Back To You

The egde of pretending (6)

I tried not to think about him.

I curled up in my brother's room, legs tucked under me, half-listening to his story while Mom sat on the edge of the bed, throwing in sarcastic remarks that had Jackson cracking up.

It was the kind of easy, familiar chaos that made the world feel steady—even when mine wasn't.

Still, I wasn't really there.

Because I kept hearing his voice.

Tayler's.

The way he looked at me that night. The way his arms held me like it was the most natural thing in the world. Like it hadn't been years. Like everything between us hadn't burned down.

"I got you."

Three words. So simple. So devastating.

And my body remembered how it felt — safe, right, like nothing else mattered.

I forced myself to shake it off just as my phone buzzed.

Olivia.

I sighed and answered. "What?"

"Well, well, if it isn't Miss Mysterious." Her voice was casual, but there was an edge of excitement.

"What do you want?"

"We're going out tonight. Markell found a spot downtown. Everyone's in."

I sat up. "Since when?"

"Since five minutes ago, when I texted you."

I groaned. "I don't know if I'm up for it."

"Nonsense." She laughed. "You've been cooped up too long. You need a night off your brain."

I opened my mouth to argue but she cut me off. "I'm coming over in an hour. Be ready."

Then she hung up.

I dropped back against the pillows. Jackson smirked. "You're going out?"

"Apparently."

Mom smiled knowingly. "It's good to get out."

I rolled my eyes, even though I knew they were right.

Except I wasn't sure if I was more anxious about the night or about seeing Tayler again.

⸻

An hour later, Olivia showed up like a whirlwind, arms loaded with makeup, hair tools, and enough energy for both of us.

"Okay," she said, dumping everything on my dresser. "Time to get you ready."

I laughed. "Ready for what, exactly?"

"Ready to remind yourself you're not just a shadow in your own life."

She cranked the music and started pulling products from her bag like a pro. We settled into a rhythm — no pressure, no over-the-top fussing, just getting ready like two friends who hadn't seen each other in forever.

Olivia teased as she worked. "You're way too serious lately. Tonight's about letting loose."

I caught my reflection — my hair looked effortless, makeup clean but bold. Exactly what I needed.

She smiled. "Perfect. You're going to turn some heads."

I wasn't sure if that was a promise or a warning.

⸻

The taxi ride was mostly quiet, the city lights flashing past as Olivia nudged me now and then, trying to get a read on me.