The Girl Next Door

33. Crossing the Line

Alex's POV

After English Lit, Matt, Astrid, and I spilled out of the classroom like bees fleeing a disturbed hive. Matt veered off to Trig, Astrid floated toward Arts, and I was sentenced to History. Naturally, I decided to walk Astrid to her class—because who wouldn't want an extra minute of awkward, heart-thudding interaction?

"I'll see you at lunch?" I asked, as if it were some groundbreaking proposal.

Astrid gave me one of those polite chuckles, the kind that says, "Relax, it's not that deep." "Of course. Same spot."

And with that, she disappeared into her classroom, leaving me wondering why my brain always short-circuited around her.

I trudged off to History and felt my mood lift when I spotted Geoff sprawled at our usual spot at the back, looking like he'd already aged ten years waiting for me.

"Geoff!" I greeted, and we did our signature handshake—a confusing mix of slaps, snaps, and fist bumps that had no rhythm but tons of flair.

I dropped into the seat next to him, and before I could even uncap my pen, he grinned like a cat with a secret.

"So," he said, his voice dripping with mock drama, "what's the latest episode of Alex and Astrid: The Never-Ending Saga? Any steamy confessions, heartfelt glances, or—wait, let me guess—did you ask her what her favorite shade of blue is?"

I groaned. "It's teal, Geoff. TEAL. And I'll have you know, I'm building rapport."

Geoff leaned forward, propping his elbows on the desk like he was about to drop the world's biggest truth bomb. "Alex, buddy, listen. You're walking a fine line here, and that line's called the friend zone. You think being her fake boyfriend forever is gonna make her fall for you? Nah, man. That's like playing the championship game and never taking a shot."

I frowned. "It's not like that. I'm giving her space, okay? She's dealing with a lot, and the last thing she needs is me messing things up with feelings she might not even want to deal with."

Geoff snorted, rolling his eyes so hard I thought they'd stick. "Bro, you are the feelings. You're already part of her life—like, a big part. Who was it she called when everything went down? You. Who's the guy she trusts to pretend-date her? Still you. That's not a coincidence, dude. That's a sign."

I crossed my arms, leaning back in my chair. "She doesn't need a boyfriend right now. She needs a friend."

"Yeah, but guess what? Friends don't get jealous when other guys flirt with her," Geoff said, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm not jealous," I shot back a little too quickly.

"Oh, sure. And I'm secretly the quarterback of the Patriots," he deadpanned, before flashing a knowing grin.

I groaned, rubbing my face. "Why do you care so much anyway?"

"Because you're my best friend, and I can't watch you slow-burn your way to heartbreak," Geoff said dramatically, like he was reciting some tragic Shakespearean monologue. "Plus, it's so obvious she's into you. Like, dude, she chose you for this whole fake relationship thing. That's not something you ask a guy you don't trust—or don't like."

I opened my mouth to argue but stopped. He wasn't entirely wrong, and that's what made it worse.

Geoff leaned closer, dropping the teasing tone for once. "Look, I get it, okay? Timing matters. But don't let her think you're just cool with this whole fake boyfriend thing forever. Eventually, you gotta let her know where you stand. You deserve to be more than a backup plan, Alex."