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Lila,pissed,turned away,cozying up to another guy,her face nearly brushing the other guy’s lips.
Jake's expression darkened,his whole body screamikng jealosy.
Catching me following his gaze,he cursed,"She knows no shame!"
Lila's body stiffened slightly.
Later,she sat alone on the couch,downing bottle after bottle.
No one could stop her.
Jake clenched his fist tight,knuckles white,veins bulging.
Guilt and hesitation flickered in his eyes.
Some sharper guys sensed the weird vibe in the room,they realized something was going on between the two and casted pitying looks my way.
I pretended not to notice.
Rummaging through his bag,I pulled out a shiny gold bracelet,exclaiming,"Jake,you got me a gift?Why didn’t youj tell me"
"A surprise?"
"I'm thrilled!"
Jake froze,embarrassed.
I knew it wasn't for me.
He always told me about gifts beforehand,fearing I'd dislike them and he would need to return them.
This was likely for Lila.
Publicly snap at her,then privately give her gifts to soothe her.
Old trick.
But I wasn't new to hijacking his gifts.
He couldn't deny it—I was his only girlfriend.
Gritting his teeth,he nodded,moving forward to put it on me.
I squealed,"You're full of surprises lately!So sweet!"
"Anything to make you happy,"he mumbled,watching Lila’s reaction.
Lila glared like she’d skin me alive.
She stood up,storming out without a word.
Jake panicked,whispering,"I'm just gonna grab a smoke.Stay here,I'll be back."
I nodded.
A guy,Ethan Reed,sat down,hesitant."Girl,you and Jake doing okay?"
I vaguely recalled Ethan—seemed decent.
"We’re doing great, why?"
"Good,good.If you need help,just ask me.Jake and I go way back."
He rambled about their gaming days.
I wasn’t exactly listening but engaged warmly,sensing he might be useful to me later.
After three drinks,he let loose."Girl,listen ti me,you gotta keep an eye on your man."
"Don't trust his self-control.I'm a guy—I know.No one resists what's offered to them."
"Keep an eye on him!I see you as my sister.I don't want you to get hurt!"
I sked for his numbner.
Jake didn't return.
Ethan,overly eager,insisted we go look for him.
I didn't want to.
But lacking an excuse,I followed.
Down the long hallway,we searched,finding nothing.
I was about to say,"Let's head back—maybe Jake's already back,"when I saw a half-open room,two figures entangled,kissing passionately.
Ethan,behind me,saw nothing.
One step aside,and the show could end.
