Mood: swipe left and tap the media box above to listen to I Know A Place by MUNA. This is Lydia's song to her friend, Greg. ♥️

- - -

Lydia

It was toga party night, which was one of the most anticipated university events of the year! Posters and flyers were scattered around campus to promote this annual Saturnalian festivity, and students were talking about it.

The organizers changed the venue to a large outdoor public bar, where there was an area dedicated to the entire college crowd attending the party. Thankfully, the weather was getting warmer so we wouldn't freeze.

Jake, Zach, Lindy, and I met up with Carrie, Johan, and Greg. We hadn't seen much of Greg. He seemed happy, but at the same time, he kept to himself more often these days. I invited Kath to come with me, but she just had a wisdom tooth removed and needed to rest. She promised to join me next time.

Johan went off to join Marc and the other Hawkes members. I saw Marc, dressed as a gladiator, guzzle up a beer, while a bunch of college girls in different colored togas hovered around him and the rest of the Hawkes.

A few of the Hawkes were there with their girlfriends. One of them waved at me, and I waved back. She and I hung out a few times when I was with Marc.

Jake's teammates arrived and hugged him.

"Pretty girl, Somersby," said a tall titan, who fist-bumped Jake. "What's her name?"

This guy was seriously hot, but I smelled 'smooth player' all over him. I would have been simply what my mom would have said, "A dime a dozen for him."

"I'm Lydia Coleman," I said confidently and reached my hand out to shake his hand. "I'm Jake's best friend."

"Lydia, what a fine name for a beautiful lady," Titan replied.

He had a Greco-Roman style wreath on his head. His toga was waist-down, but I didn't mind. It only accentuated his taut, tight, muscles, and his beautiful dark skin. He pulled me in and gave me a kiss on my cheek.

"Kessler." Jake tilted his head to the left and shook his head.

Titan picked up the signal and backed off.

"I'm Leon Kessler. I'm on the swim team with Jake," he said.

"It's good to meet you, Leon."

"You should come down sometime and watch a race. There's one coming up in a few weeks," Leon said.

"Sure. I'll bring my friend, Kathleen," I replied.

"Is she hot?" Kessler grinned cheekily.

"She's smart, kind, and beautiful in every way," I said. I showed him an Instagram pic of Kath.

"Whoa! She's got some killer curves!" Kessler roared. He then flashed the biggest smile that could light up the entire area.

"Lydia, you're coming to the next race and you're bringing this Kathleen with you. Right?" Kessler pointed both index fingers at me and made a motion like he was holding two pistols. He was grinning from ear to ear.

"Jake, I guess I'm going to your next race," I yelled out to get Jake's attention. He was busy talking to his buddies.

I noticed only at this point that a squad of girls had joined the group. One of them was touching Jake, stroking his arm while he was talking. He didn't seem to notice her. He turned around in the direction of my voice.

"That's awesome, Missy!" Jake commented and glanced at Kessler.

"Lydia's keeping her word, and she's gonna bring that Kathleen with her," Kessler said. "Mmm, mmm, fine lady, that Kathleen."

He winked at me and pointed his index fingers like pistols again. "You promise now!" Then he took a cup from a stack of cups and filled it up from a jug of beer before taking a swig and moving to the music. Kessler clapped Jake on the back and joined in with the rest of the swim team and Zach.

Greg was next to me. He fidgeted with his toga and his eyes were gunning for the exit area.

"Everything okay, Greg?" I looked at him. His soda was still full.

"I'm fine," he forced a smile.

"Carrie, I'll be back!" I had to yell out and wave at her, as she was farther out in the crowd, holding Johan's hand while he talked to a few of his friends.

Marc was even farther away from the crowd. I looked at him and felt... nothing. I had gotten over him. I smiled, then turned to Greg. I grabbed his hand and said, "You're coming with me. Now."

We walked out of the pub and to a quiet area where there were seats under a large jacaranda tree on side of the street.

"Greg, what's going on?" I demanded. I stared at him with concern.

He sighed and shifted his feet. He then held my gaze with pure sincerity.

"Lydia, I'm gay."

I grabbed my friend Greg and gave him a massive polar-bear hug. I think I could have choked him if I had hugged him any tighter.

"Uff, Lyds, you trying to suffocate me?" Greg regained his balance.

"Greg, I love you. And I am really proud of you for coming out," I beamed.

Greg smiled shyly.

"Have you told the others yet?"

"No."

"Are you going to?"

"I don't know."

I stared at Greg.

"Maybe. It's just that..."

"They love you, no matter what. And if they don't, then screw them. Not literally, but you get my drift." I had a habit of trying to say the right things, but the wrong words would just come out.

Greg laughed. I hugged him again, and he hugged back.

"Thanks, Lyds. Now it's your turn to share a secret," Greg said. He was smiling.

"All's fair in love and war. Shoot," I grinned.

"Something tells me you and Jake have a thing going on. Does our little Lydia have the hots for Jake?"

"Ummm..." I felt my cheeks heating up.

"Yes, you do," Greg sang. "I can tell, you want him! Well, I can tell you, he's one hot stud. If he was gay, the things I would do to him..."

We both laughed. Now both Carrie and Greg knew about my feelings for Jake. I wanted to be with him, but I didn't want my heart broken. I was scared.

"Come on, let's go back inside," Greg said.

We went back to the entrance to the outdoor part of the club and showed our stamps to security, who let us in. My arm was linked with Greg's, and Jake noticed too. He went over to us and had a smirk on his face.

"I guess you two got cozy, huh?"

"Jake, it's not like that," I voiced out.

"Not like what? Missy, you charm the boys and lead 'em on."

"Jake, Lydia's telling the truth," Greg jumped in. "I am gay."

Jake looked embarrassed. He ran his fingers through his hair, then said, "Sorry, buddy. I didn't mean to..."

"Don't worry, it's easy to assume," Greg replied.

"Greg, I'm going out for some fresh air," I said. My eyes darted at Jake. I couldn't take his games anymore. I walked out back to the tree and seats.

"Lydia, wait!" I heard Jake's voice.

"Go get your girl!" Greg yelled out.

A/N: Please vote and/or comment if you like this chapter. ⭐️