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"Eh," Alex says with a shrug. "We tried."
"That's all that matters."
I roll my eyes. Sure, Hunter. Trying is all that matters. Why don't you stitch that into a pillow? I'm sure it will look lovely decorating our couch.
"That's what I think," Alex says, his tone obnoxiously chipper.
"Any ideas what you'll do?"
Nope. None whatsoever. I was pretty much banking on my running career.
"I'll probably try to get into medical school. Need to start studying for the GAMSAT."
Hunter groans. "Oh, God, that sounds terrible."
I stop listening. I don't care anymore. Just get me home. Alex and Hunter seem happy enough to discuss summer and future plans amongst each other while I wile away, trying not to think about what I'm going to do with my life. I know what I'm going to do when I get home. A certain lady perhaps has needs of my body—both physically and mentally. I'm sure Rachel will, of course, want to hear all about how much I suck at running.
The ride isn't long, and I perk up when Hunter turns into the driveway. The sun is beginning to set, casting it in a golden hue. I love how big it is compared to the bro house, and at that thought, I smile, feeling giddy to finally have a room all to myself. The yard is big, which will be great for cookouts and working out. The road isn't too busy, and the path on the side is big enough for a runner or two.
"You coming, Seth?" Hunter calls from outside the car.
I flush and scramble outside, feeling stupid for getting lost in my thoughts. Alex leads the way, and I clench my jaw while watching his hands swing back and forth at his sides, recalling the way they felt in mine. I hate that I want to touch him and interlace my fingers with his. Stop it, Seth. Stop thinking like this. We are no longer in that cabin together. We can't go back. There will be no hand-holding. I should be happy.
So, why am I not?
"Surprise!" Lucas and Rachel shout the moment Alex and I enter, throwing streamers into the air.
My eyes widen on the 'Welcome Home' sign hanging in the foyer and the hundreds of red, white, and blue balloons littering the floor. Rachel has her hands in the air. She looks so excited, but there's something different about her. She's in a baggy white shirt—like incredibly baggy. I didn't know she liked to wear anything so large. It goes down to her ass and could easily double as a dress. She wears it with black leggings and a long, navy-blue cardigan. I don't know how she can wear so many layers in this heat. I'm nearly dying as it is, and I'm only in a track tank and shorts. But, other than her clothes, something else has changed. Is it her hair? It looks the same length. She's not wearing any makeup, which isn't really out of the ordinary. She switches back and forth between makeup days, like most girls, I assume. Her face looks plumper, and her stomach seems a bit rounder. Has she put on weight?
I frown while stepping inside, trying not to stare but unable to help myself. Yeah, I think she has put on some weight. That must be it. It's not bad. She still looks beautiful. It's just shocking she's put on so much in two months. I think she's at least gained fifteen or twenty pounds. I bite my tongue to keep from saying anything. I don't want to ruin the mood, but I'm already frustrated by the 'Welcome Home' sign. The reason why we're home is that we didn't make the team. There's nothing welcome about us being here. If anything, the sign should read 'Sorry You Suck' or 'Better Luck Next Time. Welcome home, my ass.
"How was the trip?" Rachel asks while Alex hugs her.
"It was alright," Alex says sweetly.
"Hot," I mutter, throwing my bag into the corner of the foyer. I kick off my shoes and stalk inside, throwing myself on the couch. I stretch my arms over my head, my shoulders cracking while I move my head from side to side, working out the kinks in my neck.
Rachel plops next to me, her arms circling around my neck and pulling me close. "I missed you," she whispers in my ear.
"Well, I'm here to stay." I try to say it cheerfully, but it comes out just as I feel.
Rachel pulls away from me, and I can see the worry in her gaze, the dip in her lips, the joy leaving her. I put on a smile and pulled her close. "I'm fine," I murmur against her hair. "I'm happy to be here." I place a chaste kiss on her forehead to emphasize just how happy I am, but I can tell she's not buying it.
"Alright, what's the plan for tonight?" Alex asks.
I'm so happy he's changed the subject. I would grab him and kiss him if I could.
"Pizza and games," Lucas announces while clapping his hands.
My gaze turns to him. I've hardly noticed him, mostly because I'm trying not to look at him. I'm still a bit pissed he decided to publish a story about us without at least making sure it was okay. Alex and Hunter don't care, but I sure as hell do. What if someone recognizes us? What if someone recognizes me from the story? Then our secret will be out, and I'm not ready for my grandmother to hear that I am dating a girl with three other boyfriends. Never mind the whole Alex thing. I love my grandmother to death, but she has her faults.
"Great," I say while pushing myself off the couch. I hate how sarcastic I sound. I'm being ungrateful. It was nice of Hunter, Lucas, and Rachel to decorate the place for us, but I can't let my failures go.
"Where are you going?" Hunter asks as I start up the staircase.
"Shower," I mumble without halting my steps. "I probably stink."
I hear footsteps falling me up the stairs and find Rachel following me.
