Jack Hughes | Golden Boy

Chapter Seven | Out of my League

Beams of the oncoming sunrise trickled into the room I lay within.

My breath was even, my body warm with relaxation, as I breathed a sigh of rejuvenation.

Captivating memories of the night before ran through my mind as the feeling of Jack's firm body against mine bled into my thoughts, the flavour of the alcohol from last night remaining against my dry tongue.

Despite my comfortable position beneath the sheets of the bed, the satin remained cold by my side, and I quickly came to the realization that I was alone.

I was consumed by the feeling of dread as I recognized my naivety, knowing that I could never meet the standards of someone like Jack Hughes.

Tears filled the waterline of my eyes, but I wouldn't let them fall - mostly to ensure my own sanity.

Instead, I looked at the alarm clock to my right, and immediately exclaimed when I realized that I was undeniably late for a brunch-meeting with Isabel.

Hastily, I organized myself, changing into a pale blouse and jeans before racing to the restaurant where I knew Isabel would be.

"I'm sorry, Isabel..." I murmured under my breath as I took my seat to her side, my gaze remaining attached to the ground to shield her from my tears.

"It's fine, Farah," she responded with a sincere smile that didn't reach her eyes.

As we sat in the moment, a hand shot to Isabel's shoulder.

"Isabel!" Jack exclaimed, seeming to erupt with enthusiasm.

Isabel stood as he took her into his arms, embracing her with a friendliness that I was not familiar with.

"I'm heading to Nashville soon, but I'll see you in three weeks for the wedding," he muttered with less excitement, but his smile never shifted from his face.

Slowly, his eyes met mine, and they quickly became void of emotion.

Still, Jack plastered a fake beam on his face, as he uttered his farewell to Isabel before leaving.

The reminder that we would see him in a few weeks plagued my mind, my brain barely forming any other thoughts as I remained broken in my place.

His gaze had made me feel like I was burning, the fire in my lungs remaining even after his departure.

In spite of everything, I knew within the greatest depths of my heart that he affected me more than I cared to admit, and I would dread the next stressful weeks as I would wait, mindlessly longing for his presence.