Chapter 11
Tori stood in front of the mirror, her reflection wearing a sleek black dress that clung to her curves. It was a rare choice for her, but tonight, she had a specific audience in mind: Jade.
"Come in," she called out in response to a gentle knock at her bedroom door. Andre entered, dressed casually in khaki shorts and a navy blue polo shirt. His raised brow didn't go unnoticed as he took in Tori's outfit.
"What's all this?" Andre inquired, his gaze sweeping over her from head to toe.
Tori's eyes widened in sudden self-doubt. "What's wrong with it?" she asked anxiously.
Andre closed the door behind him and approached her. "Tori," he began, "do you think you might be overdoing it a bit?"
Perplexed, Tori frowned. "Overdoing what?"
He fixed her with a knowing look. "Your not-so-subtle flirting with Jade."
Tori scoffed, a defensive tone creeping into her voice. "Flirting? Andre, you've got it all wrong. There's no flirting."
Andre leaned against her bedroom door, unimpressed. "No? So, the little exchange you two had on the beach earlier? That wasn't flirting?"
Tori folded her arms, her eyes avoiding his. "It was just friendly banter."
Andre shook his head, moving closer. "And what about that touchy-feely moment with the fingertips? You're telling me that meant nothing?"
Rolling her eyes, Tori turned to the mirror and absentmindedly ran her fingers through her hair. "Andre, you're blowing this out of proportion."
He stood beside her, his arms crossed. "Tori, I'm on your side. But whatever's happening between you and Jade needs to be reined in before someone gets hurt."
Tori's frustration was palpable. "There's nothing happening, Andre."
He didn't back down. "Really? Because last I checked, you two were making out in the middle of L.A. outside a club. Sometimes, Tori, you can be a little naive."
Tori shot him an angry glare. "Don't talk to me like that."
But Andre remained resolute. "I'm just being honest, okay? You know I always tell it like it is. Look, I get it, you and Jade want to play footsie under the table, and sneak kisses when Beck's not looking. But how long do you think you can keep this up before he finds out? Jade may like you, but she's not leaving Beck for you. She's too worried about what her mother might think and too busy trying to please Beck and making sure her parents forget what an Asshole she'd been. She'll always let people run her life."
Tori's eyes welled with frustration and sadness. "That's not true," she protested.
Andre's grip on her shoulders was firm but gentle as he tried to get through to her. "Tori, there's no denying that Jade has feelings for you. But you need to think about what's best here. Don't let your feelings for her cloud your judgment. At least be careful with how you two act in front of Beck."
Tori knew he was right. She also knew how much Jade cherished her family, particularly her grandmother, and she respected that. But she couldn't deny the powerful connection between them, a connection she had always yearned for.
The night pulsed with the rhythmic beats of Ace of Base's "All That She Wants" as the outdoor club and bar came alive. Bonfires cast flickering shadows, tables and chairs were scattered around, and the bar was bustling with people eager to enjoy the evening.
Tori perched at the bar, savoring a hard cider while her eyes followed the provocative dance moves of Beck and Jade on the dance floor. Beck's seductive grinding and Jade's playful response were impossible to ignore.
A familiar voice interrupted her reverie. It was Andre, looking around as he joined her at the bar. He reached for her cider and took a gulp, seemingly seeking refuge from the "apex predator" known as Trina.
Tori couldn't help but smile at the mention of Danielle. "Maybe Danielle will keep her busy tonight," she suggested.
"May the gods hear your prayers," Andre replied, signaling the bartender for another cider and a Jack and coke for himself.
Tori's gaze remained fixed on Beck, who seemed to be laying claim to Jade with his hands wandering dangerously low. Andre's voice brought her back to reality.
"I hate to say I told you so," Andre said, shaking his head. "It's like he's marking his territory. How can you possibly compete with that?"
Tori downed her drink as a new song, "Be My Lover," filled the outdoor bar, prompting the crowd to grow.
"Dance with me," Tori blurted out, turning to Andre.
His brow raised in disbelief. "What? No way."
"Please," she insisted.
"No."
"Andre!" Tori hissed through clenched teeth.
His answer remained firm. "N-O, no! I refuse to be part of your jealousy game, Tor."
Frustrated, Tori muttered an annoyed "Fine" and rushed toward Danielle, who was dancing energetically.
"Where are you going?" Andre asked, his eyes widening.
"Do you want to dance?" Tori asked Danielle, who wasted no time pulling her close.
"Thanks, Dancing with Trina wasn't going to catch Beck's attention," Danielle stated.
Tori raised a curious brow. "Why are you trying to catch it?"
Danielle leaned in, speaking low. "Like you don't know. Jade can't stand anyone touching you, and that drives Beck crazy. Tonight, when Jade goes to sleep, he'll try to hurt you both by getting with me."
