Chapter 38: "It Was a Power Move"

17 2 9
                                    

 "There are darknesses in lifeand there are lights, and you are one of the lights,the light of all lights

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

"There are darknesses in life
and there are lights, and you are one of the lights,
the light of all lights."
(Bram Stoker, Dracula).

|◁ II ▷|

A comfortable silence settles in the car as we drive. Usually, Nico has a lot to say. I'd get to hear her random thoughts, her worries, some random stories, and maybe even a short analysis on myself. Right now, however, she's quiet. I glance at her every once in a while. Her swirling green eyes are focused on the view out the window, and I can see her lowered brows from the glare on the window. She looks lost in thought.

My own mind goes into itself, pondering as I drive. My day has been eventful. Football was very welcome news, but Nico... I wouldn't trade any second of my time with Nico today for a spot on the team. Even earlier when she had her phone out and some part of myself whispered she's texting Sam. She thought over his worries and fears, and she's leaving. My heart had dropped at the thought.

I look back over at Nico and see a small smile on her face.

She turns her head to me and pauses. "Watching the road, are we?"

I let a breath escape through my nose, giving the impression of a small laugh. "Yes, yes."

I pull in front of Nico's house a few seconds later. I walk over to Nico's side, finding her trying to open the door with the petit fours in her arms. I pull the door open and take the container from her. She thanks me quietly, and we load up the treats in our arms.

Nico turns the handle, but the door doesn't open. She sighs harshly. "Oh, my word."

She jabs the doorbell. I glance over at her face, seeing her annoyed expression and catching her mid-eyeroll. She's so adorable.

The door opens, revealing a shirtless West in flannel pj pants. He narrows his eyes at me.

"Well, well, well," he starts. "I—"

His eyes land on the desserts in our arms. "Ooo, dessert."

He backs away, waving us through the door. I let Nico walk in first, and I follow her to the kitchen. West follows the desserts to the kitchen.

Nico sets the treats down and pushes West away from them. "Why on earth was the door locked? I told you I was coming."

West's green eyes find mine. "It was a power move."

West opens one of the containers and starts eating the treats.

"He's got no shame," Nico whispers to me.

Risky DecisionsWhere stories live. Discover now