16. Nora/Wes

SIXTEEN

Daddy-O

Call me when you've finished classes, honey.

That one text is enough to put me on edge for the entire day. Mark Bailey is the softest, most fun-loving, go-lucky person I have ever met. He doesn't have one sad or mean bone in his body. It's like he was built on sunshine and happiness, and it makes me wonder if he was always built to be a dad. My dad.

Not a day goes by when I don't think about how lucky I am. How insanely grateful I am to have two parents who push me to do better without being overbearing. Who loves me unconditionally and knows how to talk me out of my mind. They've single-handedly taught me how to be brave and not to be afraid to take risks. Because of their happy nature, a text like that from my dad sends me into a spiral. I thought about calling him earlier, but if I don't start to pay more attention in classes, I can kiss my degree goodbye.

The second I finish my last lecture of the day, I walk in the opposite direction of Kie and hit the call button. My dad answers immediately. "Dad? Is everything okay?"

"I can't go to New York with you."

I stop still in the middle of the hallway.

I get concerned looks from others who are passing me, but I can't bring myself to care. My heart roars in my ears; it feels like I've been cemented to this spot. I want to move, but I just can't. His words ring in my brain, and I can't control the emotion lodged in my throat. Out of everything he could say, this was the last thing I expected. The trip isn't booked until the New Year, and it's the perfect time to go before my schedule gets more hectic with exams and the lead-up to the opening night of the show.

"What?" I choke out, still standing in the middle of the hallway.

My dad's soft, hushed voice vibrates through the phone. "I'm so sorry, sweetie. I wanted to tell you as soon as I heard, and I didn't want to do the whole lead-up, so I just told you straight away. I know you're shocked. I'm sorry to do this, Nor."

I swallow. Hard. "What do you mean you can't go?" I know I sound like a child on the verge of tears, but I can't help it. This trip has only been a dream because of him. Because of the stories he told and the movies we watched together. I'd want nothing to do with New York if it wasn't for him.

"Something came up at the school, and it's important that I'm there to–"

I cut him off. I've officially hit rock bottom. I'm sobbing on the phone in the hallway. "But, Dad, you promised. You've been saying this for years. When I go, you go, remember? I can't go to New York for the first time without you."

A sob lurches from me, my voice breaking, and I finally manage to move my feet. I'm getting too many stares, and I'm starting to get uncomfortable. I push through the main doors of the building, hit by the December chill as I stand at the side of the building.

"I'm not going if it's not with you," I sob, my chest aching just at the thought.

"I'm sorry, Nora," my dad says quietly, "If I could change it, you know I would. This is the perfect time for you to go. You're only going to get busier after this month, and then you've got camp, and you'll be working during the summer, and then it's your final year. I don't want to postpone this for you, and then you won't end up going until you've finished college entirely." I don't even have the energy to argue with him. My whole body feels numb, and my chest can't stop shaking. I'm surprised I'm still standing upright when his next words hit me. "Go with Wes."

"What?"

"Bring Wes. You're dating now, aren't you?" My dad's question shouldn't catch me off guard. Fake dating Wes has been the only thing keeping me sane these last few weeks, and it's slowly paying off. For me, more so than him. I just sniffle. "You would never be able to decide between picking Elle or Cat, so take Wes. I know you two would have fun together."

I sigh, leaning my head against the wall behind me. "This was supposed to be our trip, Dad. Just me and you."

"I know, I know," he says. "But New York isn't going anywhere, okay? When we're both able to, we'll go again. We'll go for longer, too. I promise."

I resist the urge to give him shit on his promises, but I think better of it and mumble out an ‘Okay' before I end the call. The feeling I get after the call ends sucks. It's like someone has taken a sledgehammer to my chest and wrecked me in two.

I shouldn't be so torn up about this. The New York trip is still going ahead. No matter who I go with, I'm still going to be in the city of my dreams, and that's all that really matters. I try my hardest to collect myself as I go to text Wes, but I get a text from Ryan instead. He sent me a picture that Wes and I took at the drive-in with a message attached.

TheDevil

I was there too. How come I didn't see you?

Maybe I was too busy with my tongue down my boyfriend's throat.

TheDevil

I bet you were.

What is so good about him, Nora? Even when we were together, I could tell something was going on. You deserve better than that.

HAHAHAHAHAHA.

Are YOU seriously trying to tell ME I deserve better after I was stuck with you for five years??? Next joke.

TheDevil

I'm being serious.

Sure you are, bud.

Do you want to know what's so good about him?

TheDevil

Yes.

For starters, he isn"t you.

