Whispered Promises

Chapter 29 - Unspoken Realities

Josy's POV

Winter nights in California aren't as harsh as other places, but there's still a chill in the air that makes you want to curl up inside, wrapped in warmth. Tonight, it's just me and Alex, finally having our long-overdue girls' night. A welcome break from the chaos that always seems to come with every weekend party or drama. With her house empty for the night and a cozy atmosphere in her living room, we've set ourselves up with blankets, popcorn, and the kind of chocolate that melts your worries away, even if just for a little while.

"So," Alex starts, her voice casual, but I know her well enough to catch that familiar glint in her eyes. "Where's your head at? You've been a little distant lately."

I smile at her, because of course she knows. Alex always knows. I toss a piece of popcorn in the air and catch it in my mouth. "My head's everywhere, honestly."

"Yeah? That's a big place to be stuck in," she teases, nudging me with her foot. "Come on, spill."

I take a deep breath, letting the words flow out as naturally as I can. "Well, there's college, you know? I'm still trying to figure out where I actually want to go. I've applied to a few places—Columbia, NYU, Yale—but part of me wonders if I should also stay closer to here. I don't know what Jackson's plans are yet, but..." I trail off, uncertain.

Alex raises an eyebrow. "Are you thinking of choosing your college based on Jackson?" Her voice holds that edge of concern, the same one she's had ever since we started this whole 'fake relationship' thing.

"I know, I know," I quickly defend, feeling a little defensive. "It's not the smartest way to make a decision. But it's not just about him. It's about everyone—my family, my friends... you." I sigh. "I want to go somewhere that feels right, but how do you know what's right until you get there?"

She gives me a knowing look. "Josy, you know I've warned you about getting too deep into this whole thing with Jackson. You're a hopeless romantic, and I don't want to see you get hurt if it's all just pretend." Her voice softens. "Just be careful, okay?"

I nod, but there's a tug in my chest. The truth is, Jackson's been on my mind more than I want to admit. Our public dates have been full of tension—so much kissing, so many close moments where it felt like we could cross a line—but we never have. There's always something that pulls us back just in time, whether it's a crowded party, a perfectly timed interruption, or maybe just the uncertainty lingering between us. But that tension... it's thick, and it's hard to ignore.

I can feel Alex's eyes on me, studying me closely. "You haven't talked to him about it, have you?" she asks, reading me like an open book.

"No," I admit, biting my lip. "It's complicated. It's just that things between Jackson and me... they feel real, even though we keep telling ourselves it's just for show. We haven't really talked about anything. It's just been... kissing and almost moments. But what if it's only real for me?What if he's just really good at pretending?I don't know if he feels the same way, and I don't want to mess things up."

"Josy," Alex sighs, shaking her head. "You can't keep doing this to yourself. you have to talk to him eventually. You deserve to know the truth, and the only way to get that is to talk to him. You guys have been playing this dangerous game for months now, and it's clearly messing with both of your heads. If you don't clear the air, someone's going to end up hurt."

I feel a lump form in my throat, but I nod. She's right. She's always right. "I'll talk to him... soon," I promise, though the thought terrifies me. But the fear of rejection is real, and I can't shake the feeling that everything could crumble if we talked about it. So, for now, the tension lingers, like a bubble we're both too afraid to pop.

"Good." Alex smiles, but there's still that flicker of worry in her eyes. "Just remember what I said. Don't let this fake relationship turn into something that's real for only one of you. I don't want to see you get hurt."

"I won't," I assure her, even though I'm not sure if that's a promise I can keep. "But enough about me. What about you and Levi?"

Alex groans, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Don't even start."

"Oh, I'm starting." I nudge her playfully. "I see the way you two look at each other. There's definitely something there."

She blushes—actually blushes—and it makes me smile. "There's nothing to talk about," she says, but her voice betrays her.

"Liar," I accuse, throwing popcorn at her. "Come on, spill."

She sighs dramatically but then gives me a small, genuine smile. "Fine. We've been talking more. But only because we have to. He has his sweet moments, but he is still pushing my buttons. I don't know. Maybe something will happen. Maybe not. I'm just going with the flow."

I beam at her. "See? Life doesn't have to be all figured out just yet. We've got time."

"True," she agrees. "And speaking of time, don't think I haven't noticed how much you've been hanging out with Jackson lately. You two are getting awfully close for a 'fake couple.'" Her tone is teasing, but there's an undercurrent of seriousness.

I swallow hard, trying to ignore the knot in my stomach. "It's all part of the act, right?"

Alex gives me a pointed look. "Don't get dragged too deep into this while I'm gone. You know how you are, and I'd hate to come back from Hawaii and find out you've done something stupid."

I laugh, but it's more nervous than anything. "I'll be fine. Besides, you'll have your hands full with Levi and Lucien. How's that going, by the way?"

She groans again, clearly not thrilled with the topic. "Lucien is... intense. But he's a good tutor and cute too, I guess. Hawaii's going to be a nice break from all of that, though."

"Sounds amazing," I say wistfully. "I wish I could go with you."

"You can live vicariously through my Instagram," she teases. "But seriously, Josy. While I'm gone, promise me you'll talk to Jackson. Don't let things fester. And for the love of God, don't do anything stupid."

I smile at her, appreciating her concern even if it makes me feel a little guilty. "I promise. I'll try not to get in too much trouble while you're off sipping drinks by the beach."

"Good," she says, throwing a pillow at me. "Because if I come back and find out you've fallen head over heels for Jackson without knowing how he feels, I'm going to kick your ass."

I laugh, catching the pillow and tossing it back at her. But as we settle back into our blankets, the weight of her words lingers in the air. Because deep down, I know that she's right. I need to talk to Jackson—really talk to him—before this fake relationship turns into something I can't control. But for now, I'll enjoy this moment with Alex, wrapped in warmth and friendship, even as the uncertainty of the future looms just beyond the horizon.

❇