The Chosen Road (Patreon)

((This is my entry for the Literotica Holiday story contest. I'll be uploading it soon, but you guys get to read it first! Let me know wha

((This is my entry for the Literotica Holiday story contest. I'll be uploading it soon, but you guys get to read it first! Let me know what you think! Fair warning: It's not a harem story, nor is it a BDSM story. It's more of a romance / erotic coupling story. I hope you like it anyway.))

Freshman holidays are the worst, Thanksgiving especially. Everyone expects you home. Yet, with projects due directly after the break and finals looming, going home and losing the entire four-day weekend to family and ‘visiting’ sounds like hell.

That was Sebastian’s opinion. Sebastian “Seb” Douglass had the misfortune of almost every professor having the brilliant and totally original idea of their big, 30-40% of his grade, project/paper being due the first class after Thanksgiving.

If only one of them had this plan, it might have been workable. That all of them thought Thanksgiving weekend was abundant with free time suggested a personal loneliness only found in academics.

The Douglass family was a large one. Seb was the oldest of six siblings. His father was the middle child of seven siblings. His grandfather was the youngest of seven. The family liked to treat Thanksgiving like an annual family reunion. With three to four generations gathering in the same place, it could quickly reach two hundred people. All the aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, great aunts, great uncles, and other extended family members, both numbered and removed, added up. It was chaos; if Seb attended, he would lose the entire weekend to it.

“I can’t.” Seb said. He was tired of trying to explain it to his girlfriend, who was in her senior year of high school, and begging for him to come home. The phone conversation had been going on for half an hour now, and she wasn’t taking his no for an answer. She never did. She always pushed, and he always caved.

“Why not?” Steph whined. “I haven’t seen you all semester!” She protested.

“I have too many things due, and I need to stay here this weekend and finish them.” Seb said. He hated repeating himself, yet this was the third time he’d said that exact sentence.

“You can do your homework here!” Steph protested.

“No, I can’t!” Seb winced when he said it. He’d been too emphatic, and he knew this would spiral again.

“Why are you yelling at me?” Steph sounded like she was on the verge of tears.

“I’m not.” Seb said as calmly as he could.

“It sounded like you were,” Steph sniffled into the phone. “I want to see my boyfriend and spend time with you. Maybe we can have some time together, you know?”

Seb closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Steph was a very attractive woman, and he always felt lucky to have her. But right now, Seb almost wished he were single and not for the first time. He loved his girlfriend, but she wanted things to be how they were in high school. Seb wasn’t sure they would ever be the same. She didn’t seem to understand that he couldn’t drop everything and run home to see her.

“I’ll make it up to you over the winter break.” Seb assured her.

“We’re flying to Europe over the break.” Steph whined. “Dad’s got an entire trip planned for us.”

“Of course he does.” Seb sighed.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Steph snapped.

“Is your brother’s girlfriend going?” Seb asked.

There was a definite and dedicated silent pause on the other end of the phone until Steph relented. “Yeah.”

“Did you ask if I could go?” Seb asked.

“I did! I want to see you!” Steph assured him.

“And…?” Seb asked.

“Daddy said no.” Steph said flatly. They both knew that her father didn’t like him. No matter what he did, he couldn’t get on the right side of that man’s sense of humor or earn his respect. Seb’s only comfort was that he was sure no one would ever be good enough for Steph in her father’s eyes. She was a princess, or at least she and her father acted like she was.

“Well…” Seb sighed. “Then we’ll have to see each other between when I get home for the break and before you leave.”

“Or you could come home for Thanksgiving!” Steph did her best to sound pleading. “Please?” She asked. “I’ve got a whole surprise planned for the next time we’re together.” The words themselves weren’t all that suggestive or dirty, but her tone could have given a dead man an erection. Seb nearly crumbled.

He sighed as he got into his car and turned it on. The phone synced up to the car’s Bluetooth, and he timed the sigh at just the right moment so that Steph didn’t hear it. Sebastian was getting good at that timing. He didn’t pull out of the parking spot. He let the car warm up and defrost as he continued their conversation.

“I’m sorry.” Seb said at last. “I am. But I can’t make it home this weekend.”

