Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 123

KATY’S POV

“I’m telling you, it makes no sense.” I duck behind a rack of glittery dresses, running my fingers over the sequins.

“Yeah… it really doesn’t.” Allie mutters, but she’s staring off somewhere else. I raise an eyebrow at her but she doesn’t even seem to notice.

She’s distracted, and if I know her at all, I’d say she’s… nervous? Which is weird because she was the one who dragged me out here for the ACE Gala shopping spree.

“Alls,” I pinch her arm and she flinches, yelping a little bit. “Spill it. What’s going on with you?” “What?” She rubs her arm. “I… what do you mean?”

“You didn’t even notice me eyeballing you,” I tease. “Not even a little. And you’re not excited like you always are when we shop. You’re… off. You haven’t been listening to half the stuff I’ve been rambling about. Come on, spill it, something’s definitely up.”

She swallows, bites her lip, and finally shrugs. “I’m just… kind of bothered,” she admits.

“About what? You know you can talk to me, right?”

She nods, then hesitates like she’s contemplating. “It’s… a little about Jessy. You remember him, right?”

I narrow my eyes. “The server at Greeze Bar? The one who helped us out?”

“Yeah, exactly.”

“Is he okay?” I ask.

“Well, yes, he is.” She runs a hand through her hair, gritting her teeth like she always does when she’s bothered. “You know he’s gay, right?” I nod. “He likes this guy…like, really likes him but the guy is his best friend’s brother. And he’s conflicted, and it’s just… crushing him. I don’t know what to tell him, because people handle things differently. I mean… would you be okay if I liked Justin?”

“Hell no,” I say quickly. “It’d be super weird and I get it, it sounds hypocritical, since I’m dating Justin’s best friend. But… yeah. It’s complicated, and like you said, everyone reacts differently.

”

She chuckles. “So you’d be totally pissed if I one day told you I liked Justin?”

“I don’t even see that ever happening” I respond. “You two are just… so different. But yeah, I’d be more unhappy than pissed. I’d be really disappointed that you didn’t tell me you were developing feelings sooner. I could probably talk you out of falling for him anyway.” I shrug.” Honestly, if it was something serious, I wouldn’t have a huge problem. But knowing you and Justin… I doubt it ever will be. And I don’t want it to create a dent in our relationship. I like you more than him.”

“So you think the problem is not coming clean about the feelings… or liking him in general?”

I snort. “Both, I guess.” I loop my hand with hers. “If Jessy hasn’t made a move yet, he should come clean to his best friend. But if they’ve been… hooking up or something, then yeah, that’s a problem. I just don’t like the idea of my trust being broken if my best friend keeps something like that from me. Considering it’s bothering him and you… their friendship seems pretty tight. It’s important he comes clean.”

“But it worked out pretty easily for you and Braydon,” she replies. “And you guys had already hooked up when Justin found out. What if the same logic applies? I’m pretty sure nobody likes lying to their best friend.”

“Justin didn’t overreact because he kind of figured it out step by step,” I explain. “And I thank God for that every day. I feel like he saw Braydon’s growth and realized he was serious about me. But if Jessy’s best friend has no clue or hasn’t even considered the possibility, it could be way more shocking. Like I said, I’d totally freak out if the thought of you and Justin ever crossed my mind… or, worse, the impossible idea that you guys hooked up behind my back and you didn’t tell me. So yeah… your friend should weigh all that before saying anything.”

She looks at me, biting her lip. “When do you think would be the best time to tell him if he’s already betrayed his best friend?”

“Umm… holidays, if they’re already hooking up,” I say. “He should definitely pick a vacation or just a chill, low-stress environment. Makes it way easier to process.”

She nods, then exhales. “Th-that’s a really good suggestion.” But even as she says it, she doesn’t look fully at ease.

“Are you sure that’s all?” I ask, scanning her face.

“Yeah, that’s it.” She squeezes my hand. “Come on, let’s go try some dresses over there.”

“Cooper agreed to come if you say yes,” he reveals. “So… what’s it gonna be?”

I press my lips together, thinking. “Well… if he says yes, then… wait. What about Allie? She’s been dying to go skiing with me. It’s on her bucket list and I don’t want to betray her.”

“She’s coming too.”

I scowl. “Did you ask everyone else before me?”

His mouth parts like he can’t believe me. Honestly, maybe I should be the one mad because why does it feel like I’m being left out of the group conversation?

“We just happened to talk about it right now in the kitchen,” he says.

I squint. “You sure?”

“Katy, Jesus Christ, I’m already on edge and you’re making it worse,” he snaps.

I huff in annoyance, glaring at him. “Fine, I’ll go.” I narrow my eyes. “And how is it my fault you’re on edge? Seriously, why are you on edge?”

He rubs his face, muttering, “Nothing… planning vacations sucks.”

Then he turns and walks off before I can even say anything. I stare after him before rolling my eyes. Ugh. Brothers are the worst.

But… honestly, I am excited. Winter break with them-this is going to be fun. Allie usually stays with her family, but she can always find time for a trip. Usually it’s just me and Justin, but now it’s four of us. And the weirdest part? Justin is actually planning it. He never does anything like this. So strange… but kind of perfect.