Simone might have walked away that morning, but Izzie knew it wasn't over.

She could feel it in the way Simone looked at Jordan, like she was already plotting her next move. And sure enough, a few weeks later, the rumors started.

"I heard Simone had the baby," Olivia mentioned casually as she and Izzie sat outside on the quad, sipping their iced coffees between classes.

Izzie barely reacted, keeping her expression neutral. "Yeah? Good for her."

Olivia shot her a knowing look. "You don't care even a little?"

Izzie shrugged. "I mean, it's not like I expected her to stay pregnant forever."

Olivia chuckled. "Fair point. But... you do know she's been asking about Jordan, right?"

That got Izzie's attention. She turned, her grip tightening around her drink. "Asking how?"

"Just little things," Olivia said carefully. "If he's been to see the baby. If he's said anything about her."

Izzie rolled her eyes. Of course she was doing this. Now that the baby was here, Simone was going to use it as an excuse to worm her way back into Jordan's life.

Not happening.

As if on cue, Jordan appeared in the distance, making his way across the quad with Spencer and Asher. Izzie watched as a few girls tried to stop him, flirting, smiling, playing with their hair-but, like always, he brushed right past them, his eyes locked on one person.

Her.

"Hey, beautiful." He leaned down, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek before sitting beside her.

Olivia smirked. "Wow, you really don't see anyone else when she's around, do you?"

Jordan just grinned. "Nope."

Izzie rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide her smile.

Olivia leaned back, crossing her arms. "So, Jordan. You hear Simone had the baby?"

Jordan tensed slightly, but his expression stayed unreadable. "Yeah, I heard."

"She's been asking about you."

Jordan sighed. "Of course she has."

Izzie watched him closely. "Are you gonna see her?"

He turned to face her fully, taking her hand in his. "I don't owe her anything, Izzie."

She nodded, but something about this still didn't sit right with her. Simone wasn't the type to just let go. If she wanted Jordan back, she'd do whatever it took.

And Izzie wasn't about to let that happen.

~Later that Day~

Jordan was at practice when Simone finally made her move.

Izzie had just finished a study session when she spotted Simone waiting outside the gym. She looked different-more put together, like she had been waiting for this moment.

"Izzie."

Izzie slowed her pace, raising an eyebrow. "Simone."

Simone sighed, shifting her purse on her shoulder. "Look, I don't want to fight."

Izzie smirked. "Good. 'Cause you'd lose."

Simone ignored the jab. "I just... I need to talk to Jordan."

Izzie crossed her arms. "About what?"

Simone hesitated. "It's personal."

Izzie scoffed. "Right. Let me guess-you suddenly realized you miss him? That you want him back now that the baby's here?"

Simone's jaw clenched. "It's not like that."

"Then what is it like?" Izzie challenged. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're hoping a baby is gonna fix what you broke."

Simone's eyes flashed with frustration, but she forced a calm expression. "Jordan and I have history."

"And now you have a baby that's not his," Izzie shot back. "So what exactly do you think is gonna happen here?"

Simone exhaled sharply, but before she could respond, the gym doors swung open.

Jordan.

He was fresh off practice, sweat glistening on his skin, his duffel bag slung over his shoulder. His eyes landed on Izzie first-like they always did-before flickering to Simone.

"What's going on?" he asked, walking up to them.

Simone straightened, tilting her chin up. "I needed to talk to you."

Jordan sighed, glancing at Izzie before looking back at Simone. "I already told you-there's nothing left to say."

Simone's lips parted, like she wanted to argue, but Jordan didn't give her the chance.

"Izzie, you ready to go?" he asked, reaching for her hand.

Izzie smirked, slipping her fingers through his. "Always."

And just like that, Simone was left standing there, watching as Jordan walked away with the one person she couldn't compete with.

Izzie didn't even have to look back to know-this wasn't over.

Not by a long shot.

Is this the level of tension you were looking for? Do you want Simone to get more aggressive in her attempts, or do you like the slow buildup?