Roses and Flames

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Spencer's POV

Two quick knocks sounded at the door, pushing me to adjust my hair swiftly. I expected to see Isabella as I opened the door but was taken aback when Ivy appeared.

"Why so surprised?" Ivy questioned.

"Just caught off guard," I shrugged.

"I don't believe you," Ivy retorted.

"It's irrelevant-"

"Hi Ivy," Isabella cut in, putting a pause to our conversation and making me smile. She needed to use the restroom.

"Oh, do you need to go too?" Ivy queried her.

"Yes, but I can wait," Isabella responded.

"No need, I'm heading out anyway," Ivy replied, then, to my astonishment, leaned in to kiss me. It took me a moment to adjust to the unexpected intimacy.

About thirty seconds later, Isabella cleared her throat to alert us of her presence. Ivy and I broke off the kiss, and I found myself under Isabella's intense gaze.

"The restroom's free," Ivy announced, directing me towards the exit.

"Why all the drama?" I asked as we stepped outside, leaving Isabella behind.

"I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend," Ivy started, "And before you say anything-"

"Alright, I'll do it," I interrupted, a smile on my face.

"Really?" Ivy was taken aback.

"Yes, I'm in."

"Was it the kiss?" she wondered.

"It was alright, but-" I didn't get to finish before Ivy playfully hit my shoulder.

"But why fake it? Surely, avoiding some arranged relationship with an annoying guy isn't the only reason," I pondered.

"I have feelings for someone close to you, and I'm trying to get noticed," Ivy admitted.

"Wait a minute, you might like older women, but my mom is definitely off the table! No matter how much you find her appealing, she's happily married to my dad!" I cried.

"Nice assumption, but it's Emily I'm interested in," Ivy corrected me.

"No way," I rejected.

"What?" Ivy was shocked by my reaction.

"I won't let you hurt my best friend like you did to me, especially as she's already seeing someone," I elucidated.

"Darla?" Ivy guessed.

"Are you spying on her now, seriously!" I shouted in disbelief.

"No, not at all, Darla is my ex, and I've noticed her picking up Emily a few times. Besides, Emily and I have history, and I promise I won't betray her," Ivy clarified.

"When were you two involved?" I queried, surprised.

"Before we were an item and after we split."

"I'm a bit hurt, to be honest."

"Because your ex and best friend have a past? I'm truly sorry, but destiny has a way..."

"No, I'm upset because we missed out on a threesome," I joked, earning an eye roll from Ivy.

"So, how serious is this pretend dating thing going to be?" I queried, distancing myself from Ivy's parents who were busy with a game of ping pong.

"As serious as you're comfortable with," Ivy murmured into my ear, seating herself on my lap just as Isabella appeared outside.