"It's really inconvenient I'm friends with someone who keeps going out of town."

Snorting, I hand Chloe a bag of doughnut holes I picked up, even though it's 4 p.m. Who doesn't love coffee and doughnuts? "My man needs me to support him. Especially now that he's going to be a champion." I sip my iced coffee. "I need to fight off the attention whores."

"What a loving relationship." She deadpans, moving to where I block the sun from here face. "One that causes my own to suffer."

Placing a hand over my heart, I gasp. "Are-are you going to miss me?"

She jabs my side. "Even flies are missed after they buzz around your head long enough."

"Damn, that one hurt." I admit, leaning down to buzz in her ear. "But, seriously, what are you gonna do without me?"

"My usual. Maggie wants to go for a walk tomorrow and then we'll probably watch the game." She shrugs. "My special friend will fill up the rest of my time."

Oh. I'm not sure how to respond to that. Maybe I am a bit of a prude because I still feel myself twitch with uncomfortableness every time she mentions him.

"Let me know if you see my gorgeous face on the screen." I wink and she shoves my face away.

"I'm sure plenty of people on Twitter will do that for me."

"It's not my fault I'm a hottie." I grin. My singleness means I have more people fawning over me than Ashton. "All this attracts the babes."

"And to think there was a time I thought you could be modest." She sighs.

"Modest isn't hottest, Chlo-bear." I sing. "And I'm hot as fuck."

"That's debatable." Saffron takes my coffee. "Hi, Chloe."

"Hi, Saff." She smiles. "Done anything fun today?"

"I punched Jace and RJ called and said he loved me." She drinks half my coffee in one sip. "Today's been great."

Yes, my baby sister is in love with one of my best friends. I hope it works out for her. "Saffron, RJ loves you as his sister."

"That's what he has to say, I'm a child." She groans and Chloe hides a laugh.

"I hope that 12-year age gap works for you." I pat her back.

"Age is just a number, Bubs." She glares and I panic. "Ella was older than you. Scarlett is older than Ashton."

My smile falls as I crouch down. "Our age gaps are a lot smaller than yours. Romeo and Juliet laws only cover so many years."

Rolling her eyes, her hair whips my face as she turns away. "Chloe, how old are you?"

"I'm 17." She offers.

"When's your birthday?"

"Why do you want to know?" Chloe blinks.

"Because I want to know." My sister pouts her lips and bats her lashes. I avert my eyes and she's not even trying to sucker me. The puppy dog eyes are my downfall. "Please."

Just when I think Chloe is gonna stay strong, she caves. "My birthday is in February."

"What day?" My sister smiles slyly.

"Do I really..." Chloe bites her thumb and mutters a swear word. "February 14th."

Holy shit. "That means your birthday is–"

"Yes. My birthday is on Valentine's Day!" She snaps and I double over in laughter. "Stop laughing!"

"But-But you hate love." I wheeze. "God has a sense of humor after all."

"It's not funny." She grunts. "I hate my birthday. Everything is so pink, and everyone is so in love and I hate pink and people in love."

"Awe, Chlo-bear." I pull her close. "I'll make the big 18 special."

She relaxes a little and I clear my throat. "Do you want roses and chocolate or a bear and a singing card?"

"That's it!" She stomps on my foot. "I'm leaving. I hope you have a horrible weekend."

Saffron and I laugh as Scarlett walks out with her bag. "What did he do, and do I need to hit him?"

"He made fun of my birthday." Chloe pouts and I genuinely feel bad. I didn't mean to hurt her feelings. Shit, I didn't even know she had any. "He laughed at me and made me sad."

"Sage Forest, I swear to God, I'll slap you silly." Scarlett turns to me.

"Scar, I didn't mean–"

"I don't care." She snaps. "Apologize."

Turning to Chloe, my remorse vanishes as I take in her smug smirk. That little ass. "I'm genuinely sorry, Chloe."

"Thanks, drive safely." She waves and walks down the sidewalk.

"Try not to miss me!" I shout and she laughs, flipping me her middle finger.

Chuckling, I turn to find Scarlett studying me. "What?"

With her eyes darting between the two of us, she smiles. "Nothing."

Serving her a skeptical glance, I call for the twins to hurry up. I've got a man to see.

******

"So Ashton, how many girls have you slept with?" Christian asks as the guys take over our hotel room to use the PlayStation.

