Page 51

Jake

I ’d done everything in my power to stall people from leaving.

Of all the ways I had envisioned this night ending, Ollie spilling the beans about Eliana being my tutor, and me having to admit to my family that I am the academic black sheep (which they deep down already knew) was not on my bingo card.

The hurt on my mom’s face when she realized I had lied to her made me want to crawl into my bed like I had when I was a kid.

Much to my dismay, most of my roommates and their parents decided to call it a night after dinner, which left me, Sienna, Charlotte, and Eliana awkwardly cleaning up the kitchen in silence while my dad comforted my mom.

“Maybe if we stall long enough, she’ll have enough glasses of wine that she won’t even remember what Ollie said,” I whisper.

“Unlikely. Mom never forgets anything. Especially when it comes to her kids. You played a dangerous game lying to her.” Charlotte’s tone is clipped. Wouldn’t be surprised if she was also upset that I hadn't come to her for help .

Eliana is standing in the corner, nursing her third glass of wine. “This is it, isn’t it? Katherine Fisher hates me. I can kiss away my career and also any chances of my future mother-in-law liking me.”

I can’t help but break out into a smile. “Future mother-in-law, huh? Glad to know you’re not planning on getting rid of me anytime soon.”

“Jake. This isn’t funny!” she pouts, the alcohol clearly heightening her emotions.

“She doesn’t hate you, I promise. If anything, she probably loves you even more now, knowing that you helped me get out of a really rough spot. She’s mad at me for not being honest with her, which is fair enough.”

“Don’t forget you lied to us too. I hate that you didn’t trust us enough to tell us you needed help.” Sienna stands next to Charlotte, arms crossed. Looks like my apology tour would include multiple stops.

“Alright, I guess I can’t avoid this anymore.” I give Eliana a kiss on her forehead before walking over to the living room and sitting on the couch across from my mom. My sisters shuffle in behind me and sit next to my parents. Another sign that they were pissed at me. Great.

“I’m sorry that I wasn’t honest with you all about how Eliana and I met. It wasn’t her idea at all and I take full responsibility for asking her to keep up with my lie. I messed up, and I’m sorry.”

“So she was your tutor? Not Ollie’s.” My mom confirms.

“Yup. I was failing psych. Nearly got benched for the season. Eliana swooped in and saved my ass. And the more we spent time together, the more I started to fall for her, and the rest is history.”

My mom’s eyes soften, and I mentally pat myself on the back.

She was always a softie for a love story, and I would take any advantage I could get to make her less mad at me.

“I just don’t get why you wouldn’t tell us.

Why you felt the need to lie. I’m not just your mom; I'm a psychology professor, for God’s sake. Don’t you think I could’ve helped you?”

“That’s the whole reason why I didn’t want you involved.

I took this class so I could finally relate to you, Char, and Sienna.

Finally be able to understand and join in on dinner conversations instead of spending the entire time googling and sitting in silence.

You’re all out here doing this incredible work that is probably going to change the world some day and I…

Sometimes I feel like I’m not one of you because I’m not also an academic. ”

Hurt flashes over my sisters’ faces, while my mom’s eyes fill with tears as she speaks. “I have never once viewed you as anything less than my incredible, talented, and compassionate son. And if I’ve ever done anything to make you think otherwise?—”

“That’s the thing, you haven’t.” My head drops to my hands.

“Which is why I feel even worse for having these feelings. You, Dad, Sienna, and Char have always supported me in all of my dreams, and I can’t explain why I felt like the black sheep of the family, but I did.

And when I couldn’t even manage to keep my grade up in the class, it felt like I had failed you all in some way. ”

“You’ve never once failed us, Jake. Not once. We’re proud of all you’ve accomplished, and we love you so much.”

“Thanks, Mom. I love you too, and I’m sorry again for lying.”

My mom stands up and wraps her arms around me. Before I know it I’m being crushed into a family group hug, that also includes Eliana as my dad waves her over.

“I’m losing oxygen here,” I joke as everyone pulls away.

“Good. Maybe this will help you remember never to doubt our support and love for you again.” Sienna scoffs, mock-punching my arm.

“We can hope. But don’t worry, I’ll be there to remind him how amazing he is every step of the way.” Eliana reassures my family.

I reach out and give her hand a squeeze. “How did I ever get so lucky to have you as my partner?”

“Lots of mocha frappuccinos with extra whipped cream from the Beanery. And breakfast sandwiches. And cooking me dinner. I guess the way to my heart really is through my stomach.” She laughs as I wrap my arms around her.

“Lucky for you, I’m an excellent cook.”

“Well you certainly have the ego of a chef.”

“I prefer the term ‘confidence’.”

“I’m sure you do.” She rolls her eyes, relaxing into my embrace.

My mom lets out a yawn that triggers a domino effect of sleepy expressions, leading to my family giving me one giant goodbye hug before going home.

Eliana and I follow suit, heading upstairs to get ready for bed.

Most of my post-championship adrenaline has worn off at this point, which means the aches and pains of the game were starting to crawl back in.

By the time we’re both ready for sleep, I have to grit my teeth just to get into bed.

“You alright?” Eliana worries her lip between her teeth as she joins me, reaching over to the nightstand to turn off the light.

“Much better now that you’re here with me,” I murmur into her hair. “All I’ll ever need is you right here by my side. Nothing else matters.”

She lets out a content sound as I wrap my arms around her, closing the small amount of distance between us. “Who knew you were such a romantic, Jake Keeley. ”

“You bring out the best in me. From the moment we met, I knew I wanted to be better. For myself, for you. I appreciate you taking a chance on me.”

“And I appreciate you not letting me push you away in the beginning.” She laughs, likely thinking of our less-than-optimal initial encounters.

“I’m nothing if not determined. Especially when it comes to convincing the most incredible person I’ve ever met to love me.”

“It’s funny because I was equally determined not to let your charms get to me, and yet here we are.”

“Damn. I guess you got outplayed.”

“I guess so. It was worth it though. I love you, Jake Keeley.”

“I love you with all my heart, Eliana Jasper.”

She falls asleep first, with her hand entwined with mine.

I get lost in counting the freckles that cover her cheeks, the feel of her body pressed against mine, and the scent of her floral shampoo washing over me.

I’ve never experienced this level of peace before.

Never thought I would experience this type of love and contentment.

While I couldn’t predict the future, I could say with absolute certainty that the time I get to spend with Eliana will be time I cherish from this day until the end of my days.