The weekend had been hectic but entertaining as I took care of both Jacoby and Terry. While Jacoby was adorable and easy to care for, Terry proved to be the real challenge. Between his late-night gaming sessions, constant snacking, and messy habits, I found myself constantly tidying up after him and trying to keep his energy levels in check. Somehow, though, we all made it through the weekend in one piece...barely.

Jayden and Hannah walked through the door, looking refreshed from their trip, but also slightly surprised to see the state of the living room. Terry was passed out on the couch, controller still in hand, while plates and empty chip bags littered the coffee table.

"Well, it looks like you had quite the weekend," Jayden joked as he surveyed the scene, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

I sheepishly smiled, feeling a bit sheepish at the sight of the mess. "Yeah, it was...eventful," I admitted. "But Jacoby was great. Terry, on the other hand..."

Hannah chuckled, shaking her head at the sight of Terry sprawled on the couch. "I'm honestly impressed you managed to survive the weekend with both of them," she said, glancing at me with a knowing smile.

Terry stirred on the couch, roused by the sound of our voices. "Whuzzat...?" he mumbled, rubbing his eyes as he slowly sat up.

Jayden clapped him on the shoulder, a grin on his face. "Hey, Sleeping Beauty. Looks like you had a good night, huh?"

Terry let out a groggy laugh, still wiping sleep from his eyes. "Eh, you know me," he said, stretching his arms over his head. "Can't resist a good gaming session. Even if I do make a bit of a mess."

Hannah rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips. "Yeah, a 'bit' of a mess," she repeated, gesturing to the littered coffee table.

Terry rubbed the back of his neck, looking slightly sheepish. "Yeah, yeah, I'll clean it up," he promised. "Just give me a minute to wake up first."

"Yeah, you do that," Jayden teased, grabbing an empty chip bag and tossing it at Terry's head.

The days continued to pass, and life returned to its usual routine. I went about my days working, spending time with friends, and occasionally thinking back to the recent events with both Ja'Marr and Tee.

I leaned that the fight between Ja'Marr and his best friend Tee was actually over something sports-related. There was no girl involved, as I had initially assumed. This revelation made me question what I had witnessed at the party and what Tee's true intentions had been.

Days turned into weeks, and life went on as usual. The memory of that night at the party still lingered in my mind, but I tried to push it aside and focus on other things. I continued working, spending time with friends, and trying to keep my mind occupied.

I received an exciting email at work, announcing that I had been chosen for a commercial contract with Nike. The contract involved a video campaign promoting a new line of men sports apparel, which was an incredible opportunity for me.

Just as I had been informed, the commercial campaign for the new men's sports apparel only featured the three athletes: Vinicius Junior, Tee Higgins, and Jayson Tatum. The athletes, with their incredible skills and popularity, were the highlight of the commercial and the face of the product.

The Nike team had carefully planned each scene to highlight the versatility and appeal of the product. Vinicius Junior effortlessly juggled a soccer ball while doing tricks, Tee caught passes while showcasing the durability of the fabric, and Jayson dribbled and shot a basketball with impressive accuracy.

As each athlete completed their segment, they received words of praise from the director and crew for their excellent performances. The video would surely capture the spirit of sports and athleticism, motivating viewers to push their limits and strive for excellence.

As the commercial shoot wrapped up, I was standing off to the side when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see Tee grinning at me, a mix of excitement and exhaustion on his face from the shoot.

"Hey there," he said, his voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. "You didn't think you were going to avoid me after seeing my commercial, did you?"

I raised an eyebrow at his comment and couldn't help but throw a little sass in my response. "Actually, I was kind of hoping I would," I said with a sly smile.

Tee chuckled at my reply, clearly amused by my feisty attitude. "Ooh, a smartass, huh?" he said, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "I like it."

I shifted my weight and crossed my arms, still playing the part of the unimpressed one. "Yeah? Guess you're not used to people not falling at your feet, huh?" I teased.

Tee leaned against the wall, his body language relaxed and confident. "Oh, I get plenty of admirers, believe me," he said, a hint of arrogance in his voice. "But you're different. You actually talk back to me."

Tee smirked at my sudden silence, clearly enjoying the fact that he left me speechless. "What, no sharp retort this time?" he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"No, I'm not talking back," I replied, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'm just allowing you to bask in your own egocentric ramblings."

Tee let out a hearty laugh at my response, clearly loving the fact that I wasn't just succumbing to his charm like most girls did. "There it is, smartass," he said, shaking his head in mock disapproval.

As the conversation reached a natural lull, Tee checked his watch and let out a sigh. "Damn, I gotta catch my ride back to the hotwl" he said, his tone tinged with reluctance.

"It was good seeing you again, though," he added, his eyes lingering on me for a moment before he pushed off the wall and began to make his way towards the exit.

