Colby

Wyatt vanished after the game and ever since, my heart has been in my stomach. I hope that I haven't already messed this up.

It's taken almost twenty minutes, but I finally spot Cole over by one of the grills, where he and some of the guys are congratulating themselves on tonight's win.

The lake behind them is almost black, reflecting the dark clouds hovering above. It looks like we'll be getting some much needed rain tonight, but it'll be a shame to watch the storm ruin the festivities. The night is eerily still. There's no breeze, not even subtle ripples gliding through the expanse of the lake.

On any other night this calm would feel peaceful, but tonight it's almost as if the world has hit pause, waiting to see if accepting Cole's invitation was my biggest mistake to date.

Wyatt gave me a nod of approval when Cole left me virtually no choice with his question. The whole stadium was watching. No pressure or anything. I've been hoping with every part of me that the connection I felt with Wyatt last night wasn't just some random moment we were lucky to share, that it means we finally get to have each other back.

I can't help but worry as I stand here in this stifling stillness, wondering if it was a one-time thing—a blessing I was gifted when I needed it most.

I resolve to put aside my fear, trudging across the brittle grass to where Cole and his crew char various meats over the flames they've made.

"There she is," Cole says excitedly. He pulls me into a hug, lifting me off the ground. "I'm glad you finally showed up," he says softly into my ear.

Guilt trickles through me, knowing what I am about to do, but I can't risk the delicate grip I have on my relationship with Wyatt. Well, not more than I have already.

"Hey," I say, masking my discomfort with a smile. My boots touch back down on the firmness of the ground, and I meet Cole's deep blue eyes. Uncertainty registers within them, and he seems to know what's coming.

"You wanna go somewhere and talk?" he asks, his brows furrowed in concern. I nod and he takes my hand, leading me away from the chaos of his cheerful comrades.

I feel horrible for waiting so long to tell him, but in a lot of ways, I've just discovered the truth myself. I've been denying my feelings, keeping them submerged deep in the darkest corner of my heart.

"I think I know what you're about to do," Cole begins, breaking the silence we've been enveloped in for the past few minutes. "And I also think I know why you're doin' it."

I look away, kicking the toe of my boot awkwardly into the dirt, sending it scattering in different directions.

"I didn't mean..." I trail off, unsure of how to continue. "Or maybe it's more that I didn't know that I still have feelings for Wyatt." I glance at Cole, only to find that he's no longer looking at me, but out toward the lake. He gives me a solemn nod, returning his gaze to mine.

"I'm so sorry, Cole," I continue. "You asked if Wyatt had anything to do with my hesitation about us, and I lied. I think I just wasn't ready to admit it to myself."

"As much as I can't stand the guy, I know he deserves you more than I do," Cole says, a small smile on his lips. "I think maybe I screwed things up with you before they ever started."

I have no idea what he means by that, but he looks burdened. Wynn has always said that Cole's got a lot going on in his personal life that he doesn't share, and I can see that now. His normal arrogance is gone, and it seems the weight he carries falls on him in the way my own can tend to.

"I gotta say," he continues, his slight smirk widening. "I'm pretty sure you and Wyatt were the only ones who didn't know you have feelings for one another." He chuckles, and I smile shyly in return.

Cole pulls me into a hug but doesn't linger, which I'm grateful for. "Go have fun, Colby," he says, his arm still dangling over my shoulders.

I laugh humorlessly. I hadn't thought this would go so smoothly, but I'm relieved to have it over with. "Thanks, Cole." I back away from him with a quick wave.

I still haven't seen Wyatt anywhere, even though I've been scanning the wild mob of my inebriated classmates intently since the second I arrived. I feel desperate to tell him that I've ended things with Cole, that I want us to try again, but I'm scared out of my mind to say the words.

"Colby!" Lana hollers. "Colby, over here!" Her arms flail wildly to catch my eye. She's standing with Morgan at her side, but no Wynn.

Big surprise.

She's been almost completely MIA since we 'made up' at the game last week. I've tried calling and texting but have been lucky to get any response whatsoever. I saw her stalk off after the game tonight, and as much as she's denied that her attitude towards me relates to Cole in any way, I find it hard to believe considering her timing.

She's always claimed that they're barely even friends due to their families' rivalry, but I know the two of them at least get along well. More than anything, I've been confused because I asked her point blank before I even thought about dating Cole if it would bother her, and she insisted she didn't care. Surely she'll get over it now that Cole and I know we're over for good.

And really, I'm only assuming that's the problem. With Wynn, goodness knows what's up.

As I approach Morgan and Lana, they squeal in unison, hugging me from both sides.

"That was the absolute cutest thing I've ever seen!" Lana bursts. "Cole just adores you, and I swear it looked like he was gonna propose!"