There was silence on the other end of the line. Seb let it pass until thirty seconds had passed before he tried to test the waters. “Hello?” He asked to see if she was still there.

“Fine.” Steph said in a tone that a deaf person could recognize as a lie. “Maybe I’ll see what Ali’s plans are this weekend. He’s always around.”

Seb sighed again, this time audibly, but if Steph heard it, she didn’t call him out. She pressed on.

“I think he said he’s free.” She added.

Steph knew what she was doing, and Seb was almost angry at her for it. Ali was a guy in her class who’d crushed on her since freshman year. He was an athlete like Seb, but in basketball rather than baseball. He was taller than Seb, though only by an inch, and decent-looking. This was not the first time Steph had mentioned him to get a jealous rise out of Sebastian. He was just about done. Or maybe this time, he really was done.

“You know what?” Seb asked. “Fine.” He spat. “Go have Thanksgiving with Ali. Maybe your dad will like him enough to invite him on your next vacation.”

“Don’t be like that.” Steph pleaded. “Just-”

“Just stop.” Seb cut her off. “I’m tired of you not taking no for an answer and threatening me with spending time with Ali. If you want to dump me to date him, do it.”

Steph sounded upset now. “I didn’t say that!” She said. “Ali’s just a friend.”

Seb scoffed. “Ali is not your friend. He wants to fuck you, and I don’t blame him. But stop bringing him up when you’re trying to get me to do something I already told you I can’t.”

“Well, maybe you should come home for the weekend, and then we won’t have to have this conversation all the time!” Steph sounded as frustrated as Seb. “God! You’re my boyfriend, not Ali! I just want to see you! Is that too much to ask? But if you can’t make time for me and my needs, maybe we should re-evaluate this relationship! Maybe the long distance is just not for us!”

“Maybe!” Seb snapped back at her and shook his head in regret.

“Fine!” Steph yelled. “Goodbye!” She hung up, and Seb smacked his steering wheel.

He tried calling her back, but it was no use. She wouldn’t answer until she calmed down. Based on the end of their conversation, she might never talk to him again. Were they broken up for real this time? Seb didn’t know. The breakup talk had been too much for him, and he was uncertain about what had just happened.

Sebastian realized now he didn’t want to break up. He loved Steph. They’d been together since middle school. She was a grade behind him, but she’d been his younger sister’s friend and always around. They were childhood sweethearts, and the long-distance was only supposed to be for a year until she graduated and came to the same college. Then they’d be back in person again.

He sighed. She was so frustrating! He didn’t know that there was anything he could do about it other than go home for Thanksgiving and make some kind of big show. If he wanted to have a girlfriend this time next week, then he needed to go home. Homework be damned, love was more important.

It was a sixteen-hour drive home. That was the main reason he didn’t travel home for the weekend. He couldn’t afford the flight to shorten the time, nor could his parents. Not that there were any available flights on this short notice. So, driving was his only option. If he brought his roommate, they could drive in shifts and make it there in plenty of time. If they left tonight and did some overnight driving, they could get there in the evening on Wednesday with rest stops, etc. It was perfect.

With that resolution in mind, he backed out of his parking spot and was immediately T-boned by a jeep speeding through the parking lot.

Several hours, a tow-truck ride, and an Uber ride later, and he was back at his dorm. He sat on his sofa between two garbage bags filled with everything from his car, with his head in his hands. The old Ford had suffered severe damage. His insurance hadn’t made the call yet, but the gruff old lady at the auto center had told him it would cost more to repair than the old car was worth. Until the check came in from the insurance, he was without transport.

“I don’t know what I’m gonna do.” Seb groaned into his hands. “I need to go home for the holiday, but now…” He sighed. Sebastian didn’t want to be single. He hadn’t been single since the 8th grade, maybe even longer, if you could count such young love. Steph was his first kiss, first love, and last summer, his first… time. They’d waited until they were both eighteen because they thought they had to, which was probably for the best. He loved her and needed to talk to her, but she still wasn’t answering his calls or texts, and he’d stopped trying so he didn’t appear desperate.

“Sorry, man.” His roommate offered from his chair, where he was scrolling on his phone. “I’d offer you my car, but I ain’t got one. You get used to it. Uber’s not that bad.”

