Need you | Miles Fairchild

19 | this was a mistake

"You're here," Alice says, spotting me as I walk toward her.

"Of course I am," I reply with a grin, trying to mask the nervous flutter in my stomach. "I wouldn't miss this for the world."

"Be...nice?" she asks, giving me a look that mixes concern and amusement.

"Nice is my middle name," I tease, shooting her a wink. "Now, where'd they go?"

"Bookstore," Alice says, pointing down the street.

"Perfect. I shall return," I say, puffing up my chest a little as I stride forward.

"Have fun," she calls after me, though I can hear the edge of worry in her voice. I don't have time to dwell on it—I have a mission.

As I approach the bookstore, a tight knot forms in my stomach. I trust Miles—I always have—but Rebecca has a way of getting under your skin, making every boy forget himself. My pulse quickens as I imagine her batting her eyelashes and teasing him with that flawless, irritating confidence. I push the thought away, telling myself I can handle this.

I spot them in the aisle. Miles is casually flipping through a book, completely unaware of my glare. And Rebecca? She's leaning just a little too close, laughing at something he said, that stupid smirk plastered on her face. Ugh.

I move down the aisle next to them, trying to act casual while listening.

"Look, I know you've got a girlfriend, but would you like to come to mine tonight... there's a party?" Rebecca asks, her voice smooth and deliberate.

"Party? Yeah, sure. I'd love to," Miles responds, like it's no big deal.

"And what about your... lover?" she asks, leaning in a little closer, teasing.

"She'll probably find out somehow and want to come anyway," he says casually, oblivious to the rage building inside me.

My hands clench into fists. Interesting. Not good interesting—dangerous.

They start to leave the aisle, and I tail them, pretending to browse, until I find my moment. I step in front of Miles, letting him bump into me just slightly.

"Oh, sorry—" I begin, letting the words drip with irritation.

"What are you doing here?" he asks, startled.

"No," I snap, narrowing my eyes toward Rebecca. "The question is, what are you doing here, with her?"

"Shopping?" Rebecca offers sweetly, like nothing's wrong.

"Back out of this before I send your head through a wall," I hiss, stepping closer, letting her see I'm serious.

"Y/n, can I not go shopping with a girl that's not you?" Miles asks, a tinge of guilt in his voice.

Rebecca smiles knowingly, and I glare right through it. My patience is gone.

"I told you to be honest with me, and clearly honesty isn't your thing," I say, my voice low and deadly. "So, when you find that honesty, maybe I'll let you come back into my life. We're through."

I turn and walk out, proud of myself for confronting them. The adrenaline rush is intoxicating, but deep down, a flicker of frustration gnaws at me. Of course Rebecca has planted a seed. Of course.

Once outside, my phone buzzes. It's Alice.

"How'd it go?" she asks, concern dripping from her voice.

"I broke his heart," I sigh, letting the weight of the confrontation sink in.

"Wha—why?" Alice asks, shocked.

"Because he doesn't deserve me when he can't even tell the truth," I explain. "I know it's Rebecca, but the real problem is that he didn't tell me. I would've preferred honesty over finding out this way."

"Fair point," Alice admits, still worried.

"Mhm," I mutter, trying to calm the storm inside.

"You alright?" she asks softly.

"Hm... I'm fine. I gotta get home, but I'll catch up with you tomorrow?" I reply, forcing a casual tone.

"Alright, see ya," she says, and I hang up.

As I start walking, realization hits me like a punch to the gut.

"The party."

I stop and grin. "Wait... there's a party at Rebecca's tonight. Feel like crashing?"

"Oh yes, I'd love to," Alice says, matching my grin.

"Let's go shopping first," I suggest, a mischievous sparkle in my eye. "If we're going to make an entrance tonight, we might as well look perfect."

Alice laughs, nodding in agreement. "You got it. Let's do this."

The knot in my stomach eases slightly. I've stood my ground, confronted Rebecca, and now I have a plan. Tonight, we crash her party. Tonight, I remind everyone—especially Miles—where I belong.

And if anyone thinks they can get in the way of that... they are sorely mistaken.