Chapter 14

After meeting Chase’s friends, I hoped I’d made a good impression. I’m introverted, and trying to be more outgoing is still hard for me. But I tried. I really did.

I texted Chase:

I hope your friends liked me. They seemed down‑to‑earth even though I just met them.

He replied almost instantly:

They liked you. I wouldn’t worry about it, love.

I tried to believe him. I tried to stay positive. I tried to quiet the little voice in my chest that always wondered if I was enough.

Later, I opened the group chat with my friends and immediately saw a flood of messages. Something had happened.

I typed:

I see I missed something. I skimmed through but didn’t read everything. What did Isaac do?

Angela responded:

Apparently, Isaac snooped on Chase’s social media and did some digging.

My stomach tightened. What did he find?

You’re not going to like this… she wrote.

Remember when you and Chase first met up in person?

Yeah?

Chase was dating Evelyn when you two were hanging out.

My eyes widened. Confusion hit first, then disbelief.

“That can’t be true,” I whispered to myself. Then I typed, He could’ve told me this beforehand. But he probably wouldn’t… or she would’ve found a way to contact me.

Angela replied:

Apparently, he hasn’t confessed and wants to pretend you’re the only one for him.

Tears filled my eyes before I could stop them. I typed with shaking hands:

I don’t know what to say. And I don’t know why Isaac even bothered doing that.

Brianna chimed in:

I think he still has feelings for you. He cares, even though he knows you’re with Chase. He’s looking out for you.

I thought about that, then typed:

Ugh, I hate this. I had a feeling that something was off with Chase when I met him and his friends.

Angela replied:

They might know something… or maybe not. I’m sorry, Lola. I know you don’t want to believe it, but hopefully it’s not true.

I hope not, I wrote. But I guess I’ll find out.

I put my phone down and cried until my chest hurt.

Eventually, I wiped my face and texted Isaac:

Hey, do you want to meet up and hang out?

I knew it was weird — he was my ex — but we barely talked anymore, and he always respected my boundaries with Chase.

He replied immediately:

Hi. What time today?

2 p.m.?

I’m free. Where?

Nearby Park?

That works. Be there shortly.

It was already 1:30, so I got dressed, washed my face, and headed for the bus stop.

When I reached the park, I texted him:

I’m here.

I sat on a bench and, without thinking too hard, texted Chase:

Hey love, I hope you’re having a good day so far. I love you.

I hit send and set my phone down, staring at the scattered people around the park. My heart felt heavy, like it was waiting for something to break.

My phone buzzed.

I’m here. Where are you? Isaac texted.

I’m sitting on the park bench.

I spotted him in the distance and called out, “I’m over here!”

He turned, saw me, and walked over.

“Hey! Haven’t seen you in a while,” he said.

“Hey. Likewise.”

He sat beside me. “Everything okay?”

“Not really.”

“What’s going on?”

I took a breath. “Angela and Brianna told me what you did… and what you found out about Chase.”

He looked surprised — almost guilty. “Oh. Well, I wanted to tell you myself, but I guess they beat me to it.” He let out a small, awkward laugh.

“They did. And honestly, I don’t know what to do or how to feel. I hope it isn’t true. I hope you’re not just trying to cause drama.”

“Why would I do that for attention? That’s stupid.”

“I don’t know Isaac. You tell me.”

“No, I wouldn’t. You know that about me. I’m only looking out for you.”

“Uh‑huh. Sure,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“Okay, don’t believe me. But I’m telling you because I care.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it… I guess.”

We talked for a while, though my mind kept drifting.

Eventually, I checked my phone. Chase had responded:

Sorry, I was busy helping my mom and gaming with my friends. Just saw your text now. I hope you’re having a good day! I miss you, and I want you to know you mean the whole world to me.

I stared at the message, debating whether to reply. I didn’t. Not yet. I was too upset, too confused. I needed time before I talked to him about any of this.

Later that night, I was back home, curled up on the couch with Netflix playing and a bowl of popcorn in my lap. But I wasn’t really watching it. My mind kept replaying everything — the messages, the meetup, the possibility that Chase had lied to me from the beginning.

I hated the uncertainty.

I hated the ache in my chest.

I hated that I didn’t know what to believe.

Eventually, I turned off the TV and called it a night.

But sleep didn’t come easy.