bed chem | drew starkey

CHAPTER 6

LATE SEPTEMBER - EARLY OCTOBER 2023

Drew sat at a small corner table in his favorite café, a steaming cup of coffee in front of him. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room. He checked his phone, noticing the time, and looked up just as Aurora walked in.

She spotted him immediately, flashing a warm smile as she made her way over. Dressed casually but effortlessly chic, she always managed to stand out, even in the most understated way.

"Hey," she greeted, sliding into the seat across from him. "Thanks for meeting me."

"Always," Drew said, his voice relaxed. "How was your night?"

Aurora hesitated for half a second, then shrugged. "It was fine. Nothing too crazy."

But Drew, with his years of knowing her, could see through the casual tone. He raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "Alright, spill. How was hanging out with Devin?"

Aurora's cheeks flushed just a little as she took a sip of her coffee to buy herself a moment. "It was... nice," she admitted, setting her cup down. "I mean, he's fun, nice, and we had a good time. But—"

Drew's expression stayed neutral, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes. "But what?"

Aurora let out a small laugh, running her fingers through her hair. "I don't think it's serious. Like, I don't feel this... spark or whatever. It felt more like—" She searched for the words. "Like hanging out with someone who's cool but not someone I see myself with long-term."

Drew nodded, his tone light. "So, basically, he's a distraction."

Aurora shrugged, laughing softly. "Exactly. And don't get me wrong, distractions can be good. But I don't think it's going anywhere." She paused, narrowing her eyes at him. "Why are you so interested, anyway?"

Drew shrugged, taking a long sip of his coffee to avoid her gaze. "Just curious. I mean, he's Devin Booker. NBA star. Figured he'd have you falling head over heels."

Aurora rolled her eyes, smiling. "Please. My heels are perfectly intact. Besides, I just met the guy."

Drew tilted his head, clearly not done with his questions. "But did he, like, try anything? Was he super smooth, or did he make a fool of himself? I've always wondered if those big athlete types are awkward off the court."

Aurora gave him a suspicious look, leaning back in her chair. "Okay, why are you asking so many questions about Devin?"

Drew shrugged again, a little too nonchalantly. "I'm just curious."

Aurora raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. "Uh-huh," she said slowly, her voice dripping with skepticism.

Drew shifted under her gaze. "What?"

Aurora leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "You're jealous."

Drew's cheeks flushed instantly, and he quickly shook his head. "Jealous? Why would I be jealous of him?"

Aurora's smirk deepened, her tone teasing as she said, "I didn't say you were jealous of him..."

Drew froze for a moment, her words sinking in. His eyes widened as realization hit him. "Oh my god," he said, leaning back in his chair and pointing at her with mock accusation. "Aurora Martinez."

Aurora burst out laughing, clapping her hands together. "You should see your face right now! It's priceless."

Drew groaned, running a hand through his hair. "You're impossible."