The Bet (Book 1 in The Deception Series)

Chapter 24: fear and relationships

Garrett

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"In Between"- Gracie Abrams

I love being in a relationship. It's the best thing that has ever happened. Taylor was the best thing that has ever happened to me. Me and Taylor are perfect together. This past few weeks since we started dating has been heaven. I stay up with her on the phone and then after classes she comes over and we binge some more Gilmore Girls and make out when the theme song plays. And then almost every night I go over to her place and we talk and make out and then end up falling asleep together. I've even slept through the entire night because I knew she was next to me. It's the best sleep I've gotten in years.

I loved it.

I don't why I didn't like relationships before but damn this girl is everything I've ever wanted.

"Okay, if you could go any place in the world. Where would you go?" She asks as she spins in a circle on the ice.

I snuck us back into the ice rink, I knew Coach would lose his mind if he found out but I was keeping my fingers crossed that he wouldn't walk in on us again. I loved bringing Taylor to the ice rink, I could tell she loved skating again. And I was glad to be a part of it.

"My grandparents lake house." I answer without a thought.

She smiles, "Where is it?"

"It's about 2 hours away from my home in Boston." I explain as I skate over to her.

"You have to take me." She orders.

"Of course I will." I smile down at her.

I take her hand and spin her in a circle before pulling her against my body. She laughs before I lean in and kiss her. My favorite girl.

We pull away and she looks up at me with those gorgeous eyes of hers, "Isn't it crazy that we were always so close to each other and didn't even know. I mean I went to your rivalry school back in highschool." She thinks out loud.

I nod, "Yeah, it's insane. You know what's crazier?"

"What?"

"We met before that day at The Grill." I tell her.

She frowns, "No, we didn't."

I nod, "Yeah, we did. It was at Eli's Halloween party last year."

"You're lying. I would've remembered." She says.

"I was the guy who knocked you over while doing a handstand." I remind her as I tuck her hair behind her ear.

She stares at me for a moment, trying to recall the memory that both of us had forgotten.

She gasps, "Oh my god. You were dressed as The Joker."

I smile and nod, "You were a ladybug."

"Holy shit. That was you? You messed up my ladybug wings when you knocked me over!" She says as she slaps my chest, playfully.

I chuckle, "Sorry about that."

"I can't believe that we met before." She replies.

"I know. I hate that I didn't talk to you then. I could've had you in my life sooner." I sigh as I run my hand through my hair.

"You were drunk, I don't blame you." She smiles.

I look at her. I wish I could tell her the truth. I hate that I had to make a bet with my friend over you to notice you. To realize how much I needed you. I hated myself for it. I wanted to tell her. The words were on the tip of my tongue. But I couldn't bear the reality of her leaving. She'd never forgive me.