Irresistible

TWENTY THREE

"Lils!" Brooke yells as I run up to her for a hug.

"Hi!" I smile, wrapping my arms around her tightly.

We're at the airport, and I'm meeting Brooke and Elijah. It's Saturday now, and classes start again on Monday. Despite everything, I feel a rush of excitement seeing my friends again.

I haven't heard anything from my parents, and to be honest, I don't care.

Ever since that awful fight, I've been staying at Sage's house most of the time, whenever she's not working. It's been a huge relief to be away from the constant tension at home.

I feel so happy since Sage and I made things official. She's the best girlfriend ever, already spoiling me with gifts and affection.

And let's not forget about the amazing sex. I've never felt more alive, more wanted, more... me.

But things will be harder now that my friends are back from break. I know I'll have to tell Brooke soon about Sage and me. I don't want Elijah stuck in my lie either.

I'm planning to wait until things are less hectic before I break the news to Brooke. With classes starting again, I don't want to add to the chaos.

"How was Arizona? I missed you!" I ask after we pull away from the hug.

"Missed you too. It was so good!" Brooke beams. Seeing her lively personality again is refreshing. I've missed both of my friends so much. "I hung out with some friends, my parents. But girl, I need a night out. And I miss my man."

"Did someone say a night out?" a voice calls from behind us.

We turn around just in time to be attacked by a blue-headed boy with a huge group bear hug.

Brooke and I stumble back from the force, but we all laugh.

"Jesus, someone's excited to see us," I laugh.

"I missed y'all! Florida was fun, I got drunk as fuck, but I miss the city," Elijah says, grabbing his suitcase. Brooke does the same, and we start making our way out of the airport together.

Brooke decided to come over to our place to hang out, which, in all fairness, I haven't really been at all.

"It's so clean in here," Elijah says, surprised, as we walk inside.

I chuckle awkwardly. "Ha, yeah..."

Elijah gives me a weird look at my awkward answer but quickly changes the subject as we all head to the living room and flop onto the couch.

"So, are you guys down to go out tonight?" Elijah asks, putting his feet up.

Brooke cheers, "Yes! Do you guys mind if we invite the rest of the group?"

"Of course, invite whoever you want," I reply with a smile. I could use a night out too.

Elijah nods in agreement, already scrolling through his phone to send out invites. "The more, the merrier," he chimes in.

As we lounge on the couch, chatting about our breaks and plans for the night, I can't help but feel a little happier now that I'm with my friends.

I glance at Brooke, her long blonde hair pulled into a ponytail. She's engrossed in her phone, probably texting the rest of our friends as well.

Brooke looks up and smiles at me with those extra familiar blue eyes. "So, how was Rhode Island, Lils? Didn't you get back just the other day?"

I gulp. I haven't told anyone about the fight with my parents or how I left Rhode Island at the beginning of the break.