Pulling his hood up, Ashton ignores his roommate as he takes the controller. "Why, do you want to be next?"

"No, I'm just curious." Christian grins. "Mr. in a committed relationship is back in Atlanta for less than a day and already running into past hookups. I want answers."

Getting the game set up, I try not to wince as I remember our dinner entertainment. I thought my sister was going to send our hostess, one of Ashton's many former special friends, to the hospital. 

"Sage and the twins are in the room." He hisses.

"Oh, I don't mind." I wink and if looks could kill, I'd be dead.

"We actually want to know." Sterling says with an evil glint in his eye.

"It's no big deal, we can all share." Christian promises. "My number's 22."

"Mine's higher!" Gabe slaps his leg.

"Why are you proud of that?" Conner demands.

"Because I have enjoyed the finer things in life, kid." He ruffles Conner's hair. "Don't let your sister cockblock you forever. Sex is good for the heart."

"And the ego." Silver mutters.

"Well Ashton's ego is bigger than mine so let's hear it." Gabe says.

"Ten, I think." He offers and I'm suddenly conscious of the fact my body count is drastically lower than everyone else in the room over the age of 18.

"These numbers prove your manhood and... you think?" Christian clarifies.

"They do not prove your manhood." Ashton directs that statement towards the twins.

"We're still virgins." Sterling holds his hand up. "So don't start lecturing us."

"Watching Gabe freak-out while waiting for his STD test results was more than enough encouragement to wait." Silver adds.

"Hey!" Gabe protests and they laugh. "At least I get tested regularly." Thank God he does. "And Christian has a point. My number is 25. Mary Madison was a grade older than me and she was my first. Then Scarlett gave me a very hypocritical lecture when she found out."

"Why would it be hypocritical?" Sterling asks. Oh, boy. I'm not opening that can of worms. Gabe hesitates and Christian, for once, is helpful by opening his big mouth.

"Dude, I remember my first time like it was yesterday." He belches.

"That's because you're a pig." I chime in. Something tells me he doesn't remember many respectful details like the girl's name.

"And I have the underwear to prove it." He winks and the twins share a look of horror. That's right. Let this conversation scar you for life.

"You're no longer allowed to be in the same room as my sister." Conner decides.

"We're getting off topic." Gabe points out. "How do you not know?"

"It's been over two years since I touched another body besides Scarlett." Ashton scratches the back of his head. "I'm not fond of remembering the old me so no, I don't care to recall how many girls I slept with. Why does it matter?"

"That better be true." Sterling mutters. I think we're safe there.

"Because it's your livelihood." Christian states point blank. "You're a wuss, McClain, and I'm gonna prove it." Oh, no. "Easton?"

"16." He doesn't even hesitate before sending a paranoid look to Clay. "But it's been one very wonderful, slightly psychotic, lovely lady for almost two years. I-I barely remember anyone before her."

"Liar." Christian coughs into his fist and the twins snicker.

"Trust me, I've heard." Clay assures him. I wonder how hard he laid down the protective brother lecture if Easton still freaks out. And why wasn't mine that impactful? "Before you waste the breath, Christian, my answer is 12."

Everyone turns to look at him and his face states that this is not up for debate. I thought his number would be way higher. Christian seems a little amused. "Okay, so we have first and second place losers. Sage, where do you fall?"

Checking Ashton's wristwatch, I clear my throat. "Would you look at the time."

Standing up, I head for the door and Gabe grabs my shoulder. "You can't leave your own room, loser."

"We need ice." I offer weakly. No one buys my shitty attempt to escape. Groaning, I plop back down on the bed and hold my breath. Maybe I can pass out. Then I'll be in the clear.

"It's not like you're a virgin." Christian snickers and the look on my face has him stopping. "Oh my God, are you?"

Ashton hits him and I punch my leg. "My number is one. Laugh. Get all your jokes out. My number is a big fat one. I'm aware I'm a weak, unmanly man with no game."

The room goes silent.

"Thank you for that very emasculating experience." I flip them all off.

Who ever said dating one girl throughout high school was a fucking prick. It's a horrible idea. You're not going to be with them forever. They'll break your heart and ruin your entire hometown for you. Then you'll be 18, single and unexperienced because all your peers used the last four years to do all that dumb experimental shit you willingly gave up.

I'm a dumbass.

