Rival Lovers

| 007 |

Chapter 7: Bumping into trouble

"I'm so mad I can't sleep over just because of that stupid boy toy!"

My best friend, Tilly, vented over the phone. Her frustration was practically tangible, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes in agreement.

"I know, right? It's ridiculous," I said, feeling equally annoyed.

"He's allowed to have his older brother over whenever he wants, but somehow you staying the night is a problem?"

I let out a frustrated sigh as I tossed my phone onto the bed, switching it to speaker mode so I could continue rummaging through my closet. There was a party later tonight, and I still hadn't decided on an outfit.

"Wait — Lucas has an older brother?"

Tilly gasped, confused and intrigued

"Exactly!" I exclaimed, still in disbelief.

"Apparently forever, but did he ever mention that to me? No. Just walks into my life unannounced. And how are they both hot?!"

"No way," Tilly laughed. "They must have some sexy ass parents."

"Trust me, this guy—Jay, by the way—he's got that whole mysterious vibe going on. Tattoo, scar, the works."

"Oh my god. So what, now you've got two Lucases to deal with? Please tell me this one's more tolerable."

I groaned again.

"He's definitely more tolerable, but Lucas is already being his usual grumpy self about the whole thing. Like, the first words out of his mouth were, 'Don't get any ideas.'"

Tilly laughed loudly through the phone. "Oh, that's rich. Like you're plotting world domination with his brother."

"Right? Like, chill, Lucas. You're not that important. But Jay? He's enrolling at our college, too. So, this isn't just a short visit."

"You're kidding me! The plot thickens," Tilly teased, her voice filled with excitement. "So, what's the deal with him? Is he Lucas 2.0 or is there actually hope?"

"Honestly," I said, biting my lip. "He's... not bad. I think he enjoys watching Lucas and me argue. It's like free entertainment for him. But so far, he's definitely better than Lucas. By a long shot."

"I give it a week before things get interesting between you two," Tilly said knowingly.

I laughed, shaking my head. "Please, the last thing I need is to get tangled up in Lucas' family drama."

"Uh-huh," she said sarcastically. "You say that now, but I know you, Zara. Keep me updated. This sounds like prime reality TV material."

"I will," I said with a sigh. "But if you don't hear from me in a few days, just assume Lucas has killed me out of pure annoyance."

"Noted," Tilly said, still laughing. "Good luck surviving Casa de Lucas."

"Well, at least we've got the party tonight. He can't ruin that, right?"

I smirked, grabbing my phone off the bed and switching it off speaker.

"No way. I'm going to make sure I have the best time. I just need to get out of this place for a while. We'll dance, we'll laugh, and for one night, I can pretend like he doesn't exist."

"Now that sounds like a plan,"

Tilly said, the excitement creeping back into her voice. "But seriously, if he gets too much, just move in with me. We'll figure it out."