"Prick"

As Tee reached the door, he turned around and shot me a lopsided grin, the look in his eyes full of mischief. "See ya around, smartass," he called out, before disappearing through the door and out of my sight.

The days passed by and I tried to focus on work and other activities to keep my mind occupied. However, the memory of the recent encounter with the arrogant male athlete kept lingering in my thoughts. Occasionally, I would find myself checking my phone, almost foolishly hoping for a message or some sign from him. This unexpected feeling confused me, and I found it difficult to fully ignore it or move on from the encounter.

I sat across from Terry in a cozy cafe, sipping my favorite latte and enjoying the warmth of the drink on a cold afternoon. The two of us often met up for coffee chats, a tradition we had both grown to enjoy.

"You seem a bit distracted today," Terry noted, taking a sip of his own coffee. "Everything alright?"

Before I could answer, Terry cut in. "Ah, let me guess. You've got Tee on your mind," he said with a knowing smirk.

I huffed, slightly annoyed that he had guessed correctly. "How did you know?" I asked, stirring my coffee.

Terry chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "It's fairly obvious, you know," he said. "Any time you get that little scowl on your face, I can tell you're thinking about him... or me but I didn't do anything to make you mad yet"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't deny the truth in his words. "Ugh, fine. Yes, Tee has been on my mind," I admitted. "I saw him recently, and our conversation was just as frustrating as it always is."

Terry nodded, taking another sip of coffee. "Yeah, that guy definitely has a way of getting under your skin," he observed. "But why do you even let him get to you like that?"

I let out a sigh, leaning back in my chair as I considered his question. "I don't know," I replied honestly. "Maybe it's because he's so damn cocky and full of himself. Or maybe it's because I find myself strangely attracted to him despite his arrogant attitude."

Terry chuckled, clearly amused by my confession. "Ah, so he's got you all hot and bothered," he teased, trying to lighten the mood.

I shot him a glare, feeling my cheeks flush slightly. "Shut up," I muttered, taking an aggressive sip of coffee. Terry held up his hands in mock surrender, still grinning. "Hey, I'm just calling it like I see it," he said. "You have to admit, there's some kind of strange chemistry between you two." He added.

I groaned and buried my face in my hands. "Don't say it like that," I mumbled. "It makes it sound like I actually have some sort of romantic feelings for him."

Terry smirked, clearly enjoying this conversation a bit too much. "Well, you did just say he gets you 'hot and bothered,'" he pointed out, a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

I shot him a withering glance. "That's not what I meant, and you know it," I said, rolling my eyes. "I can acknowledge that he's attractive without having actual...feelings for him."

Terry just smirked, clearly enjoying teasing me. "Yeah, 'cause you calling him hot and being all flustered around him is totally just casual attraction, right?" he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

I narrowed my eyes at Terry and gestured playfully with my cup. "Keep talking and you'll find this latte on your face," I threatened, though I couldn't help the amused smile that tugged at the corner of my mouth.

Terry held up his hands in mock surrender, still laughing. "Alright, alright, I'll stop," he promised, though the mischievous glint in his eyes told me he was far from done teasing me.

As the evening approached, I decided that I needed a distraction from these unwelcome thoughts. I planned to go out with some friends later to take my mind off things.

I grabbed my phone and started texting a few friends, hoping someone was free to join me. To my relief, one of them replied right away, saying she was also looking for some fun tonight.

As I got ready to go out, I couldn't help feeling a bit excited. It had been a while since I last partied with friends. Calia and I made plans to meet up at my apartment before heading to the club together. I put on a form-fitting dress and applied some makeup, feeling a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

A few hours later, Calia arrived at my door, looking gorgeous in a short, shimmering dress that hugged her curves. We greeted each other with hugs and smiles, both of us clearly eager for a night out.

"Yo, you look bomb!" Calia exclaimed, checking out my outfit with a nod of approval. "We're gonna turn hella heads tonight." I laughed, feeling on top of the world with her compliment. "Thanks, girlie," I replied, giving her another once-over. "You look amazing too. Ready to have a lit night?"

Calia grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You know it! Let's go tear this club up."

With that, we grabbed our bags and headed out into the night, armed with confidence and good vibes. The streetlights glowed as we made our way to the club, the music already pumping and the crowd filtering into the building.

As we joined the crowd and entered the club, the pulsating rhythm of the music enveloped us. The dance floor was buzzing with energy, and the lights flashed in a kaleidoscope of colors. We made our way to the bar, ordered some drinks, and found a spot to stake our claim.

The drinks were flowing, and we were having a blast dancing, laughing, and chatting away. The worries of the world melted away as we lost ourselves in the music and the moment. It was exactly the distraction I needed.

Hours passed in a blur of dancing, laughter, and endless conversations. The club was packed, and we were surrounded by friends and strangers alike. The music was blasting, the sweat was dripping, and the party didn't seem like it would be stopping anytime soon.