“I’m not going to Uber for a sixteen-hour drive.” Seb shook his head. He wasn’t sure you even could, but if a driver was up for the job, it’d cost more than he or his family could afford. With six kids, his parents had never been wealthy. His student loans covered college costs, while his part-time minimum wage job working the coffee cart struggled to cover toiletries, gasoline, insurance, and takeout. Rare was the day when he had three digits before the decimal in his bank account.

“Oh yeah, you’re fucked for getting home. Unless you know anybody who lives in… where are you from again?” His roommate asked.

“New Jersey.” Seb reminded him. They’d been friends all semester, or at least roommates, but Mike rarely listened for over three seconds at a time. How the guy had some of the most comprehensive class notes Seb had ever seen was a mind-boggler.

“Right.” Mike nodded. "Could you check if anyone on campus is heading in the same direction?" Mike suggested. “Hitch a ride?”

It wasn’t the worst idea in the world, but it was short notice. With it being so far away, there was only a slim chance anyone was driving out. If they were, they’d be leaving either that night or tomorrow morning. He checked the community board, a school-run internet forum where people posted rideshares and carpools all the time. The results were overwhelming. Sorting through the forums to find a ride was brutal. Most had already left, and the rest already had a full car.

“Where in New Jersey are you from again?” Mike asked. It sounded like he was busy, but Seb didn’t mind answering him again.

“Vineland.” Seb answered.

Mike was silent for about a minute. “Do you know Jillian Lawrence?” He asked.

Seb looked up, confused. He hadn’t heard the name before, but the question seemed a little… specific. “Is she driving to New Jersey for the holiday?”

“Yeah.” Mike answered. “She said she’d be willing to give you a lift if you need it.”

“Who is she?” Seb asked, not that it mattered. A ride was a ride, and it wasn’t like she would knock him out and take his kidney. Still, getting some idea of who he would be trapped in a car with for sixteen hours was a good idea.

“Girl in my chem class.” Mike replied. “And my study group for the chem class. Total brain. About this tall.” He held up his hand a few inches over five feet. “Brown hair, freckles, big tits.”

Seb almost chuckled. Mike’s powers of description were primary but effective. If he’d been in a better mood, Seb would have laughed.

“Wears a lot of sweaters and boots.” Mike shrugged, unsure how else to describe her.

“Oh, the sweater and boots girl.” Seb said, straight-faced. “That narrows it down.” In fact, it did not. It was November, and those articles of clothing made up ninety-five percent of every woman’s wardrobe, at least those Seb saw daily.

“Just tryin’ to help.” Mike shrugged. “She said she’s leavin’ at like three in the morning. You okay if I give her your info?”

“Sure.” Seb nodded. “And thank her. And tell her I can give her money for gas.”

“Already did.” Mike nodded.

Seb rolled his eyes. “Anything else I agreed to that I should know about?”

“Hm?” Mike asked, distracted because he’d already moved on to something else. “Oh, nah. You’re good. And if you run out of shit to talk about, she likes football. So, you’ll have that in common, at least.”

Seb was confused. “I don’t know that much about football. I’m more of a baseball guy.”

“Don’t you play football?” Mike asked.

“Baseball.” Seb corrected him.

“Oh.” Mike looked thoughtful. “Well, it’s not that different.”

Seb looked at Mike like an alien but shook his head. “Whatever. Thanks, man. I think you just saved my relationship.”

“Just call me Eros.” Mike smirked.

“Who is Eros?” Seb asked as he lifted himself off the couch and started packing his suitcase.

“He’s like Cupid, but he fucks.” Mike chuckled.

Seb laughed. Mike was a weird guy who knew more about Greek Mythology than American sports, but he came through in a pinch.

Unknown: This is Mike’s friend?

Sebastian: Jillian?

Unknown: Yeah. And you’re Sebastian?

Sebastian: Most people call me Seb.

Unknown: Cool. Can you meet me in the Lincoln lot at 2:30 am? I want to do most of the drive tomorrow.

Sebastian: Absolutely. Thank you so much for this.

Unknown: No prob. I’m going that way. See you soon. I’ll be in the blue Nissan Kicks.

Sebastian: Perfect.

