You're the One - Part 1 || Greta Van Fleet

Chapter 103: Go Any Further

After Jake and my dad left the room, I saw Sam sit up in his bed, turning to me.
"You and Jake are living together?" He asked. My stomach dropped. I knew this was coming. "Is that where you guys went the other day?" I sighed, sitting up and turning towards him.
"Yes, but Sam-"
"Why didn't you tell me?" I bit down on my lip, feeling my cheeks burn.
"Well, we haven't told anyone. You and my dad are the only one's who know we're even back together." He sighed, rolling his eyes.

"You really think everyone hasn't figured that out by now?" He said, his voice getting louder. "Jake isn't exactly subtle." My heart started beating faster. Why was he getting so angry at me?
"I just.. after everything, I didn't want to hurt Josh's feelings, I didn't want-"
"Right, Josh.." He said, laughing to himself, shaking his head.

"Sam.. what's going on?" I asked. He glared back at me, his cheeks burning.
"Nothing.. it's just.. you say we're just friends but.. at least friends tell each other things like this. If I was moving in with someone I've known for a few months, wouldn't you want to know." My heart dropped. This wasn't about not telling him. This was about Jake. 

"That's besides the point." I said softly, looking away. I heard him get up, making his way over to my bed. I quickly turned to face him as he sat down close, staring back at me.
"No it's not. You're telling me that it wouldn't bother you if I just moved in with another girl and that was how you found out?" I held my stare on him as he moved in closer.

Of course it would bother me. But I couldn't say that. Not without complicating everything. That was just something I'd always have to keep to myself. But why was he saying it.. like that?

"Fine, you're right.. I'd.. I'd hope you'd tell me. Since we are friends." He sighed, his face dropping. I felt my heart start to beat faster the longer he held his stare on me.

"Do you know what time you're leaving tonight?" I finally asked. He shook his head, looking away.
"No.. whenever they come to get me, I guess." He said, shrugging. "Some of us don't have people willing to stay with us all day." I bit down on my lip, feeling my cheeks burn again. 

Another dig at Jake.

"Sam, I-"
The door opened, and in walked Jake and my dad. My dad's eyes instantly shot to Sam, giving me a subtle smile.
"What's going on?" Jake asked, making his way over. Sam shook his head.
"Nothing, just.. talking about leaving tonight. She's.. worried about getting another roommate." He said, forcing a laugh. He got up, going back over and plopping down on his bed. Jake watched him for a moment before sitting down, giving me a gentle smile.

"So.. how did it go?" I asked softly. He flashed me wide-eyes, shrugging.
"Great." He said, biting down on his lip. I could tell he was lying.
"Oh no.." I sighed, reaching up, gently touching his cheek. His smile grew. "We can talk about it later." I mouthed to him. He nodded, peeking back over at my dad.

"We saw the rest of your family downstairs." Dad said, turning to Sam. "So, I'll head out, give you guys some time."
"Dad, you don't have to go yet." I said. He smiled, making his way over to me.
"It's okay, I should get settled. I got a room, but I'll be back tomorrow." He leaned down, gently kissing the top of my head. I could feel Jake tense up as he got closer. What could have happened?

"Okay.." I said, smiling back up at him. "I'll see you tomorrow." He nodded.
"Love you, Sweetheart. I'm glad you're okay."
"Love you, Dad."

He shot Jake another look before walking out. I felt him sigh as he looked back at me.

"What happened?" I asked. He rolled his eyes, looking down.
"He doesn't like me." He said softly, reaching out for my hand, gently intertwining our fingers. I couldn't help but smile.
"I'm sure that's not true." I said, moving closer. "Sometimes he just.. he gets protective. He doesn't realize how he comes across. Cause.. what's not to like?" He smirked back up at me, his cheeks burning.

"What did you guys talk about?" I asked, gently touching his cheek. He bit down on his lip, his eyes getting wide.
"Um.. well.." He started. "For starters, I don't think he likes the idea of us living together."
"I figured that." I said, rolling my eyes. "But.. that's okay. We've got time." He nodded.
"And.. well, we talked about.. you." My heart jumped.
"Me? What about me?" I asked, my smile growing. He smirked, scrunching up his face.
"Don't worry about it." He giggled to himself.
"Alright fine. But.. you're okay, right?" I asked. He nodded, staring back at me with dazed eyes.
"I'm fine. It's okay."

I leaned in, gently pulling him into a kiss. I felt him place his hand on my thigh, leaning in, kissing me back, his lips curving into a smile.
"So.." I said, backing away. "A New Year's Eve party, huh?" He flashed me a wide grin, nodding.
"Yeah, we do it every year. A lot less formal than our Christmas party, we have it at the house but.. it gets a little crazy." He giggled to himself.
"Oh, crazy?" I asked. "How crazy?" He shrugged, his smile growing.
"It's.. it's fun. Don't worry. And this year I'll get to have you there to kiss at midnight." He said, leaning in, gently kissing my cheek.

"I can't wait."

"There he is!" I heard from across the room. I looked over to see Danny and Josh making their way in, going over to Sam's bed. I couldn't help but smile.
"He's unstoppable." Danny said, messing up Sam's hair. Sam laughed, playfully pushing him away.
"Hey, I'm still hurt you know." He laughed. Danny rolled her eyes, smiling back.
"You seem just fine to me. You're coming home with us, you must be fine." He then looked over at me.

"How are you doing?" He asked. I nodded, smiling back at him.
"I'm fine." I laughed. "You just worry about him."

Then Josh looked over, his eyes shooting to Jake and then back to me. I could feel my heart start to beat faster. We really hadn't spoken since Christmas Eve. I still felt horrible, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I couldn't lead him on anymore. Not when I knew. 

But I hoped one day.. we would be okay again.

He finally made his way over, sitting down in the chair next to my bed. I quickly looked at Jake, who nodded, getting up and going over to Sam's bed.

"You were asleep the last time we were here." He said softly. "But.. we were all here for you too." I couldn't help but smile, feeling my cheeks burn.
"Thank you." I said. He nodded, looking down at his hands.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay now." He nodded again, staying silent. I bit down on my lip, holding my stare on him.
"Josh, are.. are we okay?" I finally asked, feeling my heart beat faster. He sighed, looking back up at me.

"Jess.. you hurt me. I.. I can't say that you didn't. But.. you can't help how you feel. I know that. And.. I'm happy you figured that out before.. we went any further. Cause I don't know if I could've handled that. And I meant it when I said I loved you.. but.. I can love you in other ways now. I know you love Jake, and if that means you feel for him the way I felt for you.. then he's lucky to have someone who cares about him so much, and I'm.. I'm happy for him. Because I know that's how he feels about you. Just.. please be sure. Before you let it go any further."