Hidden Play: The Return 《COMPLETE》

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Over the next few days, my family, Momma T, and Bobby explore our small town and prep for the holidays. We put up the tree, fight over who gets to put up which ornaments, and have the Christmas music streaming in the background.

One night, Momma T buys us all booze, and we come up with the brilliant idea of turning our modest kitchen into a baking factory. After five hours, more dough ends up in our stomachs and on the floor than on the holiday platters (and, to be honest, the ones that do make it look like utter shit, anyway).

Gigi keeps a close eye on me with Bobby, coming to my rescue more than a few times. It's not that he thinks he has a chance. He's simply used to getting what he wants. So, when he has an emotionally weak moment, he still doesn't understand how to swallow his pride and let it go rather than act on impulse.

All the while, my mind is on Zion. Our last visit lingers in my mind, replaying like a tease to the next time I'll see him on the ski trip. Hunter texts a few times, hoping to play on the jealousy card. But without Zion around, I don't see the point. Casper stops over once, too. It's a strained visit, especially with Bobby hanging around. It's like he doesn't he doesn't know how to act around me now. After our break up, I was the one to mend bridges. This time, it's on him.

Other than that, the visits for me taper off, especially now that I'm plugged back into the world of social media. I expect more backlash or ignorant messages to hit my DMs, but they don't. I'm not daft enough to think my peers have already forgotten. Rather, it appears our school's King has done or said something in the shadows to move them to silence. I'm not sure what, but I know it was him. No one else could have such an impact. He didn't come to my rescue when I came out, but he is now. To me, that says more than the apology itself.

Zion's parting words echo in my mind – both his apology and his promise to fight. We've barely texted since he stopped over that morning. You'd think after all this time I'd be used to it, but the lack of communication still makes me squirm with a longing that borderlines a lovesick puppy.

"You all packed up?"

Bobby hovers at the doorway, peering at my duffle bag with mild distaste. I'll only be gone for two nights, but as I'm his only form of entertainment, I'm sure like it'll seem longer.

"I think so." I zip up my bag and slide my phone into my pocket.

"This blows," he mutters. "But not in the good way."

He throws me a knowing wink and I scoff. "Yea, I think you'll survive."

We walk to the garage and Bobby opens the door, offering up a one-armed hug. Hunter is waiting for me in the driveway, a carefree smile fixed on his lips. Before breaking away, Bobby whispers in my ear.

"It's a shame you can't leave that one behind. I wouldn't mind having him alone for a few days."

His reference to Hunter stings. Bobby would take me back in a heartbeat if he had the chance, I know that. Still, a bitterness resonates in my chest at the mention of him being interested in someone else. Gigi would tell me it's a mere product of the way we ended, with him cheating on me, and that I need to let it go. (And once again, she'd probably be right.)

"I'm sure there are plenty of guys for you back in California," I shoot back, trying to pass off my irritation as disinterest. "And for the next two days? Like I said, you'll survive."

I clap him on the shoulder and head out, shaking off his words like a turning leaf from an old tree. Hunter's eyes lock with mine as I skip down the steps and climb into his car. It may sound petty as hell, but it's satisfying when he doesn't spare a glance to Bobby. Even if this jealousy ploy is fake, it's good to see not everyone is affected by Bobby's charms.