Fortuitous {WLW}

Twenty-Seven: Wishing On Shooting Stars

Emerson's POV:

"You're a fucking idiot." Tate seethes as she slams the item she was stocking down.

I cringe at the sound as I close my eyes and prepare to be berated.

"What the fuck happened to never being a secret again? Because you realize that's all you are, right? You're just a fucking dirty secret." Tate lectures.

I shake my head, "it's not like that, Tate."

"It's not? Really? Because I'm pretty sure it is if you two have no labels, want to keep what's going on under wraps, and are having sex." Tate lectures.

I sigh as my shoulders drop, "it's more than just sex, Tate. You don't get it, you're not involved. You don't understand what we have."

"You probably don't either. You're delusional because Saylor fucking Holmes is finally giving you attention. You don't realize she's playing you." Tate expresses.

"She'll never take you serious enough to want whatever it is you two have going on forever." Tate says, rather harshly as causing my heart to break slightly.

"Whatever happened to being a supportive friend?" I snap.

She sighs as she rolls her eyes, "don't give me that shit right now, E."

I shake my head, "no, I would never act like this with you if the tables were turned. There's a difference between looking out for me and just being a massive bitch because you don't like Saylor because of who she hung out with in high school. Get over yourself and get to know her. Give her a chance and you'd see I'm not so crazy after all."

Tate crosses her arms along her chest, her eyes refusing to meet mine. I know she's mad, but I will not tolerate this behavior from her. I already deal with enough of this shit from Hadley, I will not put up with it from someone who is supposed to be my best friend.

The bell above the store rings, indicating someone has come in as both our eyes travel towards the entrance to see Saylor.

She nervously smiles and waves, probably picking up on the tension between Tate and I as she hesitantly walks over to us.

Seeing Saylor does bring me at ease slightly. Even with the argument with Tate, and the pressure on my chest from the tension, I feel like I can breathe a little bit knowing that Saylor is here.

"Hi." Saylor says softly as her eyes flicker between Tate and I.

"What's your game, Holmes?" Tate asks, redirecting her anger towards her.

I grab Tate by the shirt, dragging her to a different aisle before lecturing her in a whisper, "watch how you talk to her."

Tate's blue eyes widen at my anger, something that I don't normally display and especially not towards her.

"You're not even giving her a chance." I whisper harshly as my eyes narrow on her.

Tate smacks her lips as she looks away from me, only causing me to become more frustrated with her.

I shake my head, "don't act like Hadley right now. It's not a good look for you."

Tate gasps as her blue eyes stare daggers into mine, "you did not just compare me to your sister!"

"Stop acting like her and I wouldn't have." I state, firm in my stance.

Tate sighs as she loosens up her shoulders, trying her best to break away from her anger and attitude, but I know some of it lingers.

I'm not expecting her to be in love with the idea of Saylor and I being a thing or for her to be happy for us right off the bat, but being so cold and harsh is something I won't tolerate.