Unspoken Goals

My Teammate

Continuation: 

The drive had taken a little over an hour. The car was filled with music, laughter, and the kind of teasing that only felt easy when you were surrounded by people who knew you best. But the moment they stepped out in front of the house—pulsing with bass, string lights tangled across the porch, bodies already spilling onto the lawn—Abigail's voice shifted into something more serious.

"Alright," she said, stepping in front of the boys like a captain calling the huddle. "No drinking. Especially you, Drew. And no flirting with our friends."

Drew pressed a hand to his chest in mock offense. "Me? Never." He grinned, saluting. "Yes, ma'am. But only if you promise to call us if you need anything."

Abigail cracked a smile. "Deal. You guys do the same."

Then they were swallowed by the party—laughter, perfume, cologne, and sweat pressing in around them. Music throbbed through the walls, the bass a second heartbeat under their skin. Juliette's hand instinctively found its place on the small of Abigail's back, guiding her through the crush of people. It was subtle, protective. Abigail flinched at the touch for just a second—an instinct—but then leaned into it, her shoulder brushing Juliette's chest as though reminding her she wanted the closeness too.

The girls made it to the kitchen, grabbing a couple of plastic cups before someone shoved a bottle into Juliette's hand. She poured out four shots, sliding one toward each girl.

"Okay," Juliette said, raising hers. "We can't just take these without a toast."

Hannah lifted her cup first, eyes bright. "To another year with my best friends since childhood."

Chloe followed. "To finishing junior year strong—and making senior year even better."

Juliette hesitated before speaking, her eyes flicking sideways to the girl at her shoulder. "To a year where everything falls into place."

Abigail's gaze caught hers, lingering. She swallowed, her voice quieter but steadier than expected. "To a year of being exactly where I'm supposed to be."

Their cups clinked. For a moment, it was only the two of them in the room.

They downed the shots, and as Hannah and Chloe mixed cocktails with bright-colored sodas, Juliette plucked a beer from the cooler.

Abigail wrinkled her nose. "Seriously? That's your drink of choice?"

Juliette shrugged, grinning. "Someone's gotta stay somewhat aware tonight."

"That's what the boys are for," Abigail teased, lacing their fingers together and tugging her toward the living room, where music had turned the floor into a crowded, makeshift dance space.

The rhythm caught them instantly, their bodies syncing to the beat without thought. Friends pulled them into the circle, laughter layering over the music. Abigail stayed close—always close—her fingertips brushing Juliette's arm, sliding down to her waist, lingering at her back just long enough to make Juliette's heart stutter. It was subtle enough to go unnoticed, but not subtle enough to stop the warmth blooming in Juliette's chest.

This. This was what she wanted. Abigail pressed against her in the crowd, eyes bright with mischief, laughter spilling between them. They moved together like no one else was in the room.

After nearly an hour, Abigail leaned in, her palm sliding to the back of Juliette's neck so she could whisper into her ear over the thrum of bass.

"Chloe and I are gonna get another drink. You want anything?"

Juliette shook her head, squeezing Abigail's side gently in reply. "I'm good."

She watched Abigail disappear into the crowd, expecting her back within minutes. But twenty minutes passed before Chloe returned—alone.