Chapter 26

**Blake**

Practice was brutal and not because the routine was hard but because the two people I hate the most were watching my every move. I was thankful when coach called it quits and told us to go home; I couldn't get out of there fast enough. All I wanted was to go home and facetime with Jason. He should have landed by now.

"You need a ride?" I asked Ash, throwing my dance bag over my shoulders. It seemed like I haven't hung out with her in forever and I felt guilty because it was mainly my fault. All my attention was on Jason for the last couple of weeks. Before Ash could answer, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

Speak of the devil.

*Jason: Hey, can we facetime later? Chase and I are hanging out and playing video games.

Me: Of course! Ash and I were about to hang out.

Jason: Will call you later then. Love you.*

I stared at my phone longer than I should have just staring at the words on my screen. Two words. But it stuck out like a thumb. "Love You." We never expressed those words in person but here it was, written so casually like we said it to each other every day.

The only person I ever said I love you to was Brayden but I didn't mean it. I didn't want to be mean and didn't say it back but I now know I never loved him.

Did I love Jason?

Jason is better than Braydon in every way but is that enough for me to say those words back?

"Dave said he can take me." Ash's voice brought me back to reality. My eyes darted away from my phone and turned my attention to Ashley.

"No, I will take you," I said, "I feel like I haven't seen you in forever."

"And whose fault is that?" Ashley muttered under her breath but I still heard it.

"What does that supposed to mean?"

"Look," She sighed, "You know I love you but ever since Jason came into the picture you have pushed me aside and I had to take a backseat. Trust me, I am happy for you I promise because I know what is like to be in love but part of me does feel left out."

"I know for the past week we haven't seen each other but—"

"It was long before then."

"I am not sure I know what you are talking about." I admitted.

"Oh please," She scoffed, "You are way too smart to play dumb. Anyone with eyes could see that you and Jason would fall for each other eventually. I'm surprise it took you this long but you were with Brayden." She rolled her eyes.

"I hated Jason when he moved in." I pointed out.

"Hate is a strong word," I shrugged. It wasn't a lie. "His first week, I seen you look at him like you never looked at any other guys before."

"Looked at him how?" I squinted.

"With lust." She made kissing noises. I sighed, annoyed by how wrong she is. Yes, I have feelings for Jason now but he was such a pain in my ass, I wouldn't dare look at him the way she thought I did. "It's a thin line between love and hate my friend." She chuckled sinisterly.

Rolling my eyes, I looped my arms with hers and we walked out the school together and hopped in my car. I was exhausted—mentality and physically—and I didn't know how long I would be able to take Nicole and Brayden being constantly around. I know we would be running into each other once and awhile since it's a small school but they are blatantly stalking me and its draining.

As soon as we walked inside, Ashley threw her bag on the floor and stretch out on the L shape couch in the process. A wave of sadness hit me as I thought about the fun times Jason and I had on this very same couch. Now that he's gone, who will I be constantly having couch sex with?

I can't believe how much of a sap I am being. It's not like he's dead or gone out my life forever.

Speak of the devil. Again.

*Jason: You Okay?

Me: Yea, just hanging out with Ashley. About to watch a movie. How's Chase

Jason: He's the same old Chase. Annoying as ever.

Me: LOL

Jason: I miss you already

Me: I miss you too *

I put my phone on the coffee table and turned my attention to the TV screen as the movie credit started. Mean Girls always put me in a good mood.

**

The rest of the week went without a hitch except for the fact that every corner I turn it seems like I would run into either Braydon or Nicole. I had to constantly keep telling myself that they will get bored of me eventually. They are about to be parents in high school for God sake, how can they be thinking about me in a time like this?

I shook off the bad feeling I had and sat down across from Ashley at our usual lunch table. It was only a 30 minute break from classes but I welcome the joy that this brought me. She was actively chatting with Jamie and they were arguing about something.

"What's up with them?" I asked to no one in particular.

"They are arguing about whether to go to the lake house for spring break," Joanne answered, "Ashley thinks it's tradition but Jamie want to go somewhere new." I nodded in understanding. Every year we go to Ashley's grandparent's lake house to get away from everyone and it's nice and quiet. It's also secluded and we go to be closer as a team. Yes, usually everyone has a breaking point and a fight break out like we are in an episode of Bad Girls Club but at the end of each trip we are closer than ever which makes us an even better dance team. But this is our senior year, I would love to go somewhere enjoyable.

"It's our senior year!" Jamie argued. Great mind think alike. "We should go somewhere fun and at least get out of the state for a few days. Like Canada or Puerto Rico or—"

"We can go to Florida" I chimed in, getting excited about the idea of seeing Jason again.

Now everyone's attention was on me and I could feel my ears heating up. "What's in Florida?" Alex asked.

"Jason." Ashley answered, rolling her eyes. Everyone chuckled.

"It's kind of perfect," I continued, "There's beaches and hot guys and lots of fun things to do."

Jamie shrugged, "that actually doesn't sound half bad."

"Where would we stay?" Joanne asked.

"Hotel?" Alex suggested.

Ashley scoffed. "Do you know how expensive a hotel will be around spring break? Most are probably almost sold out." I didn't care how expensive it would be, my dad's filthy rich but I knew some of my teammates are not in the same box.

"You guys can stay at my aunt's beach house. She lives in Miami." Everyone looked up and Nicole stood at the end of our table. This chick is more resilient than a rash that just won't quit. Maybe if I put some antibiotic cream on her, she will go away. "Granted, I come too." She smirked, setting her lunch box down on our table and sat next to Alex.

"That settle it then." I shrugged. "We can stay at her aunt's house."

"Are you mental?" Jamie exclaimed. I shrugged again.

It's just a trip for a week in Florida with my arch nemesis. What could possibly go wrong?