At that moment, Tori decided not to feel sorry for Beck.
Andre watched in disbelief as Tori's body awkwardly danced with Danielle. It was clear she wasn't enjoying it, and the display was cringe-worthy. Danielle, on the other hand, cheered her on, relishing the contact.
"I can't watch this," Andre muttered, turning away and sipping his drink, trying to maintain his composure.
Jade, however, couldn't help but notice Tori's dance with Danielle, her brow furrowing as she watched. Beck, on the other hand, cheered Tori on.
"Alright, Tor! Whoo!" Beck called out, a smirk on his lips as he continued dancing provocatively with Jade.
Danielle, still dancing with Tori, couldn't resist commenting, "You know, I gotta be honest with you. You're so hot."
Tori continued her awkward dance, feeling ridiculous but determined to make Jade jealous. "Can I have another one, please?" she asked the bartender.
Meanwhile, Andre found himself approached by Trina, who sat beside him, her curiosity evident. "Andre, how about it? You wanna dance?"
"Thank you, no," he replied, reaching for his Jack and coke and taking a sip.
Trina frowned, feeling a bit hurt. "Andre, what's your problem with me? Do I make you uncomfortable or something?"
Andre turned to meet her hazel eyes. "Honestly? Yes, you do."
Taken aback, Trina stared at him wide-eyed. She was surprised by his bluntness, and he saw her reaction.
"Well, I'm sorry," she scoffed. "Jeez, if someone's into you, you'd think you'd be happy about it. I mean, you are a very attractive guy."
"I'm not," he replied with a smile, then sighed. "It's complicated, Trina. I'm sorry if I came off as rude or—"
"A jerk is more like it," Trina interrupted.
"That works too," he nodded. "Look, it's not you, okay? You are a very attractive woman, and any guy would be lucky to have you. Just not me."
"I get it," Trina said, feeling crushed. "You're in love with someone else, aren't you? That's it, isn't it?"
Andre looked at her once more. "No."
"Then what is it? Are you...dying or something?"
"I'm gay," he lied, locking eyes with Trina and making it sound convincing.
Trina's shocked expression confirmed that his lie had worked.
"You're joking...right?" she asked, clearly surprised.
"No," Andre sighed, trying to sound conflicted. "I should have been honest with you earlier. It's just...I'm going through a difficult time right now. My parents have no idea—Tori's the only one who knows, and she won't tell a soul, bless her. It's hard for me to even admit it to myself, especially with you here, but it needed to be said. And now that I've let you in on my deepest, darkest secret...God, it feels great to let it out."
Trina smiled, still hurt but happy for him. "God, of course! You can always come to me for advice on anything. I'm here for you, as a friend, of course."
"Right," he smiled, keeping up the act.
"And I apologize if I ever made you feel uncomfortable."
"Water under the bridge," Andre replied.
"Okay, well..." Trina forced a smile, still disappointed. "I guess I'll..."
"Yeah, actually, I saw this really cute guy heading towards the beach, so I'm gonna—" Andre gestured with his thumb in the direction of the beach.
"Oh, yeah! Hey!" Trina playfully punched his arm. "Go get 'em, tiger."
Andre gave her a thumbs up, taking his drink with him as he walked away. A sigh escaped him as he moved towards the beach, ready to see where the night would take him.
But as Andre ventured away, Tori's night took an unexpected turn. She winced in pain as she attempted a low dance move, causing everyone around her to stop and look.
"Tori?" Beck furrowed his brow, bending down to check on his friend. "My God, what happened? Did you hurt yourself down there?"
"No, I didn't hurt myself 'down there'!" Tori hissed, limping away, her eyes shooting a glare at Jade, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Beck cringed in sympathy. "Oooh," he scrunched up his face, then glanced at Jade. "Maybe I should check on her."
Jade quickly intervened, stopping Beck. "I'll go! You can't exactly check on her near that area, it's weird. You dance and enjoy yourself with Danielle."
Speaking of whom, Danielle arrived, dancing her way through the crowd. "What's up?"
"Dance with Beck, okay?" Jade clapped Danielle on the shoulder and swiftly made her way through the crowd and onto the beach. Beck shrugged, and Danielle eagerly took the opportunity to dance with him, leaving Jade to tend to Tori's mysterious discomfort.
Tori gingerly removed her heels, one after the other, cradling them in her hand as she strolled along the sandy shore, putting a comfortable distance between herself and the bustling bar and crowd. The rhythmic crash of the waves and the gentle caress of the wind through her hair were the only sounds that filled the moment. Her attempt to make Jade jealous had, in the end, only made her feel like a complete fool.
"Tor," she turned at the sound of Jade's voice, finding the goth approaching her.
