Relationship With My Boyfriends Best Friend

Chapter 10.

To say that I was tense and a bit uncomfortable would be an understatement. On the pew, it's Eric on the end who seems to be oblivious of my current state, me, Jace, and Braylee followed by my parents.

I keep my hands in my lap despite Eric's previous attempt at trying to hold one. I'm conflicted at this point. Baylee had said she saw Eric at parties, and I trust her word. Then again, my brother had said that – through the countless of parties he's been to – has never seen Eric. This could mean one of three things; Baylee is lying, Caleb is lying, or Eric has done a great job at hiding from my brother.

I don't like the last option. Sure, the other two could result in beef between us, but then I would know that Eric isn't going off to do things I don't know about. Not saying he's cheating or anything.

And if he is?

We'll cross that bridge when we get there, I guess.

It's when the last amen is said amongst our church and the ending music starts to play do I realize what a predicament I am in.

Do I pretend that everything is fine between my boyfriend and I? Or should I say something?

I'm not the type to willingly walk into a conflict, and I already know the answer to my last question.

As we begin to stand up to leave the church, I feel Jace's hand grab my arm and his lips next to my ear.

Why the heck did my heart just increase speed?

"Good luck." Is all he says before he lets me go and I'm able to follow after Eric.

It's a beautiful day this December, the sun shining against the white snow; not a single cloud in the sky. Too bad it can't lift my mood that easily.

"We parked over here," Eric tells me, but I shake my head. That's right, go back and hide in your shell, Nina.

"I'm actually going to ride home with my parents today," I attempt an assuring smile. Every Sunday I ride home with the Beets. This Sunday is different.

"Are you sure?" He furrows his eyebrows. "If you're worried about the seating with Jace being here and all—"

"No, no," I tell him. "I just want to ride with them this time."

I can tell he's skeptical by my response, but he doesn't try to stop me as I turn my back on him so that says something. I even notice Jace when I begin making my way to my parents, a smirk covers his face.

I roll my eyes, ignoring that palpitations of my conflicted heart.

"Nina-" my mom tries to talk to me, but I shake my head and climb into the back seat where my brother is already positioned.

He's not the only one skeptical of my actions. He gives me a disapproving look at this moment, but I turn my head. He'll find out eventually, and I hope to God he doesn't follow through on his promise.

I go to the kitchen with my mom right as we get home, my aunt Brittni already here with her family.

"How did you get in?" My mom asks my aunt who sits at the island munching on some pretzels.