Secrets Look Different in the Light

Chapter 16

Theo's POV

     We're still standing in the middle of the arcade, lights flashing, distant game sounds buzzing like background static to the tension between us. I can see her answer on the tip of her tongue, so close to slipping out, but she holds onto it tightly. I step closer to her, hoping it will help elicit an answer. 

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have forced this date on you. I should've left everything the way it was." she says, stepping back. 

She collects herself, smoothing out her hair and lets out a sigh. "Jayden's probably wondering where I went." 

A small smile plastered on her face, she already turning to leave.

I grab her wrist, stopping her. She looks back at me expectantly. I know I need to say something.

"You don't get to do this." I say.

"Do what Teddy?" she asks me. I drop her wrist. 

"Force me into a date with a girl and then sulk in the corner because I'm having a good time. Why should you get to do that? This whole thing is happening because of you. You do not get to be upset. If anything I should be." 

She just stares, like she doesn't know what I'm saying. And I continue, word vomit falling from my mouth. 

"I went out with Haley thinking it was a one-time thing. That was it. But then- out of nowhere -you suddenly care about playing matchmaker and shove us into this setup we didn't ask for. Neither of us wanted to do this, Avery. But we went along with it because God forbid anyone say no to you. And even then—even when I try to make the best of it- I'm still the bad guy, because now you're upset?"

I let out a sharp breath, shaking my head. "No. I'm upset. I'm upset that you stuck your hands in my life like it was yours to rearrange. I'm upset that you have the audacity to act hurt right now. And I'm upset that I'm standing here with Haley instead of-"

I stop myself. But it doesn't look like I stopped soon enough.

Ten feet away from us, Haley stands, a blank expression on her face. I hadn't even heard her approach.

"I think it's time you take me home, Theo," she says, her voice unwavering.

Fuck.

Jackie's POV

     What's wrong with a distraction? We all need one once in a while. And I'm not just a distraction, I'm his friend too. Friends are important to have, especially during a breakup. 

I'm glad these are things we're considering while he's laying me down on the kitchen counter. 

Oh shut up.

I just want to focus on the way his lips feel, attached to my neck. Or his hands gripping my hips, pulling me closer into him. All the things currently making my hormones skyrocket are what I want to focus on...

But, no logistics have been established. No ground rules or boundaries for how this whole thing is gonna work.

   Like, for instance, we're making out right now (which is great), but where does it go from here? Do we just kiss and leave it at that? Or is he expecting more? Are we going to have sex? Fool around a little? I wouldn't mind—it's not that I'm against it—I just don't know how to bring it up or when it's okay to talk about it. And since we haven't actually discussed anything, I can't even enjoy making out with him because I'm too busy overthinking every next move. What if he wants to go further and I freeze or say the wrong thing or ruin the moment by making it weird?

"Why are you getting so pissy?" 

Shit, that's Jayden.

"This isn't pissy. I can show you pissy." Avery snaps.