I've Changed

10. euphoric pleasure

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Jae's pov

Theo's exclamation of joy directly next to my ear jolts me awake after the shot. He pats my shoulder in encouragement while the rest of the team follow ensuite with the celebration.

Opposite to me, Ellie laughs at their madness, pulling herself up on the counter to sit on it. She leans back and looks over her shoulder toward me. I get caught up in the middle of our staring contest, that lasts a minimum of 5 seconds, before she nudges her head to the side.

She's insinuating me to approach, that although I want to fight this magnetic pull, I succumb to the spell she has me under. I blame the fuzziness in my brain. It clouds my judgment and critical thinking skills.

Once I'm a foot away from her, she analyzes me from top to bottom.

"Do you want me to be honest?"

I always want her to be. I have the intention of voicing my answer but I tilt my head confusingly instead. Because I now overthink her question and what I've done to make her ask. Now that I've pondered, and the dissecting gaze of Cassidy is suddenly on us, I've concluded that I did in fact do something to attract both of their attentions.

I don't know who to be more afraid of. My ex or the first-girl-I-had-ever-felt-something-with-but-was-too-much-of-a-pussy-to-admit-and-found-another-love-of-my-life.

Yeah...that's the alcohol talking. And I choose the safest bet.

"Sure," I take a sip of the concoction one of my teammates made for me, fueling my confidence for this upcoming conversation.

"You look like shit."

Great! I need more fuel.

"Thanks, Ellie Mae." I scoff, sounding offended as I gulp down more of my drink, but the amusement becomes apparent in my smile.

"Thank you for the flowers." She sounds genuine which, for some reason, appeases me. The way she casually speaks to me causes my stress levels to peak by a tiny bit because she's undoubtedly only doing it for her own entertainment.

"You're welcome." Silence, except for the base of the music and chattering, follows.

"So," She tips her chin. "You and Cassidy?"

I blow out a breath, "It's that obvious?"

Elijah shoves my shoulder, "Bro, the whole house can sense the tension. It's not good for the vibes!"

"Really?" No shit.

"Are you going to do anything about it?" Elijah looks in between us—the quarreling couple.

"No," I shake my head with certainty. I've learned my lesson from past arguments. It's best to let it diffuse and not interfere with her 'healing' as Cassidy calls it.

"Ellie, why don't you help the poor man?" Elijah encourages.

"Me?" She's disinterested at the mere thought whereas my rejection gets caught in my throat.

Ellie looks past me, perhaps at Cassidy, and a distasteful expression settles on her face. It comprises of an intense stare and—I may have imagined it—an upward tilt of the corner of her lips.

Her gazes slowly rips away then settles on me. The sudden eye contact knocks my breath out, and her upcoming words empties my lungs.

"Do you want to do anything about it?"