Seb added her number to his phone and thanked Mike again. Mike shrugged it off and returned to whatever had distracted him.

Now, all Seb had to do was pack, get as much homework done as possible, get to bed early, wake up in the middle of the night, get home, see Steph, and save their relationship before it was too late. He’d messaged Steph a few times, but she’d blocked him, which was her default pissed-off modus operandi. She always unblocked him a few hours later, a day max, but they’d never talked about breaking up right before.

Two-twenty-five in the morning found Sebastian walking through the Lincoln Dorm parking lot. He dragged his suitcase behind him with his backpack slung over his shoulder and a garbage bag full of laundry over his other shoulder. Yes, he knew it made him a stereotype. No, he didn’t care. Free laundry at home was free laundry.

The dark blue Nissan Kicks was the only car in the lot turned on with its heater and defroster running. From the looks of things, it’d been running for at least a few minutes. The driver got out when Seb approached and opened up the trunk.

She was indeed wearing a sweater, a thick pine green one, and black boots that climbed up to her knees. Thick black leggings covered her thighs and disappeared under the hem of her sweater, which came down to mid-thigh. She looked comfortable or would have if she were still in the car. As it was, the freezing air stung her face red. Her mid-western face was rounded and softened at the edges. Her chestnut brown hair was down and loose, falling to the middle of her back and matching the shade of her eyes. She was shorter than he expected and compact but top-heavy. Judging her build with the sweater was difficult, but she was pretty.

While Seb took her in, she returned the evaluation. Seb was tall but far from the tallest he knew. He was six feet two inches tall, with broad shoulders and a lean but well-defined runner’s build. He had muscles that weren’t overly large, and his coat hid them. Beneath it he wore an oversized flannel button-down loose and untucked over a black t-shirt with a pair of jeans. His sneakers were black to match his belt, and overall, he seemed like the guy who might live next door to anyone. He was an athlete, not a bodybuilder. His face was lean with a defined jawline but still retained a touch of baby fat that proclaimed his youth. Seb’s black hair was short and well-trimmed. His eyes were bright and deep, unchanged by his contact lenses. He was cute, though, like any guy, he would likely prefer to be called handsome.

They’d never met before, but there was an immediate atmosphere of comfortable friendship. Each recognized a friendly spirit in the other. They were two people with a common goal and common friends.

“You must be Sebastian.” Jillian said. She opened her trunk.

“No.” Seb looked at her funny. “Why would you think that?” After a second’s pause, he laughed, and Jillian gave him a wry smile for his efforts at humor. “Call me Seb.”

“Okay.” She said, reaching for his bag. “You can call me Jill.”

Seb gestured for her to show him where to put it, and he followed her guiding gesture. He slid his suitcase onto her luggage and put his trash bag on the pile. He didn’t feel too bad about bringing it, seeing she had three such bags and two more suitcases than he did. Seb put his backpack between his feet and climbed into the passenger seat.

“Thanks again for this.” Seb said as she climbed into the driver’s seat.

“It’s not a problem.” She assured him. “I live in Millville, so we’re neighbors.”

Seb nodded. “Still, though. Oh, before I forget, what’s your Venmo?”

She gave it to him, and he sent her the money for the gas. “Thanks.” She said with a slight smile. “See, you’ve pulled your weight already.” Jill said as she checked her mirrors and started backing out of the spot. “You okay with Christmas music?” She asked. “Or are you one of those people with extreme opinions about only listening to Christmas music after Thanksgiving?”

“For everything, there is a season.” Seb quoted. “But I don’t care.” He assured her. “I’ve already listened to some. I’ve got a Spotify playlist of funny Christmas songs I started listening to last week.”

“Perfect.” Jill seemed excited as she turned onto the road. “Put it on.”

Seb synced his phone to her dash, pulled up the playlist, and pressed play. The typical songs about donkeys and murdered grandmas were on there. There were other songs too that Jill hadn’t heard before, and the next hour and a half passed in music and laughter.

Jill’s laugh. The first time he heard it, Seb started laughing with her. He couldn’t help it. It was a fairy's laugh or a child’s laugh. Jill's laughter was free and unashamed as if no one had ever criticized or made her self-conscious about it. When Jill laughed, it was like magic sprang out of her, grabbed hold of you, and made you laugh until there were tears in your eyes. He’d experienced nothing like it.