Leave it to Gabe Kline, someone I've known my entire life, one of my best friends,  to break the ice. "That means Scarlett's count is higher than yours."

"What?" The twins demand.

Getting up, I grab my wallet and punch Gabe in the gut. "I'm getting ice cream and you bitches aren't invited."

"I got five bucks he's getting vanilla." Gabe wheezes and I slam the door shit.

Damn straight I'm getting vanilla and that is not a direct reflection of my sex life.

*****

When I agreed to go on this trip, I thought it would be fun to watch them win their division. I'm a supportive friend. I do supportive things. However, last night's embarrassment has rolled over into today.

Gabe actually did try to apologize for his behavior and being the petty bitch I am, I ignored it. He can learn to shut up. On the bright side, I don't have to worry about becoming a dad on accident. That's one very pathetic way to look on the bright-side.

"What's pissed you off?" Scarlett asks during one of the breaks.

"I don't want to talk about it." I grumble.

"He's sad he's down on the body count list." Silver blurts out.

Scarlett's jaw drops as she processes this information. God, I feel like I'm talking to my mom about my first kiss. "Oh, well, um... put yourself out there."

What's next? My older sister giving me a condom and a pat on the back? A list of expectable bachelorettes I can try to win over. God, the twins would have a field day with that.

"Yeah, maybe you can tally more than her." Sterling nudges Scarlett and she gasps.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Nothing." They offer, turning back to the game.

Offering my sister a very forced smile, I head for the concession stand. I want a pretzel and to leave this conversation. Standing in the back of a very long line, I decide to get comfortable. Something tells me I'm going to be here a while.

"Of course, you had to be a Bama fan." A voice sighs and I glance down to find a brunette has joined me in line.

"Excuse me?" I ask, taking in her red and black clothing. Looks like I don't have to guess her team.

"I ditched my friends, who are all headed to stand in a line way shorter than this one because a very good-looking guy caught my attention." She twirls a strand of hair and I take a second to appreciate that fact she's the prettiest girl in line. "So, after committing to the decision to shoot my shot, I am personally offended you ended up being a Bama fan."

"Um, I'm sorry?" I offer, taking a step forward.

"Well, now that I'm here, we have plenty of time to discuss your poor taste in football teams." She smiles, resting a hand on my shoulder.

I'm about to point out the very drastic score difference when a text flashes across my Apple Watch.

Gabe
For the love of God, that girl is flirting with you. Don't fuck it up.

Whipping my head around, Gabe and Avery flash me a thumbs up as they take drinks back up to the stands.

Now, suddenly self-conscious, I try for an easy grin and have a feeling I look more like a constipated grandpa. But I'm trying. "Based off what we're both wearing, I don't think I'm the one here with poor taste."

Her smiles falls and I can practically feel the slap Scarlett would give me if she could hear this train wreck of a conversation. The very pretty girl who thought I was attractive turns away. "I'm just gonna go."

"Please don't." I grab her hand. "I'm, uh, sorta new at this." Tugging at my collar, I find that it's suddenly very warm for December. "You're pretty and my friend texted that you were flirting, and I freaked."

"You think I'm pretty?" She grins.

"Definitely one of the prettiest girls I've ever met." I rush and when she says nothing, I stick my hand out and accidentally hit her stomach. "Shit, I'm sorry."

"It's okay." She winces.

"Can– can we start over." I beg. "I'm Sage and I promise I won't be weird the rest of the time we're in line. You can even cut in front of me. I promise I won't check out your ass."  Why the actual hell would I say that? How did I ever manage to keep Ella around?

Oh, wait, I didn't. Now I'm beginning to see why.

Eyeing me over, she shakes my hand. "Hi, Sage, I'm Faith. I don't think you're weird."

"Really?" Because I got a few people who would disagree.

"I think you're cute." She winks. "Plus, you not checking out my ass would defeat the whole purpose of why I wore these jeans."

"Alrighty, then." I grin, taking a glance to agree that those jeans definitely accent her ass. "Tell me about yourself and why you're a fan of the lesser school and maybe I'll take a peek."

Giggling, she nudges me to move forward. "I grew up right outside of Atlanta so moving to Athens was just expected of me. My parents went there. My big sister went there. My own children will probably go there." She sighs. "What made you go to Bama?"

"Oh, no." I hold a hand up. "I'm not actually a student at Bama."