I roll my eyes. The absurdity of that thought blows my mind, but it doesn't surprise me that she would go there. I know his gesture came from a genuine place, but I'm still not pleased with the way he executed it.

"It was really sweet," Morgan adds, chiming in. "You don't seem super excited about it though. Even out there on the field, you seemed less than enthused." She rubs my arm soothingly and probably thinks I'm ill or something. After all, who wouldn't want the most popular guy in school down on one knee proposing a date?

Me, that's who.

I take a deep breath, preparing myself for the reaction I know will be coming my way. "I just told Cole that I can't see him anymore."

Both girls gasp. Ugh...

"Why the hell not?" Lana demands. "It's Wynn, isn't it? Don't let that little brat push you around. You and Cole are too great together." She plants a meticulously manicured hand on her hip, her irritation plain.

"It has nothing to do with Wynn," I say, which is mostly true. I may be annoyed with her behavior as of late, but I wouldn't wish the wrath of these two upon her.

"Then what the heck would make you dump Cole?" Morgan squeaks. Lana and Morgan glance at each other and the light bulb flicks on.

"Wyatt," they say conspiratorially. One says it as a question, the other a statement. They both look pleased with themselves when they catch me blushing.

"Dish, B," Lana urges, her eyes large and eager for gossip. Morgan nods furiously waiting for details.

"There's not a lot to tell," I begin. "We've been reconnecting lately, and I don't want any more obstacles."

Morgan's eyes are attentively locked on something behind me. "You may wanna tell Wynn that," she says apprehensively, pointing a finger over my shoulder.

I turn to see what's caught her attention, only to find the two people I'd least expect to show up to this thing together.

Wyatt and Wynona casually make their way down to the lakeside. There's a familiarity between them, an ease with which they treat one another that makes me jealous.

They're just friends, my subconscious whispers, and I really hope that's true.

Wynn and Wyatt slow, and he gestures toward Wynn, reaching for her and carefully lifting her over a fallen tree. He picks her up by her tiny waist, and I'm riddled with envy, wishing his hands were on me instead.

"I'll be back," I mutter, fists clenched at my sides. I need to give them the benefit of the doubt. I owe them that, but my anxiety is demanding all of my attention, ceaselessly posing the potential what-if's.

Lana and Morgan exchange smug smirks, which I choose to ignore. They're undoubtedly expecting fireworks. Being the great friends that they are, I'm sure they'd love to watch Wynn and me throw down so they can choose sides and perpetuate the drama. Not gonna happen.

I'm determined to maintain my cool as I make my way over to Wyatt and Wynn. I choose to observe from the sidelines for a few minutes before making any moves, as I've watched Wynn play a lot of games with people over the course of our friendship. She's never tried any with me, however.

In my mind, Wyatt is blameless in this scenario, always a gentleman. If anything is happening here, I know it's her doing. They've been friends since kindergarten, just like we all have, and there's never been anything other than a platonic bond between them. Tonight, she seems to be attempting to make it appear otherwise.

I watch Wynn as she forces Wyatt to dance. Dancing has always made him feel awkward, and I see that even now. He obliges her request, moving as little as possible as she dances and shimmies around him.

The frustration bubbling within me grows, and after a couple songs pass I can no longer stand it. I wish she'd just talked to me about whatever I've done to set her on the warpath. Instead, she's chosen this petulant method, and I'm less than pleased.

"Well, hey there, Wynn!" I say sweetly, as I approach the duo. "I've been looking for you all night. You two look cozy."

Wyatt stands between Wynn and me, eyeing the two of us warily. He's known us for too long not to realize when there's trouble brewing.

"Hey, B," Wynn replies nonchalantly, and my rage multiplies in an instant.

"You sure have been hard to reach lately," I say, still managing a rational tone. She knows better, but plays along anyway.

"I know," she begins. "There's been a lot going on with my family, and I've just been super busy." She smiles pleasantly, and my whole body tenses. The agitation I've been feeling continues to intensify.

"I bet," I say, my tone bland. "It's crazy how family business can have you leaving school early, and sometimes not showing up at all. Heck, you're not returning texts, not calling me—"

"Why don't you chill out, B," she grouses, cutting me off mid-list. "It's none of your business, so how's about you just back off."

Her voice breaks on the last word, bringing me up short. Something is off here. I wish she trusted me enough to help her figure it out. Instead, I raise my hands in surrender, slowly backing a few steps away from her.

"My bad," I say sharply. "I guess I thought my best friend might need someone to talk to. It looks like maybe you've found someone else to confide in."

I turn on my heel and begin striding away, when I hear footsteps crunching swiftly behind me. Wyatt's hand falls on my shoulder, bringing me to a quick halt as he catches me mid-step.

"Let's take a walk," he says calmly.