For a moment, Sebastian thought he should compliment her, but he argued against it. It would be weird to compliment her like that. He didn’t want her to believe he was trying to flirt. She was a pretty and attractive young woman, and he flattered himself that he was an attractive young man, but he was a taken man. At least, he hoped he was. Between having four sisters and always having a girlfriend, he was used to platonic relationships with women, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t conscious of the optics. Some boundaries had to be observed.

They were alone together in the car, but neither felt on edge or nervous with the other. It was like they were old friends, singing along to the songs they knew by heart and laughing at the ones they didn’t. The highway was incredibly empty, and Jill had a heavy lead foot, so the world seemed to speed by from the passenger seat.

When the playlist was done, Jill wanted to talk. Seb wasn’t sure if it was to pass the time or stay awake, but he didn’t protest.

“So…” Jill started. “Why are you in such a rush to get home for the holiday? Can’t you wait to see your family?”

“My girlfriend.” Seb answered. “We got into a fight, and my car got wrecked, and… well, I hope I can salvage things before it’s too late.”

Jill raised an eyebrow but didn’t press him for the full story when he didn’t volunteer it.

“What about you?” Seb asked.

“My sister is getting married this weekend.” Jill explained. “I’m the maid of honor.”

“On Thanksgiving?” Seb asked, surprised.

“This Saturday.” Jill said. “She wanted to do it when the whole family was already there. So I get to go and pretend to be happy for her.”

“Not thrilled about it?” Seb asked, surprised.

“That sounded bad.” She admitted. “I am thrilled for her, I guess.” She said. “But… to be honest, I think she can do better than the guy she’s with. He’s a jerk, but they’ve been together for years, and she’s always wanted to settle down and marry. So she’s settling.” Jill shrugged.

“And you don’t want to settle down one day?” Seb asked, surprised. He’d always assumed everyone wanted the American dream of marriage, two-and-a-half children, a house, two cars, and a dog.

“I don’t know. Maybe.” She admitted. “Not that anyone’s offered to marry me.” She scoffed. “I just want to be happy. For now, that means finishing my degree and getting a job that pays enough to pay off my student loans.”

“What’s your major?” Seb asked, curious.

“Chemical engineering.” She answered. “And you?”

“Pre-law.” Seb said.

“You want to be a big-shot lawyer?” Jillian asked.

Sebastian laughed. “Not really.” He admitted. “I think I want to be Daredevil.”

“Daredevil?” She asked.

“Yeah. He’s a comic book character.” Seb explained.

Jill laughed. “I know who he is. I have Netflix.”

Seb laughed with her. “Right. Well… yeah. I always wanted to be a lawyer like that. I want to help people and fight crime in the legal way.”

“Not dress up in body armor and beat up bad guys at night instead?” Jill asked. “It seems like it’d be less expensive than law school.”

“No superpowers.” Seb shrugged. “If I’m gonna be a guy in a suit, I’d rather wear a tie than a mask.”

Jill laughed and nodded, accepting his answer for what it was. Seb was an idealist but not a dreamer. That was admirable.

The question-and-answer session volleyed back and forth.

“How many siblings do you have?” Both asked the other.

Seb revealed he was the oldest and had five younger siblings, which launched a series of questions about such a large family that he was used to answering. He was closest to Evie, the sister closest to him in age. He and his younger brother had little in common. His youngest sister was still a kid, eight years younger than himself.

Jill revealed she was the youngest of two siblings, with a significant age gap between her and her sister. This launched a series of questions that she was used to answering. With a twelve-year age gap, it was evident that Jill was a surprise to her parents. She looked up to her sister, but they weren’t close. However, her sister lived near their parents, so they hung out more in recent years. She looked up to and admired her sister sometimes but didn’t always approve of her decisions.

Then Jill wanted to know about Seb’s friends, which led to them talking about his ex-girlfriend.

Seb told her about Steph, how they met, and the moments of their relationship that started their romance. Jill told him about her high-school ex, Oliver. They talked of their childhoods, growing up, their families, friends, and experiences that struck them as nostalgic now that they were thinking of homes and holidays.

