Game of Love

Chapter Six - The Cast Party

Emily's POV

Kaitlyn struggled to keep the shock off her face while Arjun discussed his recent transfer to Hartfeld. "Yeah, I'm here to stay. Hartfeld has an amazing anthropology department, and it's close to Northbridge... I figured it'd be a great fit," Arjun said.

"Yeah, that's... that's great!" Kaitlyn exclaimed.

"You look like I just told you my dog died."

"What? Oh, sorry... I'm glad you're coming to Hartfeld, really. I just... didn't expect it, that's all."

"Sorry... guess I'm full of surprises tonight. I'm gonna step outside for a second... I told my mom I'd check in. You know how she gets."

"Right, totally." Arjun headed outside, and Kaitlyn turned to me, looking worried. "Well, this just got a lot more difficult..."

"You're not actually going to spend all year hiding the truth from him... right?" I asked.

"Why not? That's what I did for basically all of middle school and high school..." Kaitlyn sighed and ran her hands through her hair. "I mean, part of me is happy he's gonna be around. Cause we are old friends, it's just... we were never close enough for him to know that."

"Well... maybe it's time for him to know. Because, I think he might have a thing for you."

"Huh?"

"You didn't notice? I definitely got a vibe from him..."

"That's crazy. We basically grew up together... I'm sure he doesn't see me that way. Besides... I'm just not ready to tell him. I thought I was ready when I kissed you onstage... but it's easy to be brave when you're playing a character, you know?"

"I know what you mean. I'm sorry if it feels like I'm pressuring you..."

"No, don't worry about it! I'm so glad I can talk to you about this stuff, Emily. It really -" Just then, Tripp and Logan barreled into the kitchen and yanked open our refrigerator door. "Uh, what are you guys looking for in our fridge?"

"We need your spiciest salsa!" Tripp exclaimed.

"Why, exactly?" I asked.

"I'm about to obliterate this fool in a salsa-eating competition," Logan said.

"I'm the judge!" Madison exclaimed.

"Right. I think I see what's going on here. We'll give you three some -" Just then, Tripp snagged a jar off the top shelf of our refrigerator door. The lid flew off, splashing me with salsa. "Tripp, what the hell?!" I exclaimed.

"Oh, crap! Sorry, Emily!" Tripp exclaimed.

"Party foul!" Logan exclaimed.

"Emily, your clothes! They're all salsa-y!" Madison exclaimed.

"Yeah, I noticed..." I said. I turned to Kaitlyn as Logan and Tripp started furiously devouring the salsa while Madison refereed. "I'm gonna go change. Talk later?"

"Of course," Kaitlyn said.

I pulled open my closet and looked at my options. "Hmm... it would be nice to dress up tonight... It's perfect! Maybe I should thank Tripp for getting salsa on me. I was hoping for a chance to show off this dress anyway..."

Once I was cleaned up and changed, I headed back into the living room, where Kaitlyn and Arjun were talking and laughing on the couch. Kaitlyn turned to look at me, and her eyes went wide, a pink blush spreading across her cheeks. "Wow, Emily..."

"Like my dress?"

Kaitlyn bit her lip and nodded, her expression careful. "Mhmm." She patted the seat beside her. "Come sit with us?"