I closeRyan's text thread, and I want to delete his number. I also don't want to because of the strange feeling I get in my stomach knowing that I've pissed him off. Being able to get under his skin is exactly what I need to blow off some steam. I take a deep breath, swiping onto Wes's contact.

Thoughts on New York?

Wessy

Is this the same as the Hamilton situation?

….

Wessy

Never been, but it seems like your scene if your birthday is anything to go by.

Do you want to go with me? My dad can't go anymore, and I can't pick between Elle and Cat since I only have two tickets. You're the last resort.

Wessy

Wow. Way to make a guy feel special.

Do you want to go or not?

Wessy

I'll go anywhere with you, Stargirl. You know that.

I've never really cared for Christmas.

Well, I used to love it. I used to love my parents waking me up with a smile on their faces, a hot chocolate in their hands, and a present for me to open in bed. We'd spend the whole morning under the tree in our pajamas, and my parents never failed to make me feel special. Being an only child both sucked and was the greatest thing on days like those. I had their attention on me at all times, and there was never a moment where I felt alone.

Until now.

Now, Christmas time feels like it's just going to be a whole period where everyone is happy and with their families and in love, and I can barely look my dad in the eye. We've managed to get through some more games without any major setbacks, and if all goes well, we might even make it to the semis. Connor, Oli, Sam, and I have had a talk with the freshmen, and hopefully, they'll start to pull their weight. I haven't told anyone about how I'm feeling about football in general, and it might stay that way. The last thing I want is for them to either pressure me into staying on or pity me for not having a clue what I want to do with my life.

I have to suck it up since I'm in the middle of the Christmas markets in Fort Collins with my best friends and my fake girlfriend. Fake dating duties are supposedly off the table for today since we've had this group hang-out session planned for a while. Nora's still standing next to me, her arm hooked in mine as we slowly make our way around.

"Penny for your thoughts?" she asks, peering up at me. Her hair is a mess of waves today, covered by a beanie, and she's wrapped up tight in a scarf and puffer jacket. Her adorable nose is red with cold and her cheeks are pink.

"Got nothin' going on up here, Sunshine," I say, but she frowns at me.

"Come on, Wessy. You've been quiet all day, and you even let Connor make fun of you for losing the ring toss. That's not like you."

I hate that she knows me so well. That she understands when I'm quiet and when I have nothing to say. I honestly don't know what's wrong with me. I'm just… numb. Too many things are going on in my head that just settling on one thing to worry about is stressing me out more than anything.

I give Nora my best grin so she doesn't have to worry. "I'm just thinking about how I'm going to kick your ass on the crepe-making station."

She snorts. "You do know it's not a competition, right? It's just a fun way to make your own dessert. No need to make it into something it isn't."

"That's just what losers say," I tease. I turn back to the rest of the group. Cat and Connor are nowhere to be seen, probably making out behind one of the huts. Elle is standing in front of a jewelry stall, and Archer is beside her. She's talking to him, but he's a man of little words, so I'm guessing he's just blinking at her. "Guess it's just me and you, Stargirl."

She giggles. I almost faint. God, I just can't get enough of her. How is that even possible? I've spent nearly every day with her since we were kids, and I still want more. "Guess so," she gets out, pulling my arm as she leads us to the station.

Maybe I did underestimate her crepe-making skills because hers looks a lot better than mine. I'm sure they've given me some fucked up batter or something because whilst hers looks all smooth and delicious, mine just looks like lumps of batter with Nutella thrown on top.

"Gimme some of yours," I demand, leaning over her as we walk around the markets, the Christmas lights shining around us. She holds her cone higher, which only makes it easier for me.

"No! You've already eaten your own," she argues.

"I'm pretty sure mine was raw. I might die, Nora. You can't let me die without a good taste of your crepe," I whine, still trying to steal her cone.

"Maybe I do want that to happen," she says, stopping still and pointing to me with a look.

My mouth pops open. "Nora Bailey, you sick, sick woman."

It only takes one look at her with my gorgeous doe eyes before she sighs, holding the one up to me. "Fine. Don't eat a lot, or I'll kill you myself."

"You really need to stop with these threats, Nor," I mutter, leaning down to take a bite of her crepe. She watches me carefully so I don't take too much, and when I bite a piece off, my eyes connect with hers. Her mouth twitches slightly as she continues staring at me, and I can't tear my eyes away from her.

Of course, it tastes delicious, and all the Nutella and strawberries make so much sense together. I groan when I swallow.

"Good?" Her voice is all but a rasp.