The hours passed until well after the sun rose, and their stomachs chorused their disgruntled reminders that breakfast was overdue. They stopped at a highway diner for a quick breakfast and split the check 50-50. Seb offered to pay for it as a thank you, but Jill refused and threatened to leave him there if he didn’t drop it, so he let it drop.

They hit a Starbucks only a short time later and got coffee. Soon, they were back on the highway for more driving through the rural countryside, facing the rising sun until it climbed to a more comfortable height.

“I like your shades.” Seb commented.

Jill looked at him with her sharp, angled, retro, and oversized sunglasses on her nose and snorted. “Thanks.” She said. “I bought them to go over my glasses but switched to contacts, and now they look silly.”

“Oh, no. I think they’re nice.” Seb protested. “They’ve got… style.”

“I’m going to assume your girlfriend picks out your clothes.” Jill shook her head. “If you think these are stylish, I’d hate to see what you’d pick out for yourself at a store.”

“Steph usually did.” Seb admitted. “If it were up to me, I’d just wear my boxers everywhere.” He shrugged. “Skip the hassle of clothes.”

Jill coughed and pushed the sunglasses further up her nose to cover her eyes. Seb might have imagined it, but he could have sworn there was a hint of red blush on her otherwise pale cheeks. He suddenly felt embarrassed about what he said.

Sebastian searched his mind for a change of subject and landed on the only one he’d been trying not to think about their entire drive. “I’ll probably have to pick out my clothes for myself, anyway.” He shrugged. “If I can’t convince her to take me back.”

Jill looked over at him, surprised. “You’ve been sitting on juicy drama this entire time?” She asked. “Spill boy, spill!” She teased him, but it was all the encouragement Seb needed to unload what he’d been keeping pent up.

“We had a fight right before my car got destroyed, and… I think we broke up.” He said. “And she won’t return my calls or texts, so I don’t know if she blocked me or what.”

“Okay, tell me everything. Line by line.” Jill said, and she listened as Seb did just that. He recounted his conversation with Steph and its ending. By the time he finished, Jill’s expression had turned from teasing curiosity to sympathy for her new, rapidly bonded friend.

“And then I backed out of the parking spot and got T-boned.” Seb finished his story.

“Man. This kinda sounds like a Ross and Rachel situation.” Jill shook her head.

“Who?” Seb asked.

“Ross and Rachel? They were on a break?” Jill asked it like it was something he should know. But Seb’s clueless expression informed her he didn’t know. “From Friends? The TV show?”

“Oh. I’ve seen some of that.” Seb nodded. “Ross is the dinosaur guy, right?”

“Right.” Jill nodded.

“And Rachel is…” He hesitated.

Jill sighed. “I can’t believe this.” She said. “You mean to tell me you don’t know who the characters are? You said you’d seen it!”

“A few episodes.” Seb shrugged. “They’d run the re-runs at the gym, so I’d see bits and pieces of them while I was on the treadmill sometimes.” He admitted. “But I don’t think I’ve ever sat down and watched a full episode.”

“That is the most offensive thing you’ve ever said to me.” Jill scoffed. “I love that show. I’ve seen every episode a hundred times. My mom had the box set, and we would watch the DVDs on repeat.” She explained. “I’ve watched the special features, the outtakes, the commentaries… and you’ve never seen a full episode?”

“I’m sorry.” Seb held up his hands. “I never got into it.”

Jill sighed and shook her head. “It’s okay.” She said. She reached over and patted his leg. “I’ll see if my mom will let me borrow the DVDs, and I’ll introduce you to the show.” She assured him.

“Okay.” He shrugged. He had nothing against watching it, but he realized they were both comfortable with one another- comfortable enough to assume that this friendship they’d struck would continue after the car ride, not only for the return journey but once they were back on campus. They were friends now and might be friends for years or even the rest of their lives.

Seb liked that idea. He liked Jill. Talking to her was effortless. Jill didn’t make him feel nervous or on edge like he might say the wrong thing to send her into a rage at any moment. She was quick to laugh and seemed to want to enjoy life. She sought anything in their conversation or surroundings that might be pleasant rather than pointing out the negatives. Most substantially, she endeavored to lift his spirits when she saw he was sinking.

