Chapter 27 Chapter Twenty-Seven
Demi’s Point Of View
It’s late in the afternoon and we just ended football practice because our coach had an emergency.
The other players had long since packed up their gear and headed home, but I lingered behind, tossing my water bottle into my bag and trying to shake off the sweat.
Chris had told me he wanted to speak to me after practice and maybe he might give me a ride back home because Alex and I won’t be riding back.
I could hear footsteps approaching.
It was Chris.
He jogged over, a mischievous grin plastered on his face. I knew that look, the one he always used when he was about to tease someone about something.
"Hey, Demi," he called out, voice playful. "So, I was thinking... I mean, not thinking, but just, you know, noticing." He had a playful look on his face.
‘Here he goes’ I mentally thought
I rolled my eyes but kept a grin on my face. "Uh-oh. What's Chris about to accuse me of now?" I pretended to think, even thought from our conversation this morning, he was about to ask me about what’s going on with Alex and I.
He chuckled and leaned against the fence, crossing his arms. "Well, like I said this morning, I saw you and Alex ride to school today"
My stomach did a little flip, not because I was guilty but because I knew where this was heading.
"Yeah? And?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
Chris grinned even wider. "I didn’t know you he slept over, we chatted yesterday and you didn’t mention he was staying over."
I shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. "He’s my best friend Chris, he’s always staying over at my house and last time
I checked, I don’t need to inform you about him sleeping over at my house."
He nodded slowly, pretending to consider. "Sure, sure. I don’t know what I was thinking. But you know, I saw how you looked at him this morning, you had this—"
"This what?, what look?," I interrupted, staring at him in confusion.
Chris smirked. "You had this stupid look on your face my father has whenever my dad brings home his favorite ice cream."
I rolled my eyes again but couldn't help but smile at how adorable his fathers sound. "You're hilarious, Chris."
He leaned in slightly, voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "So, tell me, Demi. Do you think Alex is just a friend? Or... is there something more?" He rubbed his chin in a thinking manner.
I pretended to think hard, tapping my chin while playing along. "Hmm. Well, Alex is pretty funny, and he does have that charming smile. But I just think of him as a friend and besides why are you bringing this up?."
Chris chuckled. "Come on. You're both not fooling me. I saw the way he looked at you during practice today."
I side eyed him. "What are you talking about? Alex? Looking at me? No way. You're imagining things Chris."
“Are you high?” I whispered looking around to see if anyone could hear us. But it was stupid because everyone has gone.
He grinned mischievously. "Am I? Or are you just pretending not to notice? And I’m not high, my dad will kill me if he smells a little bit of weed, he’s still trying to get my father to stop”
I shrugged, trying to act innocent. “Chris you’re just being delusional”
Chris nudged me with his shoulder. "You gotta be honest, Demi. Do you have something going on with Alex?"
I shook my head, fake laughing. "Chris, you're crazy. Alex is just my best friend and I don’t know why you would even think we’re involved like that."
He winked. "Alright, alright. But if I find out you're sneaking off to meet him late at night, I'll be the first to know."
"Only if I'm sneaking off to meet you," I shot back, grinning.
He snorted. "Lol, I doubt that. But seriously, no secrets, okay? Just friends?"
I nodded. "Just friends."
Chris looked at me, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You sure about that? Because I think I'm onto something."
I rolled my eyes again but couldn't help but laugh. "You and your detective skills, Chris."
He clapped his hands. "Hey, I'm just saying. I've got a keen eye for these things."
We both paused for a moment, the playful energy lingering in the air.