As the night wore on, I found myself feeling freer and more carefree than I had in a long time. The alcohol was working its magic, loosening my inhibitions and heightening my senses. I danced shamelessly with Calia, our limbs tangled and carefree, as the music coursed through our veins.

Calia and I were tearing up the dance floor, moving our bodies to the beat like we owned the place. The music was banging, and the crowd was getting wilder with each passing moment.

As we danced, Calia began to throw her hips even more, clearly enjoying the music and the freedom of the moment. I couldn't help but watch as she twerked and moved with a confidence that was totally sexy and fearless.

I watched her, mesmerized, as she got into the groove, her body moving in ways that I could never even imagine trying. I found myself joining in, trying to keep up with her energy and attitude.

Our bodies moved together, our laughter mingled with the music, and our spirits were lifted higher and higher. The crowd around us seemed to egg us on, feeding our energy and adding to the wild atmosphere. I felt alive and free, like we were the queens of this moment.

Hours later, the night was winding down, and the club was starting to empty out. We were sweaty, tired, but still riding the high of the night. Calia and I stumbled out of the club, leaning on each other for support and giggling uncontrollably.

As we stepped out onto the sidewalk, trying to catch our breath and regain our bearings, Calia pulled out her phone and dialed a number. She looked a bit sheepish as she spoke into the phone, explaining to whoever was on the other end that we'd had a little too much to drink and needed a ride home. I leaned against a nearby wall, trying to calm my racing heart and steady my legs.

After a moment, Calia hung up and turned to me, her face a mixture of sheepishness and guilt. "Our ride's on the way," she said, avoiding eye contact.

I was too busy steadying myself to notice her strange behavior. "Thanks," I managed to reply, still feeling the effects of the alcohol. Just then, a sleek car pulled up to the curb and a familiar voice called out from the driver seat.

"Yo, need a lift?" The voice was familiar, and I slowly turned to see Tee sitting behind the wheel of the car, a smug grin on his face.

Caught off guard, I quickly shook my head, my pride kicking in despite my inebriated state. "No, thanks," I mumbled, trying to sound nonchalant. The last thing I wanted was to be stuck in a car with Tee, especially after the confusing feelings he always seemed to provoke in me.

Tee's grin widened as he saw my reaction. "C'mon, princess, you don't look like you can even walk straight," he teased, leaning out of the car window.

I bristled at his words, straightening up as much as my wobbly legs would allow. "I can walk just fine, thank you very much," I said, trying to sound indignant, but my slurred words betrayed me.

Tee raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Yeah, 'cause stumbling around like a drunken newborn giraffe is the definition of 'walking fine,'" he retorted, his smirk growing even wider.

Before I could protest any further, Calia gave me a forceful nudge and pushed me towards the car. "Just get in, don't be stubborn," she whispered, her voice tinged with pleading.

I wanted to resist, but my intoxicated state made me less defiant than usual. I stumbled towards the car, mumbling protests under my breath and trying my best not to meet Tee's smug gaze.

I reluctantly slid into the backseat, trying to suppress my annoyance and irritation as Tee's amused expression continued to get on my nerves. Calia followed suit, sitting next to me and giving me an apologetic look.

Tee glanced back at us in the rearview mirror, a smirk still playing on his lips. "Looks like princesses one and two partied a bit too hard tonight," he commented, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I huffed irritably, rolling my eyes at his words. But a part of me couldn't help but notice how his smirk only enhanced his attractiveness, making me feel a weird flutter in my stomach.

"At least we know how to have a good time," Calia chimed in, trying to sound feisty, but her drunkenness made her sound more like a petulant child.

Tee chuckled, clearly entertained by our attempts to save face. "Oh, is that what you call it? Letting loose and having a good time?" he mocked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Looks more like you both just got wasted and couldn't even stand on your own."

Calia, tipsy and defiant, looked at Tee in the rearview mirror and challenged him, her eyes glittering with a hint of mischief. "You wanna see a good time, tough guy?" Tee raised an eyebrow but couldn't help a smirk from tugging at his lips. "Oh, you got something in mind? I'm all ears."

Before I could even process what was happening, Calia leaned in and planted a firm kiss on my lips, catching me completely off guard. I was stunned, surprised, but a small part of me deep down felt a shiver of... desire?

Tee couldn't help but whistle, clearly enjoying the show. "Damn, didn't know you girls were gonna give me a free show tonight," he said, his smirk growing wider.

Calia broke away from the kiss, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "What, you jealous?" she challenged, her voice laced with drunken audacity.

Tee chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter. "Nah, just enjoying the view," he said, his eyes lingering on me, sending a shiver down my spine.

Tee navigated the car to my apartment, the streets empty and quiet. Calia was already half asleep, mumbling something about how much fun we'd had.

