Invisible String

We discussed our upcoming game while waiting for the group to arrive. We were scheduled to play against Midtown in a few weeks; they were our college rivals, and Grayson and Reid happened to attend that college.

"Do you guys think I was Jaden's good luck charm during the games?" I addressed my friends as my memories of Grayson calling me his 'good luck' flooded back.

"When you don't show up to games, like when you went to the dentist or the hospital with your mother, we've lost our games. Jaden began thinking you were his charm, and the other day he told Miles about it." Sasha picked at her nails while looking between Cara and me.

"Maybe that's why Miles came over begging you to take Jaden back because they know they'll lose." Cara claimed.

I could remember Miles bagging on my door and crying on my living room floor, telling me I was the best thing Jaden ever had. So dramatic, queue the fucking eye roll.

"Anyway, who cares?" Sasha waved off.

"I mean, I know it's our college, and we have to cheer them on, but I don't care. I just want Jaden to fall on his flat ass." I couldn't help but chuckle when she mentioned his flat ass.

"Who has a flat ass?" We all turned our heads towards Grayson. He leaned against the booth behind Cara, smiling with his pearly whites.

"Jaden." Cara pointed to me.

"We were just talking about the game and how we'll lose because Miss Josie here is Jaden's Lucky Charm and she won't be coming." Grayson leaped over the booth and landed beside Cara, his arm draped behind her head.

"You guys have no chance winning against us anyway." Reid made his first public statement. I looked out the corner of my eye and saw Sasha literally stunned by the sound of his voice.

"I think that 'Lucky Charm' shit is just, well, bullshit." My gaze flickered back to Reid, who was now staring down at me.

"You've never played against our college and won?" I fired back at the arrogant jock in front of me. With my arms folded across my chest, I leaned on the table.

"What makes you think this'll be your first?" I confronted him.

"Before we get into a heated debate about winning, can I introduce you guys to Jamie and Ingrid?" As they entered through the main door, Grayson waved the two of them. Reid's gaze burned into the side of my head.

"Why don't you guys sit and we'll go order?" Grayson pointed to Reid while observing his two other friends. Ingrid sat next to me in the booth, pushing Jamie over to Sasha.

"I had to do that; he has had a crush on her since they spoke at a party last summer." Ingrid muttered in my right ear as we both stared at the couple together. I turned to her in surprise.

"I know he's too afraid to speak to her. I just gave him a push." She shrugged, laughing at her idea. I had a feeling I was going to like Ingrid.

"So how long have you known Grayson, Jamie and Reid?" I enquired with Ingrid. Cara chose to leave the booth and accompany Grayson and Reid.

"I've known Reid since I was five, Jamie since I was ten, and Grayson since I was seven." My eyes widened; I had no idea they were so close knit.

"That's a hell of a long time." She gave a nod and looked at her friends. Even though her gaze lingered on Reid for a short while longer, it was clear that she cared deeply about them.

"What about you girls?" I smirked at Sasha, who was teasing Jamie about his Tinder profile.

I couldn't help but look at Cara, who was leaning back against the food bar and flirting away. Nonetheless, I found myself without a boyfriend. I had recently ended a four-year relationship, so I wasn't jealous, but it hurt to know that I would have a difficult time finding another. Cara and Sasha were always the centre of attention, while I felt like I was in the background. Before Jaden, no one bothered to get my phone number or invite me out on weekends. I suppose I was jealous; what did they have that I lacked?