Please don't ask me where I go to school. That would be embarrassing. "Then you're a bandwagon brat?"

"No." I defend myself before thinking better of it. "Not technically. My best friend is the quarter back."

"I see." She leans in.

"I'd be a very bad friend if I didn't cheer him on." I argue.

"Very true." She nods understandingly.

"It's my duty to bleed crimson for the next four years." At least during football season. My dad will forgive me one day, I hope.

"It's a very noble sacrifice." She rests a hand on my chest. "Hopefully he's a good friend."

"Oh, he's the best."

"Do you have room for any other friends in your life?" She tilts her head. "I have a feeling you'd be an amazing friend."

Holy shit. This is happening. Don't blow it, Rhodes, keep your head on straight. God is real and he's decided to help me out.

Placing a hand over her's, I shrug. "I think I might have room for one more."

"Well then, it sounds like we're friends." She offers breathlessly.

"I guess we are." Fastest friend I've ever made.

"We should seal the deal." She suggests and I'm about to point out most friends seal deals with a handshake but she yanks my shirt down.

Before our friendship is properly sealed, a voice clears its throat. "Are you ordering or what?"

Jumping a part, I flash the cashier an apologetic look. "A coke and a pretzel and whatever the pretty lady wants."

After paying and receiving a lecture on wasting their time with our public affection, we stop a few feet away.

"Thank you for the food." Faith offers shyly. "And the friendship."

Deciding to try my luck, I lean down. "We aren't officially friends yet."

Raising a brow, she raises onto her tip toes. "Well then, we should fix that."

Pressing her lips to mine, I decide practice really does make perfect. Also, not all lipstick tastes good, but that's a small issue. I'm trying to figure out what to do with my full hands when a scream interrupts us.

"You lucky bitch!" A girl runs over, and Faith instantly pulls back. "You actually got him to kiss you."

"Shut up, Sarah." Faith hisses, trying to fix her hair.

"This is going to blow up on TikTok." Her friend rambles on, shoving her phone in Faith's face. "Holy shit."

Everything comes crashing down as guilt washes over Faith's face. "Handsome stranger, huh?"

"Sage, I can–" She offers, all of her charm replaced with guilt, but I cut her off.

"No, enjoy the food and whatever followers you get from the video." I wave her off, pissed I fell for her shit. "Next time, don't lie."

I probably would've kissed her for the video if I knew that's what she wanted. Shaking my head, I make my way back to my seat.

"Why do you look pissed?" Avery asks through a mouthful of nachos.

Reaching over her, I punch Gabe's arm. He yelps, "What the fuck was that for?"

"For encouraging me to flirt with that girl." I tear into my pretzel and focus on the game.

God made me awkward specifically to avoid situations like that.

*****

Without any surprise, Alabama won. Meaning Ashton and Scarlett have left to go be all lovey and shit.

Standing in the parking lot of the stadium, Liz taps my shoulder, "Sage, Hun, I'm taking the younger kids back to the hotel. Do you want to come?"

What I really need is a hug but before I can respond, Gabe butts into our conversation. "We have plans."

"We don't." I snap. I actually miss my friends and I want to pretend today never happened.

"We do." He pushes, throwing an arm around Liz. "Let me walk you back to Mr. Valdez. It's too dark for such a pretty lady to walk all alone."

Wishing he'd trip and fall in a hole; I turn to the rest of our dwindling group. "Where the hell are we going?"

"To drink!" Christian claps his hands. "We need to celebrate."

"Somebody got a section of a bar blocked off for us. They aren't checking ID's so everyone can get in." Easton offers, standing still while Nina practically climbs all over him.

"I'm hoping there's lots of liquor." Clay deadpans.

"Amen." Avery sighs, pulling Nina's skirt down for her.

An arm is thrown around my waist, "That sounds fun but we're taking a little field trip."

As Gabe pulls me away, I move from his grip. "Don't do that. It's weird."

"It's not my fault I can't reach your shoulders." He unlocks his car. "Now get in."

"No." I cross my arms. "I'm mad at you and Scarlett needs to know where I am."

"Scarlett knows and you won't be mad once we get where we're going. Now get in." He orders and after rolling my eyes, I compact myself to fit into the passenger seat.

"This doesn't mean I'm over it."

"Yes, dear."

*****

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Oh, my poor Sage!