"So fucking good," I whisper. Her mouth turns up into a smile and she turns away from me, continuing to eat her crepe whilst I'm left wondering if the blush on her cheeks was because of me or the cold.

"Wanna go on the Ferris Wheel now? We could take some pictures up there, too," Nora suggests when we get closer to the line for the wheel. I look up and gulp. Jesus Christ. How tall is that thing? I try not to make my nerves obvious, but she nudges her arm into mine. "We don't have to if you don't want to."

"No," I say quickly. Maybe even too quickly. I don't fucking know. "We can go." She throws me a skeptical look before thinking better of it and walking us toward the end of the line.

I pull out my phone whilst I wait, seeing if I have any new messages. There's a few from my dad trying to confirm what I'm doing for Christmas, and I sure as hell aren't spending it with him. There's one from Connor saying he and Cat have left early and are going back to the house, and there's a few in our team group chat.

Red

If we don't make it to the semis, what then?

Sam

Dunno. Sit and cry.

Red

I don't like the sound of that.

Oli

Neither do I.

Connor

There'll be no sitting and crying if you actually pay attention. Which means no pissing about over Christmas break.

Red

Yeah, and what are you doing? I can see all the pics of you at the markets, dumbass.

Connor

Hanging out with my girlfriend isn't a crime.

Sam

Where's Wesley? I haven't seen him around in a hot minute. I miss my bestie.

Red

Too busy playing Loverboy.

I'm right here, Assholes.

Red

Ah! Came out for a breather from between your girl"s legs?

Yeah, actually, thanks for checking in.

Connor

That's my sister, chill.

Sam

LMFAO. You're pussy whipped.

Connor

Again, she's my sister, so watch it.

As a matter of fact, I am.

Red

You bringing her to the NYE party? Oli's hosting.

Oli

Since when?

Red

Since now…

Oli

Fuck that. There's a party at The Dragon.

Yeah, I'll bring her. Might stick my tongue down her throat in front of you all to shut you up.

Connor

She's still my sister.

My phonealmost drops out of my hand when a shrill voice brings me back to reality.

"Nora!"

We both turn to see a tall blonde running towards us in the line. She is not dressed for this weather at all. Whilst we're all bundled up and cozy, she's wearing a summer dress, no tights, and flats. Her face and legs are completely red like she's been rolling around in snow.

"Summer?" Nora asks, detangling her arm from mine as the girl gets closer. I have no clue who this is, but the surprise in Nora's voice is saying something. The girl reaches us, and she gives me a once over, smirking like she knows something. "Oh my god! It's been forever. How's Switzerland?"

"Cold," the blonde– Summer– replies. She's panting like she ran all the way over here. "How are you? How's Ryan?"

Nora stiffens. "Uh, we actually broke up a few months ago."

"Seriously?" Summer's blue eyes almost bulge right out of her head. What was the best news to me sounds to her like the world is ending. "I thought you two were going to get married. Endgame, or whatever."

"Nope," Nora says, and there's an edge to her voice. I can't tell if she loves or hates this girl. I kinda need to know so I know whether or not I should hate her too. "This is my boyfriend, Wes. You remember him, right?"

I'm never going to get tired of her saying my name and ‘boyfriend' in the same sentence. I smile at her, giving her a firm nod. "How could I forget?" she purrs, her eyes so obviously trying to fuck me. Yeah, I've decided on my own. I don't like her. Not at all.

Still, I find myself doing the polite thing and saying, "Hi. It's nice to see you." I don't even remember this chick. It's hard to notice anyone when I'm around Nora. So, if she had introduced her as her friend one time, I would have blocked her out. Part of me is glad that I did. She seems like bad news.

"You too," she says, and I swear she winks at me. She turns to Nora. "So… Ryan's single then, huh?"

Nora tuts, shaking her head. "Ah, no. He's with Daisy from our class. Oh, well, he was with Megan before that, and then there was Belle from his internship…." Fucking hell. The sass on this woman just makes her that much more fucking attractive. "Ugh," she says, rolling her eyes, "It's so hard to keep up now. But you're more than welcome to wait around to see if he gets bored."

Oh.

Oh.

She was that kind of friend.

That makes a lot more sense now. I just stand there quietly as Nora shoots daggers at this girl who clearly had a thing for Ryan when they were dating. I'm sure she couldn't care less about Ryan in the situation and more about how she felt being betrayed by her friend. Friends like that suck, and they shouldn't be allowed around people who are in relationships.

Summer's eyes widen. "What makes you think that–"

"Oh, come on, Sum," Nora says, sighing. "I've seen the way you looked at him when we were together. I never said anything because… well, he was mine, and he made me believe he was faithful. Turns out, he was cheating on me anyway. Seems like you could have had a chance."

