Chapter 11: Victory, Middle Fingers, and No Strings May 8, 2025 I cant go, I said, folding my arms.
If I skip piano again, Im dead.
Jake didnt flinch.
He just stepped into my space and gently caught my wrist.
Where is it? Jake Just tell me.
I sighed.
Uptown Music Hall.
Room twelve.
He pulled out his phone, typed something, and hit send.
Handled.
I blinked.
What did you do? He didnt answer.
Just met my eyes with that look quiet, confident, a little dangerous.
I want you there.
And then he walked off like the conversation was already over.
I told myself not to go.
Then I showed up anyway.
*** The stadium was electric.
The energy buzzing through the bleachers made my skin hum.
Erin blinked like I was a hallucination.
Yourehere ? I smirked.
Changed my mind.
Maisy squealed.
Yesss! I was hoping you would.

Willow narrowed her eyes.
You said you had class.
This wouldnt have anything to do with wanting Travis back or getting his attention, would it? I raised an eyebrow.
Lets not talk about that asshole! They laughed.
And I said nothing else.
*** We sat behind our schools bench behindTravis .
He noticed immediately.
His eyes darkened, and he rolled them hard enough to give himself a headache.
Angela, ever the showgirl, kissed his cheek slowly pointedly and glared over his shoulder at me.
I didnt blink.
I also didnt smirk.
I just tilted my head and stared untilshe looked away.
*** The game kicked off.
Fast, rough, loud.
Travis played very sloppy.
Jake played like a god.
I watched him the entire time focused, fierce, all-commanding, but he never looked my way.
Not once.
But I stayed in place.
I kept cheering and praying that he will win the game.
*** The final quarter and final play.
Jakes team was up by three and Travis missed a key pass.
The game ended but Jakes team exploded with cheers.
They celebrated the win like its their first.
I cant help but feel so proud and happy for him.

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Then I stood up, having my middle finger raised.
Arm steady.
Staring straight at Travis.
You earned this, I mouthed and Angela turned and caught my eye.
I smirked and gave her a little wave, mockingly of course.
Erin burst out laughing.
Maisy clapped her hands proudly.
Willow muttered, Iconic.
And I never felt… so powerful.
*** Then I saw him.
Jake.
Hes taking his helmet off.
Sweat dripping down his jaw, grinning widely.
And thenher .
A girl.
Tall.
Polished.
Effortlessly pretty girl.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek close and familiar.
He turned to her, but didnt stop her.
He also didnt push her off.
He just let her.
And for a second, something in metwisted .
My heart hurt and its beating weirdly, like it wanted to protest.

Hes not mine.
He wasnt.
Were not official.
Not even secretly in a way that mattered out here.
But it still stung.
It still hurts.
I took a deep breath.
Calmed myself down and smiled like nothing happened.
*** Walking to the car, Erin nudged me.
That was the most satisfying middle finger Ive ever seen.
Youre my idol, Lil.
Thank you, I said with a nod, clearly not in the mood.
Maisy was glowing.
I think Rex saw me.
Willow said casually, That girl with Jake… his girlfriend? I shrugged.
Probably just someone he knows.
They didnt question it.
Because they didnt know about me and Jake.
Jake and I had an unspoken rules.
Secrets.
No strings.
And jealousy? It wasnt allowed.
Even if it felt real.
Even if it burned.