Finding Us (Christian Interracial Romance)

One Text, Two Worlds

Jeremy 

I sit on the edge of my bed, staring at the open suitcase lying on the floor. It's almost funny—I'm packing like I'm going on some long trip when, really, I'm just heading out for the night. Noah and Brock are waiting for me at Bruno's. They've probably already ordered a round of drinks and some wings. I check the time on my phone. Still early, but I don't want to keep them waiting too long. I grab a clean shirt from the dresser, nothing fancy, just a simple black tee, and slip it on. I'm tying my shoes when my phone buzzes next to me on the bed.

I glance at the screen, fully expecting it to be Noah or Brock hassling me about being late. But when I see the name, I freeze. Cecilia.

It's been months since we've spoken. The last time didn't exactly end on good terms. I unlock the phone, staring at the message.

Cecilia: Hey Jeremy, just saw the 'Fading Into You' video. You were outstanding! Congrats on the new role.

I read it again, half-expecting the words to change. Cecilia hasn't messaged me since the blowup—since she called me out for believing Hannah's lies. I knew I messed up, but I never thought she'd cut me off for good. Yet, here it is: a message, and not just any message—a compliment. And a friendly one at that.

I sit down, my hand gripping the phone a little tighter. My mind goes back to the days when we could just text each other about anything. Movies, TV shows, music, stupid jokes, and catching up with each other's day. God, I miss that. I miss her. But this text... maybe this is a start. Maybe we can mend things.

I take a breath and type back.

Me: Thanks, Cecilia. It means a lot coming from you. And congrats again on the Grammy. You deserve it.

I hesitate for a second, then hit send.

There. No overthinking. Just being... normal. Friendly. That's a step, right?

I slide the phone into my pocket, grab my jacket from the back of the chair, and head out of my room. The quiet of my parents' place feels like a weight. I've been staying here for a while now, ever since things got complicated with the show, and then with Hannah, and... Athena along with Cecilia. But I won't get into that tonight. Not when I'm supposed to be meeting my best friends for a night out. I need this.

As I walk downstairs, I pass by family photos on the wall. There's one of me, Noah, and Brock from back in high school. The three of us, grinning like idiots. I smile a little at the memory.

Outside, the air feels cool against my skin, the Los Angeles breeze refreshing after being cooped up. I hop into my car, start the engine, and make the short drive to Bruno's on N Norton Ave. It's not the fanciest spot, but it's our spot. Rustic decor, laid-back vibes, and good drinks. What more could we need?

I pull up, park, and head inside. As soon as I step in, I spot Noah and Brock sitting in the booth near the dim windows in the back. They're already laughing about something, a couple of beers and wings in front of them. The second they see me, they break into grins.

"About time, man!" Noah stands up and pulls me into a hug, clapping me on the back.

Brock's right behind him, giving me a bear hug that's way too tight for comfort. "What took you so long? You were getting fan mail now after that music video?" He grins, wiggling his eyebrows.

I laugh, shaking my head. "Yeah, something like that."

I sit down and Brock slides me a beer. "You know, you were surprisingly convincing as Amaya's boyfriend. I mean, we've seen you pretend to care about a lot of people on TV, but that? That was a new level."

Noah chuckles, raising his glass. "It's all in the eyes, right? The smolder."

"Yeah, yeah. Keep talking. You guys are just jealous you didn't get to hang out with her," I say, taking a sip.

"True," Brock admits. "But honestly, how's everything been? Haven't seen you in a bit. Sylvia's been under the weather, so Noah and I've been in full dad mode."

I glance at Noah, raising an eyebrow. "Under the weather? You mean...?"

Noah smirks, leaning back in his seat. "She's pregnant, man."

Brock lets out a cheer, practically knocking over his beer. "Told you! I knew it. Congrats, dude!"

I laugh, shaking my head. "Wow. Congratulations, man. That's huge."

"Yeah, huge and terrifying," Noah says, but he's smiling. "Sylvia's been feeling it, though. Morning sickness. The whole deal. But we're excited."

"Of course you are," I say. "And you, Brock? Any more little ones on the way?"

Brock grins, leaning back like a king surveying his kingdom. "Oh, you know it. Jacqueline and I are expecting number three."

I nearly spit out my drink. "What? Again?"

"Damn right," Brock says, raising his glass. "Can't stop the Hendricks baby train. We're building an empire."

Noah shakes his head, laughing. "An empire of chaos, you mean."

"Details," Brock says with a dismissive wave. "But seriously, you guys should get on this dad train. It's wild, but it's worth it. Jeremy, you could use some chaos in your life."

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, I think I have enough chaos already. And besides, I don't see myself in 'dad mode' anytime soon."

Noah chuckles. "That's fair. You're too busy being a heartthrob in music videos now. I mean, look at you—'Fading Into You'? Pretty big deal."

Brock nods, feigning a serious expression. "Yeah, we always knew you were going to end up as someone's fictional boyfriend. We just didn't expect it to be Amaya Moon."

I shake my head, laughing. "You guys are ridiculous."

"No, we're just proud," Noah says, raising his glass again. "Here's to Jeremy, the fictional boyfriend of the year."

I laugh and clink glasses with them, taking another drink. It feels good being here with them. Easy. Like nothing's changed, even though a lot has. And even though that message from Cecilia is still floating around in the back of my mind, I'm not ready to bring it up. Not yet. Tonight is about hanging out, catching up, and pretending like things are normal.

"So, when's the next video?" Brock asks, leaning forward like he's waiting for some big secret.

"Yeah, you know, when's the full-length version of you and Amaya dropping?" Noah adds, waggling his eyebrows.

I shake my head. "You two are never gonna let that go, are you?"

"Absolutely not," Brock says, grinning.

The conversation continues, bouncing between old memories and new updates. Brock talks about the chaos of having two kids under five and how they're preparing for the third. Noah shares some of the crazy pregnancy cravings Sylvia's been having—apparently, toothpaste and ice cream is a real thing.

And through it all, I can't help but think about the text from Cecilia. I wonder if she'll respond again. If this is the first step toward fixing things between us. It feels good knowing she saw the video, that she cared enough to reach out. Even if it's small, it's something.

As the night goes on, Bruno's fills up with its usual crowd, the familiar hum of chatter and laughter filling the rustic bar. We order another round, and Brock makes a joke about how his kids could probably run a business with the amount of energy they have. Noah challenges him to see who can chug their drink faster, which results in Brock nearly spitting beer all over the table.

By the time we decide to call it a night, I feel lighter. The weight that's been pressing on me for the past few months isn't completely gone, but it's a little easier to bear.

We step outside, the cool night air hitting us as we walk toward our cars. Noah and Brock are still ribbing each other, but as I unlock my car, I pull out my phone one last time. I check for a response from Cecilia. Nothing yet, but that's okay.

Maybe we're taking one step at a time.