I spend the next few days recovering both physically and emotionally from my crazy birthday party, wondering whether I actually saw Will or not. Since Julianna left two days ago, I've found myself randomly skating down to the alley using that unclaimed skateboard that someone left behind in my room, trying recreate what happened that night. It felt so real. My friends think I should let it go. It's just causing me pain.

I take a deep breath and tightly shut my eyes. It hurts so much. I miss him like crazy. My friends are right.

I decide to shift my focus. He isn't worth my time. He dumped me. I think about Holden and his perfectly sculpted face. How hot he looks in that tight uniform. How fun it was when he handcuffed me, even though I was going to be in so much trouble for getting arrested. He is such a hottie. And I have a date with him this tonight.

I receive a text from Holden late in the afternoon.

I'm so sorry but work has been insane today. Any chance you can meet me at the station or is that too weird?

I reply as soon as I see it.

No worries at all. See you at the station :)

I put on a cute dress and attempt to do a flirty makeup look. That's what Ashleigh calls it anyway. Whatever it is works pretty well. I check out how hot I look in the mirror. I put on my black leather jacket and walk to the station.

I get there quickly and enter, hoping not to have to wait to long for Holden. The poor guy works so hard.

And then my eyes lock with his.

Will.

He stands against a wall, looking around impatiently. He awkwardly scratches the back of his neck, one hand cuffed to the wall.

"Hey," he notices me.

"Will," I gasp. "Was that you at our spot last night? Did you-did you tell me...never mind," I say without thinking. "Wait, what did you do?" I ask, trying not to sound concerned. But I am. The asshole totally and completely broke my heart but I still care.

"It's just a little misunderstanding," he avoids making eye contact with me. He knows I can tell when he's lying.

"Walker..." I eye him suspiciously.

"Aggravated assault against an officer, amongst other things." Holden appears beside me, greeting me with a kiss on the cheek that would have made my heart flutter if wasn't so distracted by Will.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" I yell at Will.

"It's been a rough week," He sighs. "I'd tell you but you clearly have plans with him." He eyes Holden, who takes this as his cue to leave.

"Whoa, need I remind you that you dumped me?" I yell, annoyed. "With absolutely no explanation, might I add?"

"I know, okay? I fucked up."

Does this mean that he regrets it?

"Oh and Kathryn," he says as an officer comes to get him. "Yes, that was me."

No! He can't just drop a bomb like that on me before leaving. No. He can't ruin my date with Holden. No. No. No. Will fucking Walker.

Holden walks up to me. "You ready to go?"

"Uh, yeah. Let's go," I say. "Sorry about that, by the way."

"Don't worry, I get it. I was thinking I could cook you dinner," Holden suggests. "You're a vegetarian, right? I make a mean pulled mushroom burger."

"How did you know I'm a vegetarian?" I grin.

"Um, the twins might have told me this morning," he says sheepishly.

"Aw," I smile. "I'd love that, Holden.  Thank you."

Suddenly, my curiosity about what Will said fades away as I drown into Holden's gorgeous brown eyes.

I take his hand and we walk a few blocks to his apartment. It is sleek and modern, kind of like Colt's, but with more colour. I sit on a red stool in front of the marble kitchen bench as Holden starts to pull things out of the fridge.

"He's cute and he cooks," I joke as I watch Holden cook. "I've found myself a keeper."

"So why did you run off that night?" Holden asks.

"Honestly, I don't remember. I think I got really hot or something. Too much alcohol," I lie. I do remember. I remember how much I was enjoying kissing Holden until Will popped into my head. Why does Will have to ruin everything?

"You did drink a lot," he laughs and fries the burger patties. I nearly salivate at how good it smells. "But about that. I drank a lot too and I'm sorry about how I acted."

"Sorry about what? I had a good time with you."

"It was weird. Hell, this is weird. I really like you, Kathryn, but you're in high school!" He says and my heart sinks.

"It's only weird if you make it weird, Holden," I roll my eyes. "We're both consenting adults. And we both find each other hot. What's the problem?"

"When you put it that way..." Holden moves closer to me and I feel his lips come crashing down on mine. I take a deep breath and wrap my arms around him, kissing him back. He smells like caramel ice cream for some reason. Weird. Yummy, but weird.

The image of Will in the alley pops up in my head. Was that really a dream? God, Will always smelled so good. Not like food.

Wait.

I pull away from Holden. Why am I thinking about another guy while kissing Holden? I suck!

"What's wrong?" He asks, looking concerned.

"Nothing," I pull him back towards me and kiss him, this time only thinking about him.

Holden, Holden, Holden.

Will's face pops up in my head. Ugh!

I pull away again.

"Holden, I'm sorry. I'm an idiot," I sigh.

"Why?"

"I thought I could get over my ex by being with you. I'm so sorry, I never meant to use you. I think you're totally hot and I genuinely do like you but Will and I...oh my god, I'm rambling. I'll shut up now."

"Wait, what?" He looks confused.

"I'm sorry, Holden. I really like you. I just thought I should let you know that I'm not over my ex. It wouldn't be fair to you if I didn't."

"Um, Kat. I know. I've always known." He says.

"Wait, what?" I repeat what he said earlier.

"I thought that's why we were doing this. To make Walker jealous, right?"

"Uh, no? But I mean, that works for me?" I say.

"Good, because I think you're hot too. And there's a certain someone that I'm trying to forget, so it's a win-win."

Wow, I can't believe this. My guilt turns into relief. It's a win-win!

I kiss him again, enjoying it even more this time.

"So what is this then?" I ask.

"Uh, in your words, two consenting adults who find each other hot," he smiles. "Having fun?"

"I like the sound of that," I grin.

A/N

Omg guys, the weirdest thing happened a few weeks ago. I was at a party (don't worry, I'm lucky enough to live in a covid free place), and I MET A GUY NAMED WILL WALKER. This guy is nothing like our Will and I would never see him like that but it was SO WEIRD.

Anyway lol, thanks for reading! What did you think of this chapter? What do you think of the whole Holden situation? And about what Will said?

Don't forget to vote and comment!

Xo
Kat💖