When we used to dream

✔ 10. "It was an accident."

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S A R A H

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I waved at him, but he stayed rooted to his spot. I felt others follow my gaze and look at Dean.

Suddenly feeling awkward at having so much attention on him, he shifted. So different from a few years ago, when he would gloat happily at being the center of everyone's attention. 

"Hey." He smiled at me, then looked at the people around me and waved at them.

"Your friend?" Liv whisper asked me, looking appreciatively at his build. I could understand her interest. It was hard not to appreciate how tall he was. At 6'2, he was taller than even Asher by an inch or two, who was the tallest member in our group. Not to mention his dark blue eyes and dark black hair. He was an absolute icon of gorgeousness. 

I bit back a smile as I felt the guys around me fidget around, most probably feeling intimidated. He had this effect on everyone.

"Guys, this is Dean. The ex boyfriend I told you guys about." I introduced him and saw their eyes widen at the bluntness. Dean chuckled. 

"You forgot your childhood best friend." He reminded me and I just rolled my eyes. "Dean, these are my friends I told you about." I said and he smiled. 

"Sarah talks about you all a lot. Like, a lot. In fact you guys are the only thing she talks about with me-" He cut off when I elbowed him. 

"You are Dean. Dean Meyers." Asher suddenly said. He looked at Cole. "You remember, don't you?" Cole just gave him a confused look, but Evie seems to remember something as she clicked her fingers.

"Ah! You are that Dean Meyers. The number one racer!" She looked at Kevin, excitedly. "We saw him at the tracks 2 years ago!" She exclaimed. 

"You guys know about the track?" I asked. I had no idea they were interested in car racing. Asher pointed at Cole. "Yeah, he used to do it casually until few years ago. That's where we heard about him." He gave Dean an impressed look. "You are like a legend there."

I could feel Dean get more and more uncomfortable with the topic, knowing that it was a sore spot for him, but he still accepted the compliments politely. 

"Oh no, look, they are bonding. What do we do?" Liv whispered to me and I shook my head. 

"Say Dean," Cole started, looking a little unsure, "do you want to join us for dinner?" He asked. Dean looked at me, then back at them, and smiled gratefully. "I am thankful, but I would have to pass." He pointed behind himself. "My classmates are waiting for me. And if they come here searching for me and see her-" he gestured towards me "-they won't leave her alone for the whole night. You guys enjoy yourself." 

He looked at me for a moment as if wanting to say something, but at the end decided against it and with a final nod left. 

"Well that wasn't awkward at all?" Kevin said confusedly, looking at me, and I laughed. "I told you, our break up was mutual. And like he said, he is my childhood best friend. I have known that kid my whole life." I said, forcing a smile. "Nothing is wrong between us."

I lied.

-

"Mason was just telling me about how cool college is." Dean said from the other side of the phone screen and I smiled. He had one of the smoothest, most calming voice ever.

"Yeah, it's super cool." Mason's voice was a slur, and I figured he was drunk. "It's like, if you relax for 5 second, then all of a sudden you are failing 11 classes even though you are only taking, like, 6."