The mall smoothie bar was tucked into a cozy corner between a boutique and a game store, the seating area dotted with round tables and bright-colored chairs. The scent of fresh fruit and vanilla yogurt hung in the air, mixing with the distant sound of pop music pulsing through the mall speakers.
Jess and Macy stood side by side at the counter, still in their cheer uniforms, as Ryan and Billy leaned over to place the group’s order.
“I’ll take a strawberry banana,” Macy said sweetly, batting her lashes at Billy.
“Make it two,” Jess added, trying not to sound breathless, but her eyes drifted sideways toward Ryan.
“Coming right up,” the guy behind the counter said, smiling at the flirty energy radiating off the group.
They found a table in the corner. Jess instinctively went to sit across from Ryan, but he casually slid in next to her before she could protest, his thigh brushing hers as he leaned back with that maddening, confident grin.
Macy and Billy sat across from them, already deep in giggles. Macy was twirling a lock of her dark hair, gazing dreamily up at Billy like she was completely lost in a teenage romance novel.
“So, like,” Macy said with a soft giggle, “remember how you totally carried the team last Friday? That last touchdown was insane.”
Billy chuckled, draping his arm behind her. “Anything for my girl.”
Macy let out a little dreamy sigh and leaned against his shoulder, totally enchanted.
Jess watched them… and felt the burn of Ryan’s gaze on her.
“You’re quiet, Jess,” Ryan said, nudging her lightly. “Thinking about our halftime routine?”
Jess blushed. “No! I mean—yes—I mean…” She clutched her smoothie a little tighter. “Just… thinking.”
Ryan chuckled and reached across the table, gently lacing his fingers through hers.
Jess froze.
Her first instinct was to pull away. You’re not supposed to like this. But… she didn’t. His hand was warm. Comforting. Secure.
She didn’t move.
Instead, her eyes darted to their linked fingers, and she felt that flutter in her stomach again. What is wrong with me? she thought. I’m supposed to be a guy. This isn’t me… is it?
Ryan leaned in slightly, his voice dropping low. “You’re different today. Kinda cute seeing you all shy for once.”
Jess’s cheeks flushed bright pink. Her mouth opened to respond—but no words came out.
Instead of answering, she sipped her smoothie and stayed close.
When Ryan scooted a little closer, his leg brushing hers again, she didn’t shift away. In fact… she found herself leaning into the warmth.
And when he brought his other hand up to brush a loose strand of her hair behind her ear… she let him.
This is messed up, Jess thought. This is so messed up.
But then Ryan whispered, “You’re seriously adorable when you blush, Jess.”
And Jess smiled—helplessly, unconsciously.
What’s happening to me…?
Across the table, Macy looked between Jess and Ryan with a knowing grin, then turned her attention fully back to Billy, laughing at something he whispered in her ear.
Jess glanced at her best friend.
Macy was gone—Macy wasn’t struggling. She was in it. Living this new life without hesitation.
Jess clutched her smoothie a little tighter. Why am I the only one who still remembers? And why is it getting harder to care...?
Ryan’s hand squeezed hers gently, and Jess let out a soft breath she didn’t realize she was holding.