Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 188

ALLISON’S POV

“Allison and I are just friends.”

Yes, I’m still thinking about what Justin said this morning, even though we already agreed that telling people that was the safest option. It would be crazy to tell anyone that we’re hooking up, and I know that. Still, the way he said it keeps replaying in my head because his tone was off, like he wanted to distance himself from me more than necessary.

And right after that dinner, he barely said goodbye before leaving on his own. He only texted later to ask if I got home safely, which somehow made everything worse instead of better.

It shouldn’t bother me this much, but it does. Normal Justin wouldn’t do that, and now I can’t stop replaying everything, trying to figure out how or when I managed to piss him off. Was it when those nosy people started asking if we had something going on? Or when Celeste cut in and told everyone we were just friends, like she had every right to speak for us?

Yeah. It had to be that.

I groan, dragging my hands down my face. I can’t believe it’s barely nine a.m. and I’m already doing mental gymnastics.

My eyes drift to my phone on the nightstand, my thumb twitching with the urge to reach for it. I debate texting Justin, going back and forth in my head. It’s not too early, right?

Deciding to throw caution to the wind, I grab my phone, but just as I start typing, a text pops up.

JESSY POO: You won’t guess who’s back in town!

My jaw drops and I jolt upright, eyes widening. Oh my God. A grin spreads across my face as I read the text again and again.

For the longest time…okay, two months and one week, Jessy’s been in Seoul for some vacation or whatever he decided to call it. And of course, he also chose that period to disconnect, meaning no phone, no texts, and no updates. I’ve basically been robbed of my favorite gossip partner.

I know it’s the most stereotypical thing to say, but gay men really are the best besties-and Jessy is living proof. The story of how we even became friends is a whole saga for another day, but right now? He’s back, and I need to see him.

I grab my phone and dial, hopping out of bed as it rings. Then, finally, he picks up.

“Jessica!” I bark, laughing through it. “You better tell me I’m the first person you texted after two months!”

“Girl, you better be joking,” he shoots back. “And who the hell is Jessica?”

His laughter bubbles through the phone as I rummage through my wardrobe. I’m running dangerously low on options, and the ones left? Either too short, way too much, or straight-up Sean vibes. Ugh.

“How was Seoul?” I ask, finally pulling out a dress.” missed you so much and you owe me. That trip better have been worth it.”

“Worth it? Girl, fun doesn’t even begin to cover it,” he laughs again. “Now get your butt over here,

I’ve got serious tea to spill, and it’s piping hot.”

I slam my wardrobe door shut and spin around. “I’ll be there before you can even spell Allie.”

“Hurry up, or these chocolates I got for you are going to disappear. They’re looking dangerously tempting.”

“Jessica, you better not!” I snap, grinning. “See you soon.”

I hang up and dash into the bathroom, a smile tugging at my lips.

Fifteen minutes after my call with Jessy, I’m practically sprinting out of the dorm building, only to skid to a stop and almost collide with someone. I stumble back, frowning instantly when I see who it is.

For many reasons, my pulse jumps. The last time I saw David, I slapped the crap out of him.

“Good thing I caught you here,” he says, holding out his hand. “Hand it over.”

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