36

Bailey's pov

The next morning when I put on my phone, there were countless

missed calls from Kaleb, including a few text that told me to pick up the

phone. Whatever he had to say, he clearly wanted to speak to me

about it without saying it in a text.

I sighed and got ready for school, making sure I prepare myself

mentally for our incoming conversation. There was no way I would be

able to avoid him now that he wasn't avoiding me to. The only reason it

worked the last time was because he made no effort to speak to me.

Now, we clearly need to talk.

And I clearly need to cut off whatever was happening between us. I

could not only risk my friendship with Mira but I could also lose my

heart. I didn't want to go through heartbreak when I know for a fact

Kaleb would only bring that to my door.

I couldn't mistake lust for love. It was just lust. I can fix this, I can get rid

of it.

Things had to go back the way it was between us or there would be

many things at stake.

I skipped down the stairs, making a beeline for the kitchen. Mom is just

pouring herself a cup of coffee.

" Want some?" Her eyes sparkled and I just knew she was itching to

ask me something. I had an inkling what she was impatient to ask and I

dreaded it.

I nod slowly, looking at her like she would at any moment blurt out the

question soon. But she surprises me when she fills the cup and passes

over to me without a word.

I slipped on the stool, lifting the cup to my lips. The coffee was hot and

rich and the aroma made my mouth water. As I took the first sip, mom

decided that now was the right time to ask.

“Who's the guy you're in love with?"

The hot coffee burned the tip of my tongue and I wrench away from it,

placing it down on the countertop as I stared at my mom who looked

eager for my answer. I flushed, awkwardly scratching my throat.

" There's no one mom." I slid off the stool, not wanting to finish the

coffee and tend to her questions. Mom pouted, sighing. * You're not

going to tell me are you?"

I shook my head. " Mom there really isn't anyone."

Her eyes narrowed on me and her lips curled into a smile. " You have

that same look in your eyes."

My brows furrowed. " What look?"

Her smile widen. " That look I had when I was fighting my feelings for

your dad.”

My heart thrust against my chest at her words and I tried to play it cool.

" Mom what are you talking about? I have no look."

She smirked. " That denial look. You can deny it all you want but there

is a boy you have fallen for."

I sighed, taking my bag to leave. * I'm going to blame dad for putting

that idea in your head. I'm heading off to school, love you." I said in a

rush and leaned over the counter to plant a kiss on her cheek.

“ Love you too," She kissed back, but I hurriedly out of there before she

filled my head with endless love stories and start planning my wedding.

" Wait, your dad and Lilian aren't ready yet!"

"It's fine, I'll take the bus!" I yelled over my shoulder, practically running

away from my mom, yet, unfortunately I could not run away from the

huge problem in my life currently, who was a very tall and hot as hell

boy named Kaleb, who so happened to be my best friend's brother and

was also off limits.

Katrina is waving me over across the driveway, she's standing on the

last step of the entrance to the school building. I rush over, a bit unsure

and flustered as I remembered the looks she sent me yesterday.

It was almost like she knew my deepest, darkest secret, which was

betraying the promises we made to Mira.

I tried to not squirm as I stopped beside her and pull her into a hug.

When we pulled away I looked around for my short friend. It was kind of

funny I called her short when we were practically same height.

"Where's Mira?" I asked, expecting her to jump out of the bush beside

us and scare me.

Katrina shrugged, looking out in the driveway. " Don't know. She have

yet to arrive. I think they're running late."

I press my lips in a flat line as I thought. Today is Friday, game day.

Since when does Kaleb ever run late for game day?

Maybe his ankle still hurt? I couldn't help but be worried and my fingers

itch to check up on him. And of course Mira too.

" Mira also texted me last night.” Katrina suddenly cut into my thoughts

and I brought my gaze back to hers. She looked at me with a knowing

look as she crossed her arms over her chest and popped her hip.

"Juliet Burner is back."

Her name made me swallow the bile that rose in my throat and I clench

my hands into fist. Katrina's eyes fall to my fisted hands and I unclench

them quickly, looking away in shame.

I plastered on a fake smile even though I knew it did not reach my

eyes. " Yes, she moved in next door to Mira yesterday. Everyone loves

that she's back, me too." I uttered through clenched teeth.

Katrina snorted beside me. " Cut the bullshit Bails. You know you hate

that girl."

I looked at her a bit sheepishly. " Well she was a bully to me back

then."

Katrina raised her brow and snorted out a laugh. "We both know that's

not the only reason you hate that girl now Bailey."

The blood drains from my face. Did Katrina really piece everything

together so quickly?

Her eyes shifted behind me when we heard the sound of a vehicle

coming closer. I looked over, my heart pounding when I saw Kaleb's car

approaching.

He parks and my heart leaps as I wait to see him. I may be angry with

him right now but my stupid heart had a mind of its own.

The doors open simultaneously and my heart sinks when I see her.

Juliet Burner stepping out of his car. She was in the passengers seat

while an irritated Mira moved out from the back seat.

It felt like the universe desired to mock me because her pretty brown

eyes snapped to mine, making me burn with jealousy.