Summer scoffs. "Whatever," she mutters. She points between the two of us. "Ryan is going to hate this, you know. You two together, I mean."

Nora just shrugs. "He'll get over it."

"Not so sure he will," Summer says like she knows something I don't. I'm not a fan of this girl. "See you around, Lovebirds."

And then, she's gone.

We're both quiet until we get seated on the Ferris Wheel. I try to make conversation with her, but I'm too busy trying not to have a panic attack. I breathe in through my nose and then out through my mouth. Nora snuggles close to me on the bench, and I thought her proximity would soothe the nausea, but it's not helping.

"Am I evil for enjoying every second of that?" Nora asks, trying not to laugh.

"Not at all," I breathe out, turning away from her to look out to the skyline and the markets beneath us. Big mistake. I suck in a breath, closing my eyes as I tilt my head back.

She doesn't notice my discomfort because she continues talking. "It's so pretty from up here, don't you think? Everything just seems so much quieter. Muted. It's like nothing bad could happen up here."

Her soft words calm me for a second, and I open my eyes. As terrifying as it is, she's right. We can see the tips of the trees up here, the tops of houses, and the stalls in the market. Christmas lights shine everywhere, and it feels like we're in a separate universe altogether. It reminds me of the childlike wonder the holidays used to bring.

But when I look at her, watching her watch everything else, that's a sight that can beat what's beneath us. I go quiet again, turning away to look back down to the scene below. Maybe this isn't so bad. When the car jolts slightly when we stop at the top, I gasp.

"What's wrong?" she asks tentatively, somehow moving closer to me. Her thigh brushes against mine, and I bite the inside of my cheek. "You've not got a hard-on again, have you?"

Just the word hard is enough for me to shift in my seat. "You wish," I bite out. I take in a deep breath, and when I turn to her, my heart settles slightly. She's got this worried expression on her face like I was about to jump out or something. "Let's just say I don't love heights."

"Are you being serious?" she gawks, "Why would you agree to come on here?"

"Why do you think?" I mutter.

She just blinks at me. I blink back. Unspoken words settle beneath us, and I think she realizes that I'd do anything she asked me to, no matter how fucking terrified I am right now. She closes her eyes, choosing her words carefully as if she doesn't want to upset me.

"You can say no to me sometimes, you know," she whispers softly.

"I can't."

"Wes."

Heat creeps up on my neck, making my whole body tingle. "What?"

"Come on," she says, rolling her eyes as if I'm ridiculous. "You can't be serious. Just because I like something doesn't mean you have to by proxy."

I nod. "It does. It's how we work, Nora."

"No, it's not."

"It is."

"It's not."

I sigh. "Are you really trying to argue with me right now?"

She crosses her arms against her chest, tilting her chin up. "Maybe I am."

"Maybe you need to shut up."

"Maybe you need to make me." Her own words catch her off guard as she slaps a hand over her mouth. I just smirk at her as she looks at me like a deer in headlights. Now, I can tell that the blush on her cheeks has nothing to do with the weather. "Oh my God. I meant like–"

"For the love of God, just shut up and kiss me."

I thought I would be the one pulling her into me, but I'm not.

Her small hands fist in my jacket, pulling me right into her, and she presses her lips to mine. My eyes widen in shock before they soften as she melts into me. She's fully in control this time as she pulls me down to her, and our bodies flush together. Even with the layers of clothes between us, it's like I can still feel her. She tastes sweet – forever like strawberries and the chocolate she had earlier.

I let myself get lost in her. I don't think about the fakeness of this or the part where she'll stop and push me off her. I let myself imagine for a second that this is real. That she actually wants me and not just to piss off her ex. That Nora Bailey might actually be interested in me beyond being my friend.

When my hand makes its way into her hair, her beanie falling onto the bench, she whispers my name into my mouth. God, that sound. If I die on the Ferris wheel right now, I'd die a happy man because Nora is beneath me, saying my name in that raspy, sexy voice of hers.

Her mouth parts, and I dare myself to slip my tongue into her mouth, but I chicken out. Suddenly, I'm not sure what we're even doing, and I can't tell myself to stop. She feels too good. Too safe. Too much like mine. I snap back to reality when her arm moves from beneath me, only for me to realize she is taking a picture.

She rears back from me slightly, her lips swollen, and her entire face is red. She licks her lips like she still wants to taste me. Her voice is breathless and tight. "Photo ops, remember?"

I clear my throat. "Yeah, photo ops."