"Look, Jade, if you've come to laugh at me and tell me how foolish I looked out there—"
"No," Jade shook her head, a faint smile playing at her lips. "Although, I do think your dancing skills could use some work, but to me, you looked absolutely—"
"Stupid?" Tori crossed her arms defensively.
"Actually," Jade interrupted, "I was going to say adorable."
Tori glanced away, trying to conceal the blush that threatened to color her cheeks, thankful for the cover of the night sky. "So, what are you doing here? Did Beck send you to check on me?" she inquired.
"No. I came on my own. And I'm here because...I wanted to see you."
"You see me all the time, Jade," Tori rolled her eyes.
Jade chuckled softly. "You know that's not what I mean."
"What did you mean?" Tori questioned, her heart racing as Jade took a few steps closer. Her hand cupped Tori's cheek, and their faces drew inches apart.
In the moonlight, Jade appeared stunningly beautiful, leaving Tori breathless, unable to move or pull away from the blonde's lips as they drew nearer. Their lips met in a gentle and passionate kiss that felt like a perfect blend of longing and connection. It was a kiss that made Tori's heart burst within her chest. As they kissed, an acoustic version of "Only You" by The 1975 played softly in the background.
Their eyes opened as their lips reluctantly parted. The memory of their shared kiss still burned on their lips, and the longing remained in their hearts.
Tori's eyes remained closed for a moment, feeling Jade's forehead gently pressing against hers. They were incredibly close, close enough for Tori to catch the faint scent of Jade's perfume.
"What are we doing, Jade?" Tori whispered, her eyes slowly opening.
"It's called kissing," Jade replied in a hushed tone, hearing a soft chuckle escape the brunette.
"While you're engaged, and to my best friend—"
"I know," Jade whispered, her voice filled with uncertainty.
Tori shook her head, her voice strained with emotions. "Jade, whatever this is, what's happening between us... It can't happen. Not like this. Not while you're with Beck."
"I know," Jade whispered, gently taking hold of Tori's hand and placing it over her heart. "But feel this."
Tori groaned softly, wanting to pull her hand away, but she couldn't resist feeling Jade's heartbeat beneath her palm. It raced, mirroring her own tumultuous emotions.
"Jade, please, don't—" Tori began, but her words were cut short as her hand was held firmly against the goth's chest.
"Tori, I may be going to hell for this, and I will own that when the time comes," Jade's eyes locked onto Tori's, tears glistening in both their gazes. "I would walk through fire if it meant being with you. And I know that what I'm asking is wrong on so many levels, and when the time is right, I will talk to Beck and call the whole thing off."
Tori shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "Jade, don't—"
"I have to, Tori—"
"You can't," Tori's voice cracked, her heart aching as she slowly backed away from the blonde. "Beck loves you, okay? He loves you, and he will be devastated if you call off this wedding."
"No, I will be devastated if I don't!" Jade's voice broke, her emotions raw.
"Jade," Tori scoffed, her heart shattered as she distanced herself. "This was wrong, okay? Since day one, it was wrong. I should've never told you how I felt about you. I should have just kept it to myself."
"No," Jade shook her head vehemently. "No, you did the right thing in telling me because, Tori, I—"
"Jade..." Tori's eyes closed for a moment, allowing a few more tears to escape before reopening them. "It's alright. I will be alright. I'm used to Beck always being the best at everything. That's how it's always been. I've learned to live with that, and there's no way I can compete with it. Because you aren't some kind of competition to win over. You have feelings, and so does Beck. Which, frankly, I'd rather crush yours and mine than crush his."
"Why?" Tori turned and began to walk away, her steps heavy with the weight of her own heartache.
"Tori," Jade called out, frustrated by Tori's stubbornness. "I'm in love with you!" The words tumbled out of her mouth, unexpected and intense.
A gasp escaped Tori's lungs, her world coming to a standstill. Did she hear that correctly? Did Jade just say...?
"What?" Tori's voice trembled as she turned to look back at the younger girl, afraid to blink or make any sudden moves.
Jade released a trembling breath, approaching Tori slowly, fearful of driving her away. Their eyes locked, revealing the truth that words could no longer hide. Tori waited, needing to hear those words once more, needing confirmation that this wasn't a dream.
"I love you, Tori," Jade whispered, a solitary tear escaping from the corner of her eye.
She loved her! Tori wasn't dreaming. That's what she had heard. A hesitant smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Jade loved her, and Tori would be lying to herself if she didn't admit to loving her back. She always had.
"I love you, too," Tori whispered, a matching smile forming on her lips. Their eyes locked, and without hesitation, their lips met in a passionate kiss beneath the night sky. Tori's arms wrapped around Jade's neck as Jade held her tightly around the waist. The world around them disappeared as they kissed, and Tori's shoes were soon forgotten in the sand.