Beth

The next few days of school flew by, but things between Jared and Beth didn’t improve. He went back to his pre-scholarship sulking. Beth was sure the news about Syracuse would’ve alleviated some of his stress, but it seemed to be adding more. Jared was acting moodier than ever and changed the subject every time Beth brought spring break up. The only thing he’d say on the matter was that he was going to Aspen, end of story. Beth couldn’t help feeling like she was missing something.

Jared’s behavior was making her crazy. One minute he was avoiding her, the next he was walking her to class, holding hand and kissing her like nothing happened. Beth didn’t get it. All of a sudden it was like he had split personalities. All she could think was that maybe the stress of knowing he was playing for a top tier college was getting to him. That or he was trying to say he just wasn’t that into her. He was definitely sending her mixed signals.

Beth invited Jared to dinner twice hoping they could talk through whatever was going on, but both times he’d made up excuses. Spring break started on Wednesday and by Tuesday Beth couldn’t take it any longer. Jared was leaving the next day for Aspen and she didn’t want to leave things like they were. As much as she wasn’t looking forward to Brenna’s wedding, she did love spending time with her family. But she knew she wouldn’t be able to enjoy any of it if she was wondering what the hell was going on with her and Jared’s relationship status the whole time.

She cornered Jared after school. “Listen, if you’re gonna break up with me, just do it already.”

“What? I’m not gonna break up with you. Why would you say that?”

Jared looked genuinely panicked and Beth suddenly felt bad. Was she losing her mind, or did dating just make everyone feel this crazy?

“I’m sorry. It’s just I don’t know what’s going on with us, Jared. We had that big fight and now you hardly talk to me. Plus, you’re going away without me. Spring break was supposed to bring us closer together and now I don’t even know if you want me to come out there.”

Jared

Jared felt like his heart was being ripped out as Beth blinked up at him with her wide, pleading eyes. He pulled her in close and kissed her harder than he’d meant to but he knew each kiss could be the last. It would be if Caroline had any say in it. He couldn’t screw this up.

Caroline had been explicitly clear that Jared had to keep Beth from coming to Aspen and keep his mouth shut about their tryst in the janitor’s closet or she’d make sure he’d never play at Syracuse, or any other reputable college knowing her family’s clout.

Beth finally pulled away from Jared’s rough embrace. “Jared, talk to me.”

“Beth, of course I want to spend time with you, but I really think we should just do our own thing for spring break. Go enjoy your family and let me hang with the guys. We’ll have the rest of our lives to go on trips together.”

Beth’s face brightened. “The rest of our lives?”

Jared felt his face redden realizing what his word choice implied. He quickly pulled Beth in for another kiss.

“So you’re not mad at me?” she asked when he pulled away.

“I don’t think I could ever be mad at you.”

“Then why have you been acting so weird?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never been in a serious relationship. I’ve never had a fight like that before. I guess I just didn’t know how to fix things.”

Beth exhaled. “Me either.”

For a few minutes Jared just held her hands in his, rubbing his thumbs over her smooth skin. God, he was going to miss her if things didn’t work out.

“So we’re good then?” she asked softly.

He couldn’t look her in the eyes, but he nodded. “Yeah, we’re good.”

“Good. Because, I think . . . I think I really want us to work out.”

Jared looked into her eyes and felt his heart splinter. “Me too.” And as he said the words, he realized they were true. He did want things to work out with Beth. But he’d screwed everything up so badly.

Jared steeled himself. He couldn’t give up. Not if there was a chance he could make things right. It’s only a week. He could get through this.

“I could fly out after the wedding and we could still spend a few days together in Aspen?” Beth proposed, her face bright and hopeful. She slid her arms around Jared’s neck and stood on her toes to kiss him softly.

“Babe, let’s not push it, okay?”

“But we said, we’d . . .” her face got pink. “Ya know, finally seal the deal over spring break.”

“I think we put too much pressure on sex. And I told you before, I can wait, Beth. You’re worth it.”

Beth

Beth’s heart beat double time at Jared’s words. Hearing him say he’d wait for her only made her want him more. She smiled up at him. “Everything will work out.”

“Exactly,” Jared said pulling her close.

Beth closed her eyes, drinking in his warmth but her mind was already miles away plotting how she would surprise Jared by showing up in Aspen wearing some of the slinky La Perla outfits she’d bought. She already had them packed just in case he changed his mind last minute about Georgia.

She told herself she was just being prepared and the new lingerie was just too pretty to waste. After all she had been looking forward to at least trying it on. Always the hopeless romantic.