Chapter 75 CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE

Chapter 75 CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE
JOSH’S POV

“Fucking finally!”

The guys broke into an uproar, aggressively beating their hands against the tables, shoving each other around and throwing whatever little pieces of paper they had within reach into the air as though we had just won an actual game.

Caleb was the loudest of all of us, already halfway out of his seat as he pointed at each person around the room.

“Party at my place tonight,” he announced, reminding the group of the plans he'd barely stopped talking about all week. “Y’all better not miss it. I swear, if anyone does, I'm kicking him out of the team.”

“I approve,” Peter chipped in, earning a few laughs. “As your captain, I stand by him. You all better come and, at least for tonight, forget about every single thing college-related.”

That earned another round of laughter, everyone immediately agreeing with Peter as the conversation shifted into plans for the evening, drinks, food and who was bringing what.

After all, exams were finally over, and after an entire week of having our lives revolve around studying, it felt like our usual lives had finally been returned to us.

I laughed lightly along with them, but my attention was already somewhere else. The same place it had been all week.

Josh: Exams are finally over.

Josh: We survived.

I glanced at the time, calculating the difference between Eva and I’s final paper for the day. I’d memorized her entire timetable for the week and after texting her every single day all week, it was the least of all the things about her I’d memorized.

Just as I predicted, her message came in five minutes later, my screen lighting up not a second late.

Eva: We did!

Eva: I’m so excited!

Eva: But I bet I’m not as excited as you.

A smile immediately tugged at my lips.

I walked towards a quieter corner of the room before replying, mostly because I didn't need any of the guys looking over my shoulder and asking questions I wasn't ready to answer.

Josh: Glad you know that.

Josh: I’m more excited to finally get to be with you in places other than the locker room without the boys.

She read the message immediately but her response didn't come just as fast, my lips curling as I tried to imagine her expression. The mere thought made me chuckle to myself and before it could progress into something else, Peter suddenly appeared by my side.

“What are you smirking at?”

“Nothing,” I put the phone away. “Just a random message.”

“Sure,” it was his turn to smirk, followed by him throwing his arm across my shoulders. “You’ll be at Caleb’s party tonight, yeah?”

“Nah,” I shook my head and before he could ask, explained. “I’m going to a brand event with Indianna.”

I watched him raise his eyebrows and before he could get the wrong idea, added. “It’s nothing like you’re thinking. It’s just work.”

Amongst the few people that knew there was truly nothing between Indianna and I was Peter. But at the same time, I’d always had the feeling he deep down wanted things between us to become serious.

So if I was now dating his sister with the intention of letting him know sometime soon, I needed to get rid of that feeling from his side.

“Indianna and I are just friends,” I continued. “Nothing but friends.”

“Yeah, I know,” he gave my shoulder a squeeze. “You made that very clear when you told me about that girl during camp, remember? Though I don't know who she is I’m still very curious. When are you going to grow some balls and introduce her to me.”

“Soon,” I flashed him a stiff smile, unable to help but wonder if that expression would remain on his face if he knew who she was. “Soon enough.”

“I’d hope so,” he loosened his grip around my shoulder, my phone immediately buzzing by my side. He narrowed his gaze towards it then smirked at me. “Is that her?”

I nervously pulled it out, a chuckle escaping my lips as I read the messages that had popped in.

Indianna: Don't forget about tonight.

Indianna: We're going together, remember?

Indianna: Come pick me up when you're ready.

“It’s Indianna,” I waved the phone in his face. “There’s no need to play detective here.”

“Hey, you can’t blame me for that,” he raised his hands in defence. “You’re the one who chose to keep his best friend in the dark.”

“Guilty as charged,” I laughed lightly, the phone buzzing again. “I deserve—”

I didn't finish my words, a new message from Eva catching me off guard.

Eva: What are you doing?

I smiled, despite the fact that I could feel Peter’s eyes on me.

Josh: Nothing important.

Josh: Can I see you?

Her response took a little longer this time.

Eva: See me?

Josh: Yeah.

Josh: Today.

“You seriously want me to believe it’s Indianna you’re texting?”

I ignored Peter, my focus on Eva’s new messages and the idea now brewing in my head.

Eva: I was planning on going home with Lily.       

Eva: To your place, I mean.

I immediately sat up. That wasn't exactly what I wanted, but it was better than nothing.

Josh: Do that.

Josh: I’ll see you in a bit then.

I locked my phone and slipped it back into my pocket to meet Peter still peering at me. I laughed at him and looked at the rest of the guys who were now slowly dispersing.

“Where are you going?” Peter asked as I rose to my feet. “You’re leaving already?”

“Yeah, I'm going home.” I grabbed my bag, already heading towards the door. “I have to drive Indianna later, so I could just as well get some rest now.”

He stared at me suspiciously but it didn't even matter. I ignored him and walked out of the room and the entire group in no time.

I didn't care what excuse I had to give. After spending the entire week having to steal little moments with her between exams, I wasn't going to waste the first free evening we finally had together.