My Player Bestfriend (Book #1)

Chapter Four

By Tuesday, the rumors had simmered down, but the tension? Not even close.

Austin hadn't texted me all day.

Which would've been peaceful — if it didn't make me wonder why.

"Maybe he's finally getting the hint," Sarah said as we walked to class.

"Or maybe he's planning something stupid," I muttered.

That's when I saw him.

Chad Rivers.

He was leaning against the lockers, talking to Mr. Easy-Smile himself, Noah Foster.

Chad had a reputation — but not like Austin's. He wasn't a player, just... confident. Tall. Broad-shouldered. Captain of the soccer team. That kind of guy. He had this "older brother who calls out your bullshit" energy that made girls and teachers both respect and fear him.

And — crucial detail — Austin hated him.

Chad caught my eye and smiled. "Mary, right?"

I blinked. "Uh. Yeah?"

"I heard you put Austin Mahone in his place yesterday. Iconic."

I smirked. "Well, someone had to."

"You free after school?"

Sarah's eyes widened beside me.

"Depends," I said. "Why?"

"There's this art show thing over at Holloway Park. I thought it'd be cool to check out. Figured I'd ask if you wanted to come with."

He wasn't stuttering. He wasn't playing. He just... asked.

Straight up.

"Yeah. Sure," I said before I could overthink it. "Text me the details."

Mistake. Or power move?

Either way, it didn't stay quiet.

By the time last period ended, word had magically gotten to Austin. I barely stepped outside when I heard his voice behind me.

"You've got to be kidding me."

I turned.

Austin was standing by the school steps, arms crossed, eyes burning.

"You and Chad?" he scoffed. "That's how low we're going?"

"Excuse me?" I blinked.

"Chad. Really? You know I can't stand that guy."

"Why do you even care?" I asked, folding my arms.

He stepped closer. "Because he's a piece of shit and you're smarter than that."

"Maybe I'm tired of boys who can't figure out what they want," I shot back. "Maybe I want someone who actually respects my boundaries."

Austin flinched — visibly.

"Is that what this is?" he said quietly. "You're punishing me?"

"This isn't about you, Austin. That's the point. Not everything is."

"You don't even like Chad."

I didn't answer right away.

"I like the way he treats me."

That stung. I saw it in his face.

"I never meant to hurt you, Boo," he said, voice soft. "But this? This hurts."

I looked at him. Really looked at him.

This wasn't flirty Austin. This was real. Hurt. Vulnerable. And somehow, still managing to piss me off.

"I told you," I said. "You don't get to claim me."

He looked away, jaw tight. "Then why does it feel like you're trying to make me jealous?"

"Maybe I am," I admitted. "Because maybe I wanted to see if you'd finally act like you actually care."

Silence.

Then, he stepped closer again, this time no smirk. Just eyes locked on mine.

"I do care, Mary. I've always cared. But you're right — I never acted like it mattered."

A beat passed between us.

"I'm not playing anymore," he said. "I'm done with the games. I want you."

I shook my head slowly. "It's not that simple anymore."

"I'll make it simple," he said. "Just... don't go out with Chad. Please."

I hesitated.

And then my phone buzzed.

Chad: I'm outside :)

I looked at Austin.

"I already said yes."

I walked past him, toward the parking lot.

Every step felt heavier than the last — like I was walking away from something that still had a pulse.

Chad was leaning against his car, wearing that easy grin.

"Hey," he said. "You okay?"

"Yeah," I lied.

As he opened the door for me, I glanced back toward the steps.

Austin was still there.

Watching me go.

And for the first time...
He wasn't chasing.