WRITTEN IN THE STARS ִ ࣪𖤐 TREVOR ZEGRAS

Chapter 2 ࣪𖤐

Present Day

࣪𖤐 BLAIR ࣪𖤐

"Well, that couldn't have gone worse if it tried," I muttered to myself, feeling a mix of disappointment and regret. I knew Trevor wouldn't exactly roll out the welcome mat after how things ended between us. Still, I had hoped that three years would be enough time to at least keep things civil.

In the midst of this awkwardness, the scene around us was a bit chaotic. Cole and Alex were pouring their hearts into a spirited rendition of Britney Spears's "Hit Me, Baby, One More Time," while I stood there, feeling a tad out of place. Brandon, my boyfriend of four months, had his arm snugly around my waist, pulling me close to his side.

Brandon was a college hockey player, part of our team, and our connection had sparked at a post-game celebration at the bar Hannah was working at. It took months of playful prodding from Hannah for either of us to make a move. And, I have to admit, he's the first person who's caught my interest since Trevor.

From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Trevor and Ava entering through the back doors. Instantly, my anxiety kicked in. Part of me regretted not declining Ava's invitation for the third year in a row to come to the Hughes' holiday home. Trevor settled next to Jack, who was busy capturing his friends belting out the song. Meanwhile, Ava made her way toward me.

"Is he doing okay?" I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me. It wasn't solely for my benefit; a part of me still cared deeply for him. Ava's reassuring response came quickly, "Yeah, he just needed some space and fresh air... Don't worry, B, I know that look on his face."

The self-doubt continued to nag at me. "This was a mistake, wasn't it? Me being here and bringing Brandon," I murmured, a tinge of self-blame evident. The guilt of putting Trevor in this awkward situation gnawed at me. Ava's response was swift and firm, "No, no, no. I invited you, and I'm the one who suggested bringing Brandon so I could finally meet him. This isn't on you, Blair!" Her words attempted to ease my turmoil.

Karaoke continued for a few more hours, with guests gradually trickling out as the night wore on. The clock was creeping past the 1 a.m. mark, and I figured it was about time for me to make a bathroom pit stop before calling it a night myself. Exiting the bathroom, I happened to glance down the hallway, where memories of the room Trevor and I used to share resurfaced. The door stood slightly ajar, revealing his belongings and a room seemingly frozen in time, much like it was three years ago.

Just as I was lost in this bittersweet reverie, a throat-clearing snapped me back to reality. And there he was, Trevor, standing before me, his presence unexpected and catching me off guard.

"Oh, sorry I- I shouldn't have looked, uh my curiosity got the best of me. I am sorry Trev" I apologise profusely then awkwardly looking at my feet avoiding his eye contact. He gave me a tight-lipped smile, "I haven't changed anything since the last time" he states, I nodded, "Yeah! Anyways, I probably should get back to Han and Brandon before they get suspicious" I say trying to break away from this awkward encounter I have been trying to avoid all night, "Brandon... Does he treat you well?" And I nod before breaking eye contact to make my way back to the group.

"Hey, babe, I've got your bag. Ready to bounce?" Brandon's tone was easygoing as he handed me my bag. I gave him a nod of confirmation before turning to say my goodbyes to the Hughes and Zegras crew, offering my thanks for the awesome time. Warm hugs went around, and Trevor's Moms words hit me right in the heart, "Blair, seriously, you're part of the family. Anytime you want in." With that, we said our farewells, and Brandon, Hannah, and I headed out. Just before we left, I caught Trevor in my peripheral vision, his gaze fixed on us watching Brandon's every move.