Chapter 11: Victory, Middle Fingers, and No Strings
May 8, 2025
“I can’t go,” I said, folding my arms. “If I skip piano again, I’m dead.”
Jake didn’t 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 didn’t 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. “You’re here?”
I smirked. “Changed my mind.”
Maisy squealed. “Yesss! I was hoping you would.”
Willow narrowed her eyes. “You said you had class. This wouldn’t have anything to do with wanting Travis back or getting his attention, would it?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Let’s not talk about that asshole!”
They laughed.
And I said nothing else.
***
We sat behind our school’s bench — behind Travis.
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 didn’t blink. I also didn’t smirk. I just tilted my head and stared until she 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. Jake’s team was up by three and Travis missed a key pass. The game ended but Jake’s team exploded with cheers. They celebrated the win like it’s their first. I can’t help but feel so proud and happy for him.
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.
He’s taking his helmet off. Sweat dripping down his jaw, grinning widely. And then her. 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 didn’t stop her. He also didn’t push her off. He just let her.
And for a second, something in me twisted. My heart hurt and it’s beating weirdly, like it wanted to protest.
He’s not mine. He wasn’t. We’re 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 I’ve ever seen. You’re 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 didn’t question it. Because they didn’t know about me and Jake. Jake and I had an unspoken rules.
Secrets. No strings. And jealousy? It wasn’t allowed.
Even if it felt real.
Even if it burned.
