My dream life

5 • Zelah

I leaned into Xavier's arm, glancing at Kelcie on his other side. She was scrolling on her phone through Instagram.

We were swimming in Jordan's pool, but now we were just lounging outside watching Love Love Island, as one of the bachelorettes must decide on a guy to kick off the island.

'I pick... Jason.' "NOOOOO!!" Jordan exclaimed, and I stifled a laugh. "I told you, she's hated him since he and Valerie went on that date," Kelcie murmured.

"He was so hot... why even watch anymore..." Jordan whined. Jesse walked over with a beer, handing it to their wife. "He isn't my type, maybe if he had more hair," Jesse commented.

"That's cause you like women, dork." Jordan raised a brow, and Jesse laughed, "Hey, I can admit when a guy is attractive, though. Like Xavier, he's pretty attractive." They said, and Xavier smirked.

"Of course he is; if he weren't, I wouldn't be dating him." I joked, and his smirk quickly dropped. "I'm joking, Xav," I added, and Jordan giggled.

"Ugh, Valerie is such a bitch!" Kelcie said suddenly, gesturing to the TV. The woman on TV was arguing with one of the other women.

"I like Valerie; she stands on business," I noted, and Kelcie shook her head. "She's dated all the guys on the show but keeps going back to Felix, like just leave the show and get married already!"

Kelcie sighed, leaning her head on her palm. "He was her first love. I think it's sweet," Jesse said, sitting on the arm of Jordan's chair.

"You never get over your first," Xavier added, kissing my temple. We were each other's first love, since we've been together since my junior year.

"You do eventually," Kelcie remarked, clearly irritated. "sorry, right," Jordan said awkwardly. "I forgot about your ex..." I mumbled, and Kelcie glared.

Suddenly, my phone dinged from my purse. I grabbed it curiously.

'+1 (xxx)xxx-xxxx
message'

I unlocked my phone, opening the message.

Unknown Number

Hey, wanna get a drink together tomorrow or something?
This is Nick, btw.

I stared at the text, debating it internally. Xavier nudged my side. "Who are you texting?" he asked. I paused. "It's just Nick," I murmured.

"The hot brother?!" Jordan said abruptly, eavesdropping. Kelcie giggled, perking up. "Hot?" Xavier scowled, looking at me harshly. "Not my words..." I muttered.

Jesse scooted off the arm of the chair, "Oooh? Hot? Let me see." Jordan grabbed the back of their shirt. "I can show you on my phone; his Instagram is public."

Xavier furrowed his brows, "Why is my brother texting you?" He asked, sounding annoyed. "He just wanted to chat..." I whispered.

Xavier frowned. "Alright..." Kelcie coughed awkwardly. "I'm going to get some beer; why don't you come with me, Zee?" I nodded, quickly getting up as we headed inside.

As soon as we entered the kitchen, I took my phone, "I didn't realize Xavier would get so upset... I'll just ask for a raincheck with Nick—" "No!"

"You have to go and talk to him!" Kelcie said, grabbing my wrist. "But why?" I inquired.
Kelcie beamed, "Because you don't remember high school, and he does."

"And?" "Take the hint, Zee! You can finally figure out what happened in that part of your life you've forgotten." Kelcie stated seriously.

I glanced at my phone.

Nick

Hey, wanna get a drink together tomorrow or something?
This is Nick, btw.

Yeah.
Pick me up at 8.