Page 99 of Always Love You More

She called me last night at 12:01 a.m. to wish me a happy birthday; said she wanted to be the first one. Still, she smiles up at me and tells me again.

I pull her in closer and bring my lips to hers. “Thanks, baby.”

“Get a room!” Billy yells at us from his open window.

I laugh against her mouth then take a step back, grabbing her hand. “Let’s go.”

Me and Billy are in our usual spot after school. He’s talking to Madison as I watch for Sam in the crowd of kids filtering out of the building.

Today was uneventful, boring even. But as much as the party tonight isn’t how I’d like to spend my birthday, I’m excited I’ll at least get to be with Sam and Billy.

The crowd begins to thin, and my attention catches on a flash of familiar dark hair. Her eyes are fixed on the ground, and my eyes are fixed on her.

They’re always on her.

I take in her long legs and trail my gaze up to the short denim skirt she’s wearing. I love that fucking skirt. I keep moving up, eyeing the black shirt she has on that hugs her small waist and drops off her shoulder. Finally, I reach her face and realize her eyes are no longer on the ground.

She’s watching me, just as intently as I’m watching her.

Her lips tip up into a knowing smirk. Yeah, she knows exactly what she does to me and owns every bit of it.

“Hey,” she says as she stops in front us.

I push off from the wall. “Hey.”

Madison peeks around Billy and gives Sam a little wave.

Sam looks from her to Billy then to me with a question on her face.

I subtly shake my head, telling her that I’m just as confused as she is. Billy’s been saying since the summer that he was gonna cut her loose, but he keeps going back.

It’s clear Madison knows she’s not the only girl he messes around with, but it doesn’t seem to bother her. Or maybe she’s just happy she seems to have his number one spot.

“So,” Madison says, “what’re you guys doing tonight?”

Billy glances at me. “Well, it’s Jameson’s birthday, so—”

“Wait,” she interrupts. “How come you didn’t say anything? I didn’t know it was your birthday, Jamie.”

“What’d you just call me?”

She stares back at me and stammers, “W-what do you mean?”

“Don’t call me that,” I snap.

“Dude,” Billy cuts in. “Chill.”

“Call you what? Jamie?” She looks over at Sam. “She calls you that all the time.”

“Yeah, well, you’re not her.”

Madison holds up her hands. “Jeez, sorry, didn’t realize it was a thing.” She forces a smile. “Still, happy birthday.”

When I don’t say anything, Billy narrows his eyes.

“Thanks,” I mumble.

“So, you doing anything fun to celebrate?”