If Only (GxG)

Chapter 29 Really?

A/N
🎶Right Down The Line by Gerry Rafferty🎶

『 °*• ❀ •*°』
Alison's POV

The café was warm, filled with the rich scent of espresso and the low hum of conversation. The late-morning rush had settled, leaving just the quiet clinking of mugs, the occasional burst of laughter from another table, and the steady hum of life moving just outside the fogged-up windows.

Blake sat next to me, one arm casually slung across the back of my chair, her other hand wrapped around a cup of coffee. Rachel sat across from us, legs crossed, her blonde hair falling effortlessly into place as she stirred sugar into her drink.

The two of them—Blake and Rachel—were cut from the same cloth.

They had the same sharp, cool confidence, the same air of effortless dominance that made most people hesitate before approaching them. But while Blake was quieter about it, her presence more of a slow-building storm, Rachel was loud, unapologetic—all sharp smiles and teasing jabs, constantly pushing people just to see how they'd react.

It made sense that they were best friends.

They spoke the same language.

For a while, Blake had limited the time I spent around Rachel. Not because she actually disliked her, but because—well, Rachel and I had flirted before Blake and I got together. Harmless, casual flirting that had never meant anything, but still.

For a long time, it bothered her.

But now?

Now, she was over it.

Mostly.

Rachel was around more, and Blake didn't seem to mind. Though, every now and then, when we were all together, I'd catch it—her fingers flexing slightly against my hip, the subtle tightening of her grip when Rachel leaned in a little too close, the way she'd pull me into her lap or press a lingering kiss to my temple, as if to reaffirm something only she could feel.

She knew I had absolutely no interest in Rachel.

But Blake just couldn't help herself.

And honestly?

I thought it was kind of cute.

"So, Alison," Rachel said, leaning back in her chair, smirking as she tapped her nails against her coffee cup. "How does it feel to be in the exclusive company of two devastatingly attractive women?"

I snorted into my drink, shaking my head. "Honestly? It's exhausting."

Blake chuckled beside me, taking a slow sip of her coffee. "You'll survive, darling."

"Barely," I muttered.

Rachel grinned, shifting her attention to Blake. "You ready for our shopping trip?"

Blake sighed, rubbing her temple dramatically. "Yes, Rachel. I've braced myself for the absolute ordeal that is shopping with you."

"Excuse me," Rachel huffed, placing a hand over her heart in mock offense. "I make shopping fun."

"You make it a marathon."

"Oh, you love it."

Blake rolled her eyes, but there was an unmistakable fondness in her expression.

I smirked, sipping my coffee. "I think she just likes the excuse to spend time with you."

Rachel grinned, winking at me. "Exactly."