Older || 18+

20. Emma 🌶️

"Oh yeah, I really like that," Alex exclaims as I show him my idea for our graphic design project.

I breathe a sigh of relief, a smile creeping onto my face. "Yeah, me too. I'm so glad you're on board. I was kind of nervous about it." Working with Alex has been a breeze; we've hit our stride, ideas flowing back and forth like a well-rehearsed duet. He's the perfect partner for this project, blending creativity with an easygoing attitude that makes even the toughest challenges seem surmountable.

As I'm explaining the details of the project to Alex, I'm interrupted by a text message.

Ares: Hey, baby girl. How's your day going?

My heart flutters at the sight of his name on my phone screen. I type out a quick reply, careful not to draw too much attention from Alex.

Emma: It's going well. Just working on a project with Alex.

Ares: I miss you.

Emma: I miss you too.

"Who's got you smiling like that? Is it a guy?" Alex asks, peeking over my shoulder.

My cheeks flame with color, and I quickly shut off my phone screen. "No one. It's nothing." I stammer, hoping my sudden interest in the floor isn't too obvious.

But Alex, being Alex, just chuckles, his teasing tone light. "Oh, come on. It's obvious. You were practically glowing. It's okay. You can tell me."

I finally had the talk with Alex, before we started this project together. The one where I told him I wasn't interested in him as more than a friend. I finally laid it all out, confessing that while I treasured our friendship, that's all there was to it. His reaction? Laughter, followed by a knowing nod. He said he knew I didn't think of him like that, even if he had a crush. He just enjoys being around me. He then dubbed us 'platonic soulmates,' a title that, oddly enough, fit perfectly.

Now that we have the awkwardness out of the way, it feels even easier to confide in him.

My voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper. "Alright, fine. Yes, there is a guy. But I can't tell you who."

"Oh, come on! You can't keep me in the dark!" he whines, nudging my arm.

"I can and I will. It's just... complicated. And new. Very new. I'm not ready to share yet."

He's pouting now, and it's kind of adorable. "Okay, fine. But can you at least tell me if I know him? Does he go here? What's his major? Give me something."

"He doesn't go here," I confess. "But that's all I'm telling you."

Alex shakes his head, his smile widening. "Well, hopefully, your uncle likes him better than he likes me."

"Ares likes you," I protest, even if I'm not so sure about the statement. I mean, Ares did dislike him when he thought we were sleeping together, but he now knows that isn't the case.

"Yeah, okay. You could have fooled me."

"He's just protective of me."

"That's an understatement," Alex mutters, rolling his eyes.

We spend another two hours working on our project, but the rumble of my stomach reminds me that we need to take a break for food.

"Do you want to go get some lunch? My treat," Alex offers.

"Sure, I'm starving."

Instead of eating on campus, I suggest that we drive down to a café I like. It just so happens to be the cafe Skylar works at.

The bell jingles as we enter the cafe. My eyes immediately find Skylar, who's effortlessly charming a customer at a nearby table.

"Hey, Sky!" I call out, waving.