One Temptation

So close (Chapter 30)

It was Friday now, and I couldn't believe how much had changed. West and I had actually gotten along so well lately. 

Now, sitting at Lia's house, I watched as Cole, West, and Jake bickered over a video game, their arguments filling the room.

Still, I couldn't shake the worry of what would happen when the weekend ended. Would things go back to how they were, or could this new dynamic last? 

For now, though, I just wanted to enjoy the fun.

We luckily had the whole of next week off though, there was this event thing that the seniors weren't needed at. 

We were all lounging around, laughing and chatting when Jake suddenly broke in. "You know what sounds really good right now? Gran Lizzy's salsa. I haven't had it in ages."

"You had it not even 2 weeks ago." Em snorted.

"It's been too long." he whines. "That stuff is legendary, I could eat a whole jar by myself."

Lia laughed. "Remember that time we had a salsa challenge? I think I lost track after the third jar."

Everyone laughed at the memory.

I was about to add my own story when West spoke up, a grin spreading across his face. "You know, Gran Lizzy actually told me she misses all of you. She wants to see you guys."

"Wait, seriously?" Cole perked up, excited.

"Yeah, she asked me to bring you guys over. Like the sleep over thing we used to do."

The room erupted into cheers, everyone grinning from ear to ear. "We're going to see Gran Lizzy!" Jake squealed.

Em nudged me playfully. "Looks like we are going to have some fun, Madison."

"Definitely," I replied, feeling a rush of excitement. 

But then my gaze met West's, and for a moment, everything else faded. There was something in his smile that made my heart skip a beat.

We hadn't talked about what happened since Monday.

"Just so you know," he said, leaning a bit closer, "Gran Lizzy has a strict rule: no whining about bedtime."

"Good luck enforcing that," I teased, trying to mask the butterflies in my stomach.

He laughed softly, "Challenge accepted."

Just then, Jake shouted, "We're all going, right? No one's missing out on Gran Lizzy's food."

Everyone responded with a yes. I realised I was too busy smiling like an idiot to notice everyone  --especially West-- staring at me for an answer.

"Obviously." I grin, "It's been a while since I've seen her." 

At that West smiled me we kinda stared at each other, a stupid smile on both of our faces. 

"We are literally free all of next week," Lia said, "Let's go then." 

Everyone cheered in agreement, but then Cole frowned. "I have to head home for a bit. Family stuff," he said, looking a little disappointed.

"We'll meet up tomorrow morning,?" Lia asked,

"Absolutely," he promised. As he turned to leave, he leaned down and kissed Lia softly. "I love you."

"I love you too," she replied, her cheeks flushing a bright shade of pink.

The rest of us couldn't help but tease them. "Aw, look at the lovebirds!" Jake called out, grinning.