Can't Seem To Hide It

A Turn

 Chapter 42:

The day began with an air of excitement and anticipation. Paige and Azzi had planned a low-key day with their teammates, enjoying a relaxing brunch and a few games in the common room. The atmosphere was light-hearted, filled with laughter and playful banter. It was a welcome break from their rigorous training and busy schedules.

As the afternoon approached, the group decided to head to a local café that had recently opened. It was known for its cozy ambiance and delicious pastries—a perfect spot for a casual hangout. Paige and Azzi were especially excited, having heard great things about the place.

The café was bustling with people, but the team managed to secure a large table in the corner. They settled in, eagerly scanning the menu as they chatted about their upcoming games and personal plans. Paige and Azzi, sitting side by side, couldn't help but steal glances at each other, their connection as strong as ever.

While they were waiting for their order, Paige's phone buzzed with a message. She glanced at it and noticed a text from Nathan, who had been trying to reconnect with her after their recent confrontation. The message was friendly, an attempt to clear the air and apologize for the awkward situation he had caused. Paige hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond.

Azzi noticed Paige's hesitation and gently touched her arm. "Everything okay?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Paige sighed and showed Azzi the message. "It's Nathan. He's trying to make amends. I'm not sure how to handle this."

Azzi read the message and gave Paige a reassuring smile. "You should do what feels right for you. If you need to talk to him, do it. But remember, you have me and the team here to support you."

Before Paige could respond, Aubrey, who had been observing the exchange, chimed in with her usual humor. "Don't worry, Paige. If Nathan tries anything funny, we'll be ready to handle it."

The group laughed, easing the tension in the air. As they continued their conversation, Azzi and Paige's attention was drawn to the café's entrance, where a familiar face appeared—Jalen Suggs, Paige's old friend. He was in town for a brief visit and had decided to drop by the café for a coffee.

Paige's eyes widened in surprise when she saw Jalen. She hadn't expected to see him again so soon after his last visit. Jalen spotted Paige and made his way over to their table, a broad smile on his face.

"Hey, Paige! Fancy seeing you here!" Jalen exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

Paige stood up to greet him, her face lighting up with a mix of surprise and happiness. "Jalen! What a coincidence! How are you?"

"I'm good," Jalen said, giving Paige a friendly hug. "Just in town for a quick visit. I heard you were hanging out here, so I thought I'd drop by."

As Jalen joined the table, Azzi couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. She had heard about Jalen's previous visit and knew the history between him and Paige. It wasn't lost on her that their previous interactions had stirred some emotions.

Jalen quickly picked up on the dynamics at the table and made an effort to engage with everyone, including Azzi. He was charming and friendly, and while he made an effort to include everyone in the conversation, Azzi couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort.

The conversation flowed naturally, with Jalen recounting stories from his recent travels and catching up with Paige about old times. The rest of the team joined in, but Azzi found it increasingly difficult to focus on the conversation. She felt like an outsider in a moment that was deeply personal for Paige.

When Jalen excused himself to get another round of drinks, Azzi seized the opportunity to pull Paige aside. They walked to a quieter corner of the café, away from the rest of the group.

"Paige, can we talk for a minute?" Azzi asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Paige looked at her, noticing the unease in Azzi's eyes. "Of course. What's on your mind?"

Azzi took a deep breath before speaking. "I'm just feeling a bit uncomfortable with Jalen being here. I know you have a history with him, and I can't help but feel a bit... left out."

Paige reached out and took Azzi's hand, her expression softening. "I understand. Jalen and I have a past, but that's all it is now. You're the one I'm focused on."

Azzi's eyes softened, but she still looked troubled. "I know you care about me, but seeing you with him brought up some insecurities. I just want to make sure that our relationship is as strong as I believe it is."

Paige pulled Azzi into a reassuring hug. "Our relationship is strong. I love you, and that's never going to change. I'm sorry if Jalen's visit made you feel otherwise."

As they returned to the table, Jalen had just come back with the drinks. He noticed the brief exchange between Paige and Azzi but chose not to comment. Instead, he continued to engage with the group, his presence adding a lively element to the afternoon.

The rest of the time at the café was filled with laughter and good-natured teasing. Despite the initial discomfort, Azzi found herself enjoying the company of Paige's friends and feeling more at ease.

When Jalen eventually said his goodbyes and left, the team's mood shifted to one of relief. Azzi and Paige shared a meaningful look, their earlier conversation lingering in their minds. The day had been a reminder of the complexities of relationships and the importance of communication.

As they headed back to the dorm, Paige and Azzi walked hand in hand, their bond reaffirmed by the challenges they had faced. The chapter closed with them entering their room, ready to face whatever came next together, their love and commitment to each other as strong as ever.