I, on the other hand, was still reeling from the night's events, especially Calia's unexpected kiss. I could feel Tee's gaze on me through the rearview mirror every few seconds.

Finally, we arrived at my apartment building, and I was ready to make a quick escape. I was about to open the door when Tee's voice stopped me.

"Hey, where you think you're goin'?" he asked, his voice low and somewhat commanding. I paused, my hand on the door handle, feeling a mix of irritation and curiosity.

"Home," I responded curtly, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing how his mere presence was affecting me.

"Oh, really?" he mocked, the corner of his mouth curling into a smirk. "And who's gonna make sure you get in there safely? Drunk off your ass and stumbling around like a baby giraffe."

I bristled at his words, my pride kicking in despite the alcohol swimming through my system. "I can take care of myself, thank you very much," I retorted, my voice slightly slurred.

Despite my protests, Tee seemed determined to make sure I got inside safely. He got out of the car, opening my door and offering his hand to help me out.

In my drunken state, I was feeling defiant, and Tee's offer of help irritated me. Without thinking, I smacked his hand away and stumbled out of the car, determined to show him that I could manage on my own.

Tee pulled his hand back, looking a bit shocked at my reaction. For a moment, he looked like he wanted to say something snarky, but he seemed to think better of it.

I huffed irritably, still feeling the effects of the alcohol. "Ugh, you're just as annoying as Terry, if not worse," I grumbled, slurring my words slightly.

Tee's eyebrows shot up at my words, clearly surprised by the comparison. "Whoa, hold up now. I'm nowhere near as annoying as Terry," he protested, his tone a mix of mock offense and genuine curiosity.

I managed to steady myself enough to shoot Tee a glare. "Hey, don't call my best friend annoying," I said firmly, the drunken lilt to my voice making my attempt at authority sound more petulant.

Tee raised an eyebrow, looking slightly amused at my sudden defensiveness. "Alright, princess, no more dissing your bestie," he teased, his tone slightly mocking but with a hint of sincerity.

I huffed again, still trying to pretend I wasn't affected by his presence or our banter. "Good, Terry's way cooler than you'll ever be," I mumbled, crossing my arms defiantly.

With a smirk, Tee started guiding me towards my apartment building, his hand lightly resting on the small of my back. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down my spine, but I tried hard to ignore it, determined to keep up my facade of annoyance.

I stumbled a little, the alcohol making my steps unsteady, but Tee's steady hand on my back kept me from falling face-first onto the pavement. I grumbled under my breath, feeling both irritated and oddly comforted by his support.

We made our way inside the building, the silence between us thick and filled with unspoken tension. I could feel Tee's gaze on me, but I kept my eyes straight ahead, determined to maintain a cool and aloof demeanor.

Finally, we reached my apartment door. I fumbled with the keys, feeling the effects of the alcohol even more as I struggled to unlock the door. Tee watched silently, his arms crossed, a smirk still lingering on his lips.

After a few moments, I managed to unlock the door, the click of the lock echoing in the quiet hallway. I turned to Tee, trying to act nonchalant despite the slight sway of my balance.

"Well, thanks for the escort, but I think I can handle it from here," I said coolly, pretending not to notice the way my heart fluttered as his gaze met mine.

Tee chuckled, his eyes meeting mine with a hint of amusement. "Oh, princess, you always gotta act so tough, even when you're wasted off your ass," he teased, leaning against the doorframe.

I huffed, trying to ignore the way his close proximity was sending my senses ablaze. "And you always gotta act like a cocky jerk," I retorted, my voice sounding a bit weaker than I'd hoped.

Tee feigned hurt, a hand dramatically flying to his chest. "Ouch, that stings, princess," he replied, his smirk growing even wider. "But hey, you gotta admit, you're kinda enjoying this little back-and-forth we've got going on."

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide how his words affected me. "Enjoying it like a root canal," I muttered, hoping he couldn't see how my heart rate had spiked with his proximity and his teasing.

Tee snickered, his eyes still locked on mine. "Aight, you can act all cool and unbothered, but we both know you love this banter session. It gets your heart racing, even if you ain't tryna show it."

I managed to put on a defiant expression, trying to hide the way my heart was hammering in my chest. "Goodnight, jerk," I said with a huff, turning to enter my apartment.

Tee chuckled again, clearly enjoying our little banter. "Sweet dreams, princess," he replied, his voice low and teasing. "Don't dream about me too much."

I rolled my eyes one last time, trying to ignore the fluttering in my stomach, and slammed the door shut behind me.

@spamkeyzavery: favorites 🤍

Liked by caliafarren, terry_25 and 10k others

@user1: calia is so pretty omg

@user2: i saw yall last night!

@terry_25: yo what is that picture..

@user3: not yall leaving out hannah.
-@spamkeyzavery: hannah has big
responsibilities now and she is still my day        one..