Fleeting Flames - Jenna Ortega x Fem Reader

Part 13

The trip to Miami started smoothly, with Jenna instantly fitting in with your family, charming everyone with her warmth and quick wit. You both settled into a routine of casual glances and lingering touches that seemed to hint at more, yet you were still claiming "just friends."

During a family dinner, Jenna playfully fed you a bite of her food, and you couldn't help but laugh, catching the amused look your older brother threw your way. Jenna's hand lingered on your arm a little longer than necessary, her smile softening whenever she looked at you. The chemistry between you two was undeniable, and even though you both played it cool, the signs were becoming obvious.

After dinner, you both ended up in the living room, reminiscing over shared memories and laughing at inside jokes. Jenna leaned her head on your shoulder, and you instinctively brushed a stray hair from her face, drawing a knowing look from your mom and a quiet, "Aww," from your younger sister, who was watching with open curiosity.

As you were absentmindedly scrolling through your phones, your younger sister gasped, looking at Jenna with wide eyes. "Wait... you're Jenna Ortega?"

Jenna's cheeks flushed, and she nodded, a bashful smile breaking across her face. Your sister's jaw dropped, her shock quickly shifting to excitement. "Oh my god, this is huge! And you're friends with my lame sister?" She turned to you, mocking you but her eyes sparkling with questions.

"Yup, friends... something like that," Jenna murmured while looking in your direction, which only made your sister giggle.

You laughed it off, throwing a cushion on your sister's face and trying to play it cool, but Jenna's little tease left you feeling flustered, and your sister's glances were starting to feel more suspicious.

——

The next day, you were out at a cozy, familiar cafe with your family, soaking in the comforting sounds of coffee being ground and the soft murmur of conversation around you. You and Jenna stood in line, her arm brushing against yours as you talked quietly, feeling like you were in your own little world. Then, from the corner of your eye, you saw someone approaching—and your stomach dropped.

It was Taylor, your ex, and her expression shifted as she caught sight of you and Jenna together. She seemed to hesitate, her eyes narrowing slightly, but then she squared her shoulders and walked over, a polite but strained smile on her lips.

"Y/N," Taylor greeted, her voice light, though there was an edge to it that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. She gave a quick nod, her gaze drifting to Jenna, where a flicker of recognition crossed her face. "And... Jenna, right?"

Jenna gave her a small, courteous smile, her hand finding the small of your back with a subtle but reassuring touch. "Yeah, that's me." Her tone was calm, steady—a quiet confidence that didn't need to be louder to make its presence known.

Taylor's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes narrowing as she took in the ease with which Jenna touched you. The closeness. "Right," she replied, her voice a shade cooler. "Guess you two are... making the most of the holidays together?"

Jenna's hand stayed at your back, her thumb tracing slow, grounding circles that steadied you. But you felt a tightness in your chest, a subtle prick of guilt mixed with the awkwardness of the moment. This was something you had not planned.

Taylor let out a small, hollow laugh, her gaze lingering on the space between you and Jenna. "Well, good to see you again," she said, her tone stiff, as though politeness was an effort she could barely muster. She took a step back, but before she turned away, her eyes met yours, and something sharp and pained flashed there. "Miami's small—you two have fun... and be careful with that one." Her gaze hardened, and she added, "Loyalty's not her strong suit."