Page 21 of Fighting Fate

"You know we'll be there, cheering you on, right?" Brooke adds, her eyes shining with unwavering support. That's the thing about my girls; they're always there, a solid, unbreakable circle of support and love.

I smile, genuinely touched. "Yeah, I know," I say, just as Payson asks, "What are the plans for after the game tonight?" Her gaze shifts between mine and Brooke's.

Brooke shrugs. "Well, I think Josh might be visiting. We haven't seen each other since?—"

"Since the other day?" Payson interrupts, rolling her eyes.

Did I mention that Payson can't stand Josh? I mean, she'd gladly kick him in the nuts any chance she got. But I actually like him; I think he's good for Brooke. Payson, on the other hand, thinks he needs to dial down his constant need for attention. But isn't that the point of dating? Wanting to be around that person, sharing your ups and downs? I mean, I'm not exactly an authority on relationships—I've only had one in high school, and it crashed and burned before it even began. But every time I've imagined having a real boyfriend, it's always been about cuddling, hand-holding, forehead kisses, someone who grabs my waist, and someone who craves my attention, my presence. I want someone who will fight for me, someone who sees me for who I am, flaws and all.

Is it too much to ask for, even if that someone happens to be Miles Chasen?

God, Milli, are you even listening to yourself?

But deep down, I sense there's a hidden turmoil in Payson, a storm brewing beneath her cheerful exterior. I suspect she's nursing a quiet hurt, feeling slighted by him for swaying Brooke away from rooming with her. Payson had originally planned to share a room with Brooke, but when she learned I was coming, she gracefully stepped back, allowing me to take her place. Her random roommate search landed her with Gracie, a charming southern belle from Alabama. Yet, I can't help but feel Payson's warmth masks a lingering resentment over the whole affair.

Suddenly, Payson's hands crash down onto the table, her energy a blazing inferno of excitement. "Did you guys hear about Barrett and Professor Scooty last year?" she exclaims, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of scandal. "A freshman and a professor—can you believe it?" She laughs, the sound rich with delight, as if this gossip has just made her day brighter.

I watch her, my eyebrow arching in skepticism, a silent testament to the relentless tide of rumors that wash over NorthRidge.

She flings her hands in the air, exasperated, "What even is this place? NorthRidge is supposed to be prestigious, and here we have professors and students in illicit affairs!"

Brooke chimes in, a devilish glint in her eye, "I mean, it's kinda hot."

Payson retorts, "Sure, if you're into the whole cougar thing."

I shake my head. In the midst of academic halls, our conversation has veered into the realm of forbidden romances.

Brooke leans in, her chuckle infectious. "Think about it—the secrecy, the age gap. It's like something out of one of Milli's romance novels." She winks at me, fully aware of the steamy, heart-racing narratives hidden within the pages of my books. True, I've read tales of forbidden love, but they're more than just erotic escapades; they're stories of deep emotion and enduring love.

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant, but their laughter is contagious, and soon, we're all giggling just as the librarian passes by, shushing us with a stern finger to her lips.

Payson, always the maverick, responds with a twinkle of mischief in her eye, "Ease up, we'll tone it down when midterms hit."

Brooke and I exchange a look, fighting back more laughter to avoid further reprimand. But Payson's right; the librarian does give us some peace for the next hour, allowing us to actually focus on our studies.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and as Payson shows Brooke the latest viral TikTok, I sneak a peek at my phone.

Miles

Come outside real quick.

I glance up, my heart skipping a beat as I scan the library, but my chosen spot is far from any external distractions.

Milli

Why? I'm busy.

Miles

Aren't you going to see your favorite person?

You know, the one who'd help sort your most intimate drawers?

A chuckle breaks free, and a smile finds its way onto my face, despite my efforts to remain concentrated. The memory of Miles jesting about my lingerie collection sends a warm rush through my veins, sparking a flame inside that I find hard to suppress.

Calm down, Milli.

But inside, my heart races with the thought of seeing him, even if just for a moment.