Living with the Player

Chapter 27

When I arrive at home from my Social Justice Society meeting, Nico is there. It feels surreal seeing him, eating ice cream on the counter like nothing has changed. My encounter with Brian slips from my mind.

He looks up as I walk over. "Hey," he says. Lately, he's only spoken in one-word phrases.

"Hey," I greet back. "How was your day?"

"Good," he answers simply. His eyes flicker to my books and he smirks, so small it's barely noticeable. "How was Justice league?"

"You know what it's called," I reply pointedly, resisting the urge to roll my eyes.

He grins. "Social Justice Warrior training?"

I cross my arms. "Wow, very original joke, Nicky. You get a gold star."

"Thank you, Professor. I'll see you after class for one of our extra credit sessions?" he taunts with a wink.

"You're a-"

"Perv? Overused, Jennie."

I narrow my eyes. "Imbecile," I say. He kind of snorts at this and smiles. I smile back. Our gazes match for a second but he quickly looks away.

"I talked to Brian today," I say suddenly, regretting it immediately.

He raises a brow. "Oh yeah? What'd he have to say?"

I press my lips together. "He basically begged for me back."

He scoffs at this. "And what did you say?"

A tiny smile threatens to form on my lips as I say, "I told him to go fuck himself."

Nico breaks out into a laugh, nodding in approval, and I feel the smile escape me. I know it's immature but I wouldn't take it back.

"So I guess you got your revenge," he says and I pause.

"I guess so," I say in realization. The mood shifts as his face turns serious.

"Well, that's good then, because I had something to tell you," he says, finishing up the rocky road ice cream, and rinsing out the empty carton.

I try not to be wary of his tone. "What is it?" I ask, pouring myself a glass of water.

He looks around the kitchen for a second before looking at me. "I think I should probably move out."

My hand stills. "Oh," I say carefully, not looking at him. "Where would you go?"

"I don't know. I've been hiding out at Jack's place but... you don't need to worry about it. You've done more than enough," he says.

I blink slowly. "How can I not worry about it?"

He goes silent and the only sound is the kitchen clock ticking behind him.

"You've been really helpful, Jennie. And you got your revenge and... Theo and-"

"Stay," I say suddenly. His eyes flash to mine but I hold my ground. If I don't say this now, who knows if I ever will? "I want you to stay."

Something appears in his face but I can't identify it. His eyes are bluer than usual. It's been a while since I've seen them.

"I can't," he says. "I'm sorry, Jennie." Getting up, he gives me one final look before walking out the door.