warm, crowded, alive with energy. People laughed too loudly, bodies moved too close, and the air buzzed with flirtation.
She tried to relax.
She failed.
Every time she turned, she saw Jaxon—across the room, near the stairs, laughing with friends. Women gravitated toward him effortlessly. One leaned in close, whispering something that made him smile.
Ava’s jaw tightened.
She didn’t know why it bothered her.
She reminded herself she had no claim over him. No expectations. No promises.
Still, the sight of another woman’s hand resting briefly on his arm sent a pulse of irritation through her.
“Don’t do this,” she whispered to herself.
As if summoned by her thoughts, Serena appeared at her side.
“You look stunning,” Serena said sweetly. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
Ava offered a polite smile. “Neither did I.”
Serena’s gaze flicked across the room. “You know Jaxon invited me personally.”
“I’m sure he invites a lot of people.”
Serena laughed softly. “He does. But not everyone gets his attention.”
Ava took a slow sip of her drink. “Good thing I’m not looking for it.”
Serena tilted her head. “Are you sure?”
Before Ava could reply, Serena was already walking away—toward Jaxon.
Ava watched, heart pounding harder than it should.
Jaxon noticed Serena immediately. Not because he cared—but because Ava was watching.
Serena said something close to his ear. He responded automatically, smile easy, posture relaxed. He felt Ava’s gaze like heat on his skin.
He turned.
Their eyes locked across the room.
For a moment, nothing else existed.
Then Ava looked away.
Something inside him snapped.
He excused himself abruptly and crossed the room, ignoring the calls and laughter around him. Ava felt him before she saw him, his presence unmistakable.
“You look like you’re plotting something,” he said quietly, stopping beside her.
She startled slightly. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people.”
“You shouldn’t glare at them from across rooms.”
She bristled. “I wasn’t glaring.”
“Sure,” he said. “You were definitely smiling.”
She folded her arms. “I didn’t come here to analyze your behavior.”
“Funny,” he replied. “I was hoping you did.”
She met his gaze. “Why?”
“Because you’re honest when you’re annoyed.”
She shook her head. “You thrive on attention. I don’t.”
“And yet,” he said softly, “you’re here.”
Her breath caught.
“I came for my friend.”
“Of course.”
They stood there, tension thick between them.
“You seem busy,” she added, glancing pointedly toward Serena.
Jaxon’s jaw tightened. “Is that what this is?”
“I don’t know,” she said quickly. “And I don’t care.”
He stepped closer. Not touching. Just close enough.
“You care,” he murmured. “I can see it.”
Her heart raced. “You’re imagining things.”
“Am I?”
For a second, she thought he might reach for her. Instead, he straightened.
“Come with me,” he said.
“No.”
“Five minutes,” he insisted. “Same deal as before.”
She hesitated.
Then nodded.
They slipped out onto the back porch, the cool night air a relief against her flushed skin. The noise faded slightly, replaced by distant laughter and music.
Jaxon leaned against the railing, studying her.
“You don’t like parties,” he said.
“I don’t like pretending.”
“Good,” he replied. “Neither do I.”
She crossed her arms. “Then why host them?”
He shrugged. “Easier than being alone.”
The honesty surprised her.
She softened slightly. “People think you enjoy all of this.”
“People think a lot of things.”
She met his gaze. “Do you?”
“No,” he said simply. “But I enjoy you.”
Her chest tightened.
“This is dangerous,” she whispered.
He nodded. “I know.”
Silence stretched between them, heavy and electric.
Inside, Serena watched from the doorway, irritation flashing across her face.
Ava noticed too.
“I should go,” Ava said suddenly.
Jaxon pushed off the railing. “You always say that.”
She smiled faintly. “And you always let me.”
He hesitated.
Then he did something unexpected.
“Stay,” he said quietly. “Just a little longer.”
She looked at him, really looked at him, and saw something unguarded in his eyes.
“Okay,” she said.
They stood there together, not touching, not speaking, but closer than either of them wanted to admit.
And somewhere deep inside, both of them knew—
This was no longer just curiosity.
This was the beginning of something neither jealousy nor distance would easily stop.
- Writer
