I sighed wearily and stepped back. I could feel every pair of eyes burning into the back of my head.
If looks could kill, I'd be six feet under by now.
Tracy dug her nails into her palm, biting her lower lip. It was the same look she had the first time I hugged August back then in school. My gaze lingered on her clenched fist, and before I knew it, the memory came rushing back.
It was a sunny afternoon when I jumped out of my car and ran toward August. I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt that happy. I'd just seen my result and it was excellent. I was over the moon. And the first person I wanted to tell was him — the one who made it possible.
"August Sinclair!" I called out, my voice echoing through the courtyard. My long brunette hair swung behind me as I ran. People stared, but I didn't care. All I wanted was to share the news with my tutor.
He stood up, surprised, meeting me halfway. "What's going on—"
I didn't let him finish. I threw my arms around him.
"Thank you, August!"
He froze for a second. "Oh! Your results?"
"Yes! It was excellent!" I raised my head, my grin wide. Then I caught his smile — soft, breathtaking, dimples deeper than I ever noticed. "Wait, your dimples are this deep?" He looked flustered and well… I was lost in my little bubble until Tracy came.
"Can you let him breathe? You're practically smothering him with your little hug"
"Oh really?" I stepped back quickly, laughing nervously.
"Sorry, that was a bit much" I tucked my hair in my ear
"It's fine," August said, adjusting his jersey. "Congrats. And don't thank me — you did it yourself."
"Yeah sure," I smiled. "But take your flowers anyway!" I said smiling
"August, we need to continue the discussion" Tracy cut in, her eyes narrowing "Others are waiting."
He nodded "See you next semester Miss Martins."
"Sorry for taking him away," I told her with a polite smile, still glowing with pride.
"No shit, entitled brat," she muttered
"What did you say?"
"What I said" she hissed and walked off
Part of me wanted to go after her—even though she was a senior—but I decided to let it slide. I had better things to think about. Like the Bentley dad promised me for acing my exams
Now, standing in the present, I wish I hadn't walked away that day. Because when August stopped tutoring me, and I tried asking her for help… she basically laughed in my face.
The sound of the microphone snapped me back to jolted reality.
"Let's all take a seat, please," the speaker announced
The music softened, glasses clinked, and laughter rippled across the room like background static. My eyes swept through the chandeliers and sequined gowns until I spotted August leaving the hall, phone pressed to his ear. Moments later, Tracy stood and followed him.
I took a slow sip of wine, the taste of berries and alcohol lingering on my tongue, then set the glass down and followed them.
"There they are," I muttered, slipping behind a marble pillar. The air outside was different…it was cooler.
"Can you just listen to me, August?" Tracy's voice cracked as she hurried after him.
He didn't stop.
She lifted the hem of her gown and half-jogged after him. "August, please! I can explain!"
He finally turned. "What's there to explain, Tracy?" His voice was sharp, cold — like the day he told me he wouldn't tutor me anymore. Only this time, he looked angrier.
Her voice broke. "I did it for you, August. Your mother— your pain. When her father came to me and gave me that option, I couldn't say no. I only did it because your happiness comes first." She turned her back, her shoulders trembling as she started to cry.
"This bitch deserves an Oscar."
"I'm so sorry, August," she sniffled, lifting teary eyes to him. "I did it all for you."
My phone buzzed, pulling me away. Clarke's name flashed on the screen.
"Hi babe— I'll call you back later, please," I muttered, hanging up. When I returned, they were gone.
"Too bad, I was starting to enjoy her little crocodile tears."
I headed back inside.
Maya!" Zeke called as soon as he saw me. I smiled, walking down to them
I joined their table, sliding into the seat beside August. He looked drained, lost somewhere between anger and exhaustion.
"Why are you here, Maya?" he asked softly, meeting my eyes.
"Because I can."
He sighed. The tension between us was thick, the kind that burned without words.
"We'll talk after the party."
"No, August," I replied, leaning closer. "We'll talk when we get home — the penthouse."
Tracy returned then, her makeup fixed, her face void of the earlier tears. She shot me a deadly glare before sitting in the only empty chair at our table.
"I still can't believe you guys are married," Zeke said, staring between us.
"Our marriage certificate begs to differ," I said with a smug smile. "It was a private ceremony. Just close friends and family."
"But Tracy—" another fellow began, glancing her way.
"We broke up," she cut in quickly, her tone sharp.
"Yeah," I added, resting a hand on August's thigh. "He was a free man when I met him. And now he's mine."
Tracy's jaw tightened, her gaze burning holes through my hand.
"This is wild," Zeke laughed. "But cheers to August and Maya — the hottest couple I've ever seen."
The guys raised their glasses. Tracy hesitated before lifting hers last.
I locked eyes with her. "And cheers to a long, happy marriage."
Then I turned to August. My gaze drifted down to his lips.
What would happen if I kissed him?
Before I could stop myself, I leaned forward — and kissed him right there.
Just because.
Or maybe… just for the hell of it.