The Styles Triplets

Chapter 17

"The beach?" I laughed as I stepped out of the car. "You brought me to the beach?"

Edward rubbed the back of his neck. "We're having a picnic. I know it's cheesy, but girls like that romantic stuff... so I figured you might."

I pointed at him accusingly. "Don't pretend you're not into sappy romantic crap too."

He grinned. "Maybe a little."
Edward grabbed the picnic basket and we headed to the sand.

The beach was nearly empty, the sky dark except for scattered stars reflecting off the water. Edward carried a picnic basket while I followed him down toward the sand.
He spread a blanket and placed small lanterns around us. Soft golden light flickered across his face.

"This is nice..." I said quietly

"See I knew you'd like it." He winked.

"So," I asked, sitting down, "what did you make? I'm starving."

He opened the basket proudly. "I was going to cook something impressive... but I panicked and ordered pizza instead. I just upgraded the presentation."

"Perfect! I love pizza!" I exclaimed.

"I also have Pepsi." He said wiggling his eyebrows.

"My favorite." I winked back.

We ate cross-legged in the sand, laughing between bites. It felt easy. Comfortable. Real.
No pressure. No drama.
Just us.

When we finished eating, I curled against him, resting my head on his chest. His heartbeat was fast — almost matching mine.
Edward leaned back, pulling me down with him so we lay beneath the open sky. I wrapped a leg over his and traced small circles on his shirt.

"Edward, I really like you." I said suddenly

His arm tightened around me. "I really like you too."

I wanted to say more. Something bigger. Something honest.
"You're... nice," I blurted.
Immediately I cringed.
Nice? Really?

He laughed under his breath. "High praise."
Then his expression shifted.
"Alex... I need to tell you something."

"I actually need to tell you something too."

He hesitated. "Ladies first."

I sat up, nerves fluttering.
"You mean a lot to me," I said carefully. "When I'm with you, I feel happy. And I'm still new to all of this, but—"

"Okay. Stop."

The sudden interruption made my stomach drop.
"What?"

He stood, running a hand through his hair.
"I lied to you."

My chest tightened. "About... what?"

He exhaled sharply.
"I lied about Marcel not liking you."

I leaned back a bit, realizing what he just said, "W-What?!"

"I don't actually know how he feels," Edward admitted. "I said he didn't because... I was jealous."

I stood up and took a step back from him, "I-I can't believe you! You lied to me?!"

"Alex, I'm so so sorry." he apologized, standing up and holding my hands.

I yanked from his grasp, "Don't touch me!"

"Alex, please-"

"No!" My voice shook. "You let me believe that. You knew how confused I was!"
I turned on my heels and started walking away.

"I just wanted a chance!"

"At my expense?!"

"Alex! Stop!" he called after me.