Would You Rather
Contrary to what people may think, I’m naturally an introvert.
Sure, I love to go to parties, even though the ones I attended were always about networking, but staying at home watching a movie? Sounds perfect. But when Leila invited me to a frat party, I couldn’t say no.
“Dude,” James yells, elbowing me in the ribs. James loves to socialize, where I prefer to stay home, so of course, he had to come with me. “This is so much better than the parties at Liberty,” he says, adjusting his stance on the crutches. He’s been using them more often than the wheelchair, determined to walk again.
I remember being seventeen, talking to James about college. Everyone was applying, and James had his mind set on UCLA, but with his mom being a single parent, he couldn’t go. I had offered to help him out with school since I had been making a decent amount by then, but he refused, threatening to break up our friendship if I tried – of course, he was kidding – but I didn’t push. So, he ended up attending a community college here.
I, on the other hand, knew it wasn’t going to happen. I always wanted it and always thought about it, but I never let myself picture it or hope for it to happen because I knew that, in the end, it wouldn’t.
I guess there was no need to. I was making good money, which allowed me to indulge in frequent travel and live a life that many could only imagine. But I couldn't shake off the lingering thought of what it might be like if I pursued something I truly loved.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I ask him when he adjusts the crutches again.
He rolls his eyes playfully. “I’m fine, jeez, I see why your sister complains about you now.”
I narrow my eyes when he laughs, joking. “You’re a bad influence on her.”
He chuckles, shaking his head. “Trust me, that’s all her.”
I scoff. Yeah, my sister is her own force, even without James’ or Leila’s help.
James mumbles something, but I can barely hear him with the music blaring. My senses go into overdrive, examining the area. The place is way too crowded, and James is still learning to control his mobility.
“What?” I yell over the music.
“I said I’m going to get a drink.”
My eyes widen. “James, you can’t.”
His smile drops as he shakes his head and leans closer to me. “Listen, I love you, you know that, but I need to have some fun, man. It’s been ages since I’ve been to a party.”
I let out a sigh. “You want me to come with you?”
He scoffs. “I’ve been glued to your hip. No offense, but I need some space.”
My brows knit together. “Offense fucking taken. What the fuck?”
He laughs. “Do you really want to stand around watching me make out with some guy?” His brows raise, and I breathe out harshly.
“Fine,” I concede, knowing he needs some private time. My mother, without a doubt, smothers him when he’s at home, and he doesn’t get out much since the accident. He needs this. “But if you need anything, and I mean fucking anything, give me a call.”
“I will,” he says. “Now go find your girl.” He gives me a teasing smirk when I narrow my eyes at him.
“She’s not my girl.”
He laughs, walking away from me. “Whatever you say.”
I shake my head, watching as he blends into the crowd. Reaching into my pocket, I pull out my phone and make sure the sound is loud in case James calls me. Even though he might not think so, I’m responsible for him tonight, and I’d die before I let anything happen to him.
My mind runs with all of the possibilities of everything that could go wrong.Fuck, don’t go there.I pick up my feet and walk deeper into the house, pushing through the crowd.
“Lucas.” I turn my head, seeing Leila with a smile on her face. “You came,” she says, embracing me in a hug.
I don’t miss her boyfriend towering behind her, eyeing me as I return the embrace. “Yeah,” I say, pulling back. Aiden is still looking at me. At least he isn’t scowling at me like the first time we met. We’ve hung out more since I moved back, and we’ve become good friends once he knew I wasn’t trying to steal his girl.
“Hey man,” I say, nodding toward Aiden. He returns the nod, pulling me in for a quick handshake, his body towering over me. Fuck, he’s tall. “Damn. How tall are you?” I ask him.
