Chapter 61

I looked at the clock. It was 11:58 pm. I nodded towards the door. We needed to get back to the party before the ball dropped. I took his hand and led him back inside of the house where our families and friends were preparing to bring in the New Year. I stood right in the center of the room where the disco ball shined flecks of silver sparkles onto my skin. I turned toward him and I just looked at him.

I pointed towards Isadora and I told him, “At least one of us can have a happy ending tonight.”

He looked around at everyone starting to pair up for New Year’s kisses and hugs. I could see Isadora searching the room for Keegan. She spotted him quickly and made her way over to him with her sparkly gold dress.

“There you are handsome,” she said, smirking at me, stepping between us and throwing her arms around his neck.

The room began to countdown.

“10…9…8,” everyone sang out.

Keegan looked past Isadora at me.

Seven…my stomach dropped as she put her fingers in his hair.

Six…she was getting closer to his lips with every number that ticked away.

Five… this was it. I had to walk away now. Isadora and Keegan could have this night. I wasn’t who he wanted, at least not in public.

Four… I turned to leave. My heart racing and my mind wandering. Why wasn’t he following me?

Three… I could not stand to watch him kiss her…

Two… I felt someone whip me around quickly by my waist.

One… warm lips were pressed against mine. Hands wrapped around my waist.

“Happy New Year!” the room shouted.

“Happy New Year Brees,” Keegan whispered in my ear, caressing my face. “I couldn’t let you walk away. My heart was falling into pieces as I watched you leaving.”

“I don’t know what to say Kee,” I stuttered.

He reached down and pulled my chin up, kissing me once again. He kissed me like we were the only two people in the room. Lights were flashing everywhere as people took photos. Chatter began to get quieter. We both quickly realized everyone was looking at us.

“Keegan! Are you serious?” Isadora screeched.

I could see the hurt in her eyes and I knew that pain all too well. I started to head over to tell her I was sorry. Keegan stopped me.

“Brees, I told her last week that I wanted to be with you,” he said, pulling me close, “and I meant it.”

Quinn came and escorted her away. She looked back and smiled at me. I stood there in awe. I didn’t know how I felt about Keegan at the moment. I love that he was making a bold choice in front of everyone in the name of love, but I also hated that he let Isadora come between us like he did. I needed time. I needed to process everything that had happened. I needed to talk to Jagger.

“Brees, are you okay?” Keegan asked.

“I really can’t do this right now. My head is all over the place and Jagger…” I started to say as I saw Jagger walking across the room and heading out the door.

Her long black dress dragged behind her as she made her exit. I had to go and talk to her. How could I have let this all get so messed up?

“I’m sorry Kee, I have to go after her ,” I said, gently removing his arms from around me.

She slipped out of the front door. I was right behind her.

“Jag, please don’t leave!” I begged.

She stopped under the porch awning, protecting herself from the rain.

“You know, I didn’t have an expectation that you would only be with me, or that you would only have eyes for me. You have made that pretty clear. But the one person I know that I cannot compete with is Keegan. Your heart is his. There is no room for me if he is there,” she said, slapping her forehead as if she had been stupid to believe otherwise.

I tried to reach out to her but she raised her hands in a defensive mode. Her black gloves hugged her arms as she refused my comfort.

“Please Jagger! I am very confused right now. I have been wanting to tell you something for a week now and I didn’t know how. I didn’t want to lose you. Your friendship means so much to me,” I said.

“Oh my friendship huh? Is that what we are now? Friends? Was that a friendly fuck last night too?” she asked, wiping her eyes.

Was she crying? I couldn’t tell because it was so dark.

“Jag, I have so much love for you. These past few months have been nothing short of amazing getting to know you,” I said.

“Brees, I’m fine. Just go back to your party. I knew what this was and my expectations were just too high. I’m okay though I swear. Call me when you get a chance. I don’t leave for another few days,” she said.

She walked over and hugged me. Running her hand up the back of my thigh, she pulled me close and kissed me. What in the world was happening?

“I’ll see you later, Brees,” she said, with a sigh.

She ran off to her car, shielding herself with her black umbrella. I really thought Jagger would be a bit more bothered by Keegan kissing me, but she wasn’t. My heart was able to calm down a bit after that moment. But I still needed to figure out what was going on between myself and Keegan before he went back to school.