It's been 8 months and everything with Charli and Ben has settled into a routine. She lets Josh keep him overnight quite a bit, but she also moved to town and has an apartment a few blocks away. You and her get along great, but there are still sometimes moments of unease when you see her watching Josh with Ben and it seems like her mind is wandering places that make you uneasy.
Tonight was the boy's 2nd time making it to the championship game and you were surprised when Charli and Ben showed up. He hadn't mentioned inviting them and she hadn't mentioned making the trip but you knew better than to make that into something that might rock the delicate balance of your family dynamic.
Your tour had turned into a second wave of shows where you got to be the headliner and you were so excited to be playing in your hometown so all of your family and friends could come. You postponed the start of the concert so you could be there to cheer Josh on.
It felt like old times sitting with Amelie, Eva, and Mads. They were all cheering on their boyfriends as well. You were so proud of Griffin for working so hard to make the team and the boys were doing great. Ahead by 16, it seemed like they were going to take home a second championship trophy in a row.
Blake hit two different 3-pointers in a row and Amelie screamed louder than the rest of the crowd: "That's my boy!! Way to go, Blake!!!"
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They had been talking for a few months. Since it became official 2 months ago, it really moved fast. Suddenly Blake got trapped between two players from the other team that towered over him and shot the ball across the court to Josh. He turned to find you in the crown and winked before letting the ball spin off the tips of his fingers and into the basket as the clock counted down to zero.
As the confetti fell all around you, he rushed up the bleachers to find you. He spun you around, kissing you as he slowly lowered you back to the ground.
Josh: "Baby, there are NBA scouts here, watching. Coach says I actually have a good shot at going pro when I graduate."
Charli: "That final shot definitely helped, bub!"
You: *annoyed by the nickname* "Baby, you should go talk to them while they're here."
Josh: "No, I promised. Straight to the locker room to shower and change so we could get back in time for your show."
You: "I can have Amelie drive me now and you can follow in your car as soon as you're done."
Josh: "God, you are the absolute best girlfriend in the world."
You: "I know, I know."
Charli seemed uneasy as you kissed him and reassured him: "Now go be a big shot, baby. I love you."
You found Amelie on the court kissing Blake under the lingering confetti and almost hated to interrupt their happy moment: "I'm sorry, guys. I kinda signed you up to drive me to the venue. It's an hour away which is exactly how long I promised till I got there."
You were really dreading the idea of Charli bringing Josh but you couldn't pinpoint why. She hadn't done a single thing that crossed a line but it was obvious to you that she was struggling with messy feelings.
Blake: "Babe, you go and I'll wait here and ride with Josh to make sure he makes it in time."
Everyone except Josh joined you guys as you mouthed to Blake: "Thank you."
Charli: "Thank you for making sure we had tickets. Ben is really excited to see you up on stage for the first time."
You: "I am so glad you're coming."
You turned to Eva and Mads to add: "You guys are coming with Griff and Bryce, right?"
Mads: "Are you kidding? This is a big deal... your first headlining concert... we are so there!!!
On the car ride with Amelie, you were grateful that it was just the two of you. You needed some bestie time to talk about your insecurities with Charli and Josh. No one else would have understood.
Amelie: "I promise you that you have nothing to worry about. If she has feelings for him then that's on her but he's on a whole different mindset."
You: "You sure?"
Amelie: "Just trust me, I absolutely promise tonight will be exactly what you need."
You: "Amelie... you are just the best. It means so much that you were still willing to come even though I got Jaden one of the opening act spots."
Amelie: *wearing a look of sadness that didn't match the upbeat tone she was fighting to keep* "I'm so proud of him. It's seriously ok."
