Chapter Four
1220 Words
Andrew's POV
Jake has been running around the house, getting ready for a party at Will Harris’ house. A birthday for Mia, his wife.
It was just another excuse to drink, given the fact that his wife won’t be there. She had left on a girl’s trip the day before.
“Come on, Drew,” he said, eyes bright. “You’ve got to come with me tonight.”
I folded my arms. “I said no.”
Jake gave me a sideways grin. “You’re always saying no. Tonight’s different though.”
“Why?” I asked, skeptical.
“Because I have someone I would like you to meet,” he said.
I blinked. “Someone?”
Jake nodded. “Yeah. Just come to the party and you’ll see.”
I sighed. “Jake, you know, I’m not really feeling the whole party thing.”
“Look,” he said, stepping closer. “I promise you, we won’t stay too long. Just come for a little while. Please.”
I wanted to say no again, but something about the way he looked at me made me hesitate.
“Fine,” I said finally. “But just for a bit.”
Jake’s grin widened. “That’s the spirit. You won’t regret this.”
Oh, I will. I could already hear the alarm bells ringing in my head.
I begrudgingly stood, walking to my room to get dressed.
This was already a bad idea.
---
The party was already roaring when we arrived.
Loud music thumped through the open windows, and the house was packed with teammates sprawled across couches, sprawled in the backyard around the grill, or dipping into the pool. Red cups littered every surface.
I followed Jake inside, the knot in my stomach tightening with every step. I forced a tight smile as we were greeted by Nolan, the team’s goalie, and a few others.
I really don’t want to be partying this night.
“Glad you guys could make it!” Nolan called out, clapping Jake on the back, flashing a grin in my direction.
Jake laughed. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
I nodded, scanning the room. Jake immediately slid into the center of a group near the pool, exchanging jokes and easy smiles. Two girls leaned on his arms, laughing at something he said.
My heart twisted painfully.
“Dude, are you good?” Anderson sidled up beside me, handing over a beer.
Dean Anderson was our right-winger, known for his aggressive plays on the ice and his teasing off it.
I forced a casual shrug. “Yeah. Just tired.”
Anderson raised an eyebrow. “You look more like you want to jump in the pool and drown.”
I shot him a glare. “I’m fine.”
Anderson smirked. “Man, you’re jealous.”
“Shut up,” I muttered, watching Jake reach for one of the girls’ hands. The brunette looks like the girl from the club.
“I’m serious. You’re all twisted up, and it’s because of him,” Anderson said, nodding at Jake as he looked in our direction.
My jaw clenched. “It’s not like that.”
“Uh-huh. Sure.” He took a sip of his beer and grinned. “I’ve seen it.”
Before I could respond, Owen, the team’s defenseman, stomped over carrying a big bag of chips and a bottle of tequila.
“Anyone want to get drunker?” Owen grinned.
“Count me in,” Anderson said, high-fiving Owen.
Jake caught my eye across the yard and raised his cup.
I forced a smile and raised my cup back, watching him turn his attention back to the brunette, whose name I still didn’t know.
---
Later, as the night deepened, Jake was chatting with another group of girls near the fire pit. I stayed close but kept my distance, nursing my beer.
One of the girls, blond and bubbly, asked Jake about his season stats, laughing at whatever he said.
Jake’s easy charm had everyone wrapped around his finger, and my jealousy flared hotter. The puck bunnies hanged on to his every ward.
Puck bunnies are girls who jump at every opportunity to be around hockey players. They only want you if you’re rich and popular. Just to brag to everyone about how they bagged the it guys.
I tried to push it down, but the jealousy kept bubbling.
“Drew!” Anderson’s voice broke through my thoughts.
I looked up to see Anderson waving me over to join a game of beer pong.
“You in or what?” he asked.
I hesitated, then nodded.
As I played, I kept stealing glances at Jake, who was now laughing and leaning in close to the brunette, his hand resting lightly on her back.
My hands shook slightly as I took my turn.
“Hey man, you, okay?” Owen asked quietly beside me.
I forced a smile. “Yeah. Just distracted.”
Owen laughed. “By the usual.”
I frowned. “What usual?” My heart raced. I wondered if he had noticed the lost puppy look I've nursed all night.
“The hot chicks. I saw you eyeing the blonde next to Jake.” He wiggled his eyebrows at me. “It’s odd you’ve not walked over there yet.”
My cheeks burned. “I’m not.”
Jake’s voice interrupted, calling out, “Drew, come on! You’re playing like you’ve got two left feet.”
I shot him a glare but smiled anyway.
Later, Jake came over, drink in one hand, the same girl holding on to his other hand.
“Hey, drew. Meet Emily, my girlfriend, Emily, drew, my best friend.”
My heart almost stopped. I can’t remember the last time Jake had been with one girl twice not to talk of a girlfriend. Shock is an understatement of how I’m feeling right now.
She stretched a hand towards me. “Hi, I’ve heard so much about you.”
I took her outstretched hands in mine, faking a smile. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.”
“I’m getting a cab for Emily; she has work tomorrow.” Jake sounded like he was sad to see her go.
“Yeah. See you later Emily, it was a pleasure meeting you.” I said sweetly.
Finding it hard to breathe, I walked out the backyard, shutting the glass door quietly behind me.
Outside, the cool night air was a relief. There was hardly anyone left by the pool due to the drop in temperature. I reveled in the chill in the air.
I quit smoking, but I have the sudden urge to have something between my lips.
I looked back to find Jake leaning against the glass door separating the house from the backyard, looking at me. “You really seem off tonight.”
I swallowed. “It’s nothing.”
Jake gave a knowing look but didn’t push.
Instead, he clapped me on the shoulder. “You can tell me anything, Drew. Don’t forget that.”
My throat tightened.
I wanted to say more — how much it hurt seeing Jake so at ease with everyone else, how much I wanted to be the one Jake looked at like that.
But the words stuck in my chest.
I nodded, forcing a smile.
- Writer