Jill liked him too. Seb was a little shy but friendly once he got comfortable. He had good taste in music, and if the playlist was anything to judge his sense of humor by, he had a good one. He struck Jill a bit like Chandler, with some of Joey’s looks, as if Matt Leblanc had been tall and skinny instead of shorter and broad. One day, she would stop trying to figure out which of the five characters in Friends the people in her life corresponded to, but today was not that day.

“So they were on a break?” Seb prompted.

“Oh, right.” Jill nodded. “Ross and Rachel were dating, and they got into a fight. Ross thought they had broken up, so he took comfort in this other girl who was into him, and they ended up sleeping together. Meanwhile, Rachel thought it was only a temporary disagreement, and they were still together, so you can imagine the fight when she found out.”

Seb seemed amused. “So, I shouldn’t sleep with anyone until I talk to Steph and figure out whether we’re broken up.”

Jill coughed a little and pushed her sunglasses up her nose once more. “That seems like a good idea.” She blurted.

Seb nodded. “You want to listen to some music?” He asked.

Jill nodded, and Seb pulled up his phone to start another playlist. He saw he had some messages on the Messenger app, but he played the music first and switched over afterward. One was from Mike, asking if he was still alive and if everything was going okay. The second was from his younger sister, the closest one to him in age and Steph’s best friend.

Evangeline: Hey, you okay?

Seb decided to message her back.

Sebastian: Yeah, why? What’s up?

Evangeline: I talked to Steph last night. She seemed pretty pissed off, and she told me you two broke up?

Sebastian: I’ve been trying to call her and text her since.

Evangeline: She might have blocked you…

The following message was a screenshot of Steph’s Facebook feed. The image had two relationship announcements posted to her timeline. The first was “Now Single,” and the second was “In a Relationship” with… Ali.

Seb wanted to scream and throw his phone, but neither would have been a good idea. Instead, he hunkered down in his chair and kept texting back and forth with his sister.

Sebastian: Fuck.

Evangeline: Yeah… I’m sorry bro.

Sebastian: I’m the Rachel.

Evangeline: ??

Sebastian: nvm. I guess it’s official. It’s on Facebook and everything.

Evangeline: Sorry man.

Sebastian: It didn’t take her long to move on, did it? Jesus.

Evangeline: I don’t know. She might be doing it to piss you off. You know how she is. Or she’s been cheating on you all semester.

Sebastian: What?

Evangeline: She and Ali have been close since you left. I didn’t think she’d cheat, but with how quickly she jumped into bed with him after you broke up, if she didn’t already cheat on you, she definitely wanted to. She spent the night at Ali’s last night.

Sebastian didn’t respond right away. He stared at his phone in absolute shock and disgust for far too long. Steph was the love of his life. He’d loved her for years, and thinking he might lose her had felt terrible. Yet, now that he lost her for sure, he felt lighter. Relieved, like he’d broken a chokehold from around his throat. He could breathe again. Steph was a bitch sometimes, but he wasn’t even angry with her after the initial flare of wrath. She disgusted him, and he felt finally able to breathe.

“You okay?” Jill asked. “You’ve been making some interesting faces that have me wanting to ask about the latest hot gossip.”

“I’m the Rachel.” Seb explained.

“Ah.” Jill said, understanding. “Want to scream profanities out the window at all the other cars?”

“What?” Seb was so surprised that he looked up from his phone.

“It’s cathartic as fuck.” Jill explained. “And nobody even questions it because of the Jersey license plates.”

Seb laughed- a deep, guttural, honest, and unfettered laugh- as he pictured himself leaning out her passenger window, screaming into the wind, while the other drivers on the highway watched him and thought, “Oh, yeah, he’s from Jersey. That makes sense.”

“Is that what you do?” He asked when he stopped laughing long enough to get the question out.

“Only once.” Jill admitted. “After my ex and I broke up.”

“Heh.” Seb chuckled. “I think I’m good.” He said. “I’m more relieved than angry. She just… proved some of my worst fears about her, but mostly I’m relieved. Being her boyfriend was exhausting.”

