If Yesterday was Real (Benson Sisters #1)

Chapter 2: Maybe we didn't think this through

Chapter 2: Maybe we didn't think this through

Colter, to my surprise, wears a polite smile. Any sign of disinterest has faded from his expression, replaced by a mask of false admiration. "I've always had a crush on Margery," he lies, though he says it so smoothly it sounds so real.

Both Zara and Hailey gasp in unison. Obviously, they're surprised. In all the years we spent together in Georgia Academy, not once did we notice Colter Parkers glance at our direction or display any affectionate behavior.

Chloe doesn't look convinced, and I honestly don't blame her. "Not that I'm still into you or anything — it was a silly crush, after all — but if you did like Margery all these years, why didn't you bother sitting with the cheerleaders whenever I asked you to?"

It's a valid question — a really good one. Zara and Hailey turn to Colter, waiting. He stares straight at Chloe with an incredulous expression. "Isn't it obvious? She's the only cheerleader I like."

"But you never made a move?"

"Because she was with the football douche." He answers flatly. I almost smile at his response. Almost. "And to be honest... if it were Margery who confronted me to sit with the cheer squad instead of you, I would've said yes."

Somehow, that smooth lie becomes the dealbreaker.

Zara and Hailey cheer, catching everyone's attention in the cafeteria. My heart leaps at the sight of Daniel who just entered the room together with the rest of the football team, their eyes wandering to our direction.

Colter notices Daniel's presence and pulls me closer. I allow him to, and as I snuggle near him, I begin to notice how good my fake boyfriend smells.

"You smell good." I whisper as I let my head rest on his shoulder.

He smirks. "So do you."

"Whatever," Chloe just looks tired, tucking her front strawberry blonde diva curls behind her ears. She eyes Hailey, Zara, and I with her usual coolness. "See you guys later at practice. Don't be late — we have a new routine for the game against Harcott High soon." She looks at me a second longer than the rest before leaving.

The game... "Is that going to be weird for you?" Zara lowers her voice.

"Wh-What?" I do my best not to look at Daniel, steading my gaze at my friends.

Colter quietly listens to our conversation. Zara looks at him before replying: "You know... to cheer for Daniel. And his team."

A fake chuckle escapes my lips as I shake my head. "Don't worry about it." My mind takes me back to Daniel's games where he'd kiss me before he gets on the field, or when we'd lock eyes and mouth Good lucks and I love yous.

I hate how I'm never going to have that with him ever again.

"We have Social studies next," Zara groans, "say, do you two have any classes in common?"

Colter answers before I can. "Only AP Spanish."

"Let's go before the bell rings." I stand up and fix my denim jacket. Colter stands up as well and falls beside me, but I stop him. "You don't have to walk with me, babe. Go to your next class."

He opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. Instead, he nods before muttering goodbye. I wait for him to show any sign of affection before we part ways, but he doesn't.

"He's not the super showy type, isn't he?" Hailey giggles. I nod along, even when I'm low-key upset at Colter for only doing the bare minimum so far.

But again... what did I expect? He doesn't seem like the type to pull some PDA shit in public. I don't think he's ever had a girlfriend as well, so that might explain why he's extra uncomfortable.