Jill nodded. “Love is work sometimes, but it shouldn’t always be work. Love isn’t always easy, but it should make your life easier. It makes your work light and your effort easy.”

“Wise words.” Seb nodded as he realized that his relationship with Steph hadn’t been easy in years. He didn’t know when their love had become so toxic, but he could see now that it had grown wrong. Whatever he and Steph had between them at the end wasn’t love; it was commitment founded on what used to be love, like so many married couples in sitcoms. He was relieved to be free of it, and apparently, so was Steph.

“Things my mom says.” Jill shrugged. “She’s a romantic.”

“And you’re not?” Seb asked.

“I haven't had any opportunities to find out.” Jill explained. “Not recently, anyway.”

“Really?” He asked, surprised. “Nobody at college has ever struck your fancy? What about Mike?”

Jill laughed. “What about Mike?”

“You two are friends, right? Do you want to go out with him?” He asked. “I could nudge him.”

“No, thanks.” She shook her head. “Mike is nice, but he and I don’t click. Besides, he’s more into my roommate.”

“Is he?” Seb asked, surprised.

“Everyone is in love with my roommate.” Jill sighed. “Three times this semester, some guy has come up to me, gotten me alone, gone quiet and nervous like he’s about to ask me out, and then asked me how to best approach her. Like I’m some sort of guide to her pussy.”

Seb snorted in laughter this time, not expecting the crude remark from Jill, who had the decency to look embarrassed at having been so frank. It just made her so angry. She was confused the first time because of her surprise and had done her best to be helpful. The second time, she was a little miffed and disappointed but told him what she’d told the first guy. When the third time arrived, it pissed her off. Jill told the guy to fuck off.

“It's one of the hazards of having a hot roommate.” Jill shrugged. “I’m sure the same thing happens to Mike.” She said it before she realized it and immediately reprimanded herself mentally. She laughed to cover it like it was a joke, but Seb didn’t join in the laughter. He appeared thoughtful, then looked at his phone and turned to the passenger window. Jill turned up the music.

The rest of the ride until lunch was uneventful. They had a little chatter. Seb texted back and forth with his sister, letting her know he was okay and still on his way home for the Holiday. It was too late to turn around. They got their lunch at a gas station convenience store. They ate on the road, with Seb opening Jill’s sandwich for her and her water, handing her things, and taking them away when she finished.

“Do you want me to drive?” Seb asked. “You’ve been driving all morning.”

“Oh, I’m okay.” Jill assured him. “I prefer driving. I get carsick sometimes as a passenger.”

“Oh.” Seb remarked. “Okay. But… you’ll have to let me drive at some point, right? Or do you plan on driving the entire time?” He asked, incredulous. He supposed it was possible with enough caffeine, but it didn’t seem advisable.

“It’s only another few hours until we reach the hotel.” Jill pointed out.

“Right.” Seb nodded until the words caught up in his brain. “Wait. Hotel?”

“Yeah, hotel.” Jill gave him a funny look. “Didn’t Mike tell you about it?”

“He mentioned nothing about a hotel.” Seb shook his head. “Should he have?”

“Well, yeah. I told Mike to have you call ahead and book a room for yourself.” She said. “I wanted to stop at this little Christmas village on the way home. It’s seasonal, but they’ve got all these little shops I planned to stop at. We should get there about two hours after dinner. We can crash for a few hours and get on the road early enough to make it home by noon. We’re making fantastic time.”

The brake lights ahead flared as if Murphy had a set of laws specific to highway driving. Traffic slowed and stopped.

“Oh.” Seb said, then shrugged. “Okay. I guess I’ll book a room once we get there.” He thought about it and realized he’d have to get his parents to Venmo him some money or use his emergency credit card. This… probably qualified. “What was the name of the hotel?” He asked as he pulled out his phone. He could probably book the room while she drove.

She told him, and he attempted to do so until he hit an unfortunate yet foreseeable snag. It was booked solid. After all, having no rooms left at the inn has been a holiday tradition going back to the very first.

“Well… crap.” He sighed. “That’s okay.” He shook his head. “I’ll grab a few Zs in the car.”

Jillian looked at him and shook her head. “Don’t be silly. The room I got has two double beds. You can take one of them. It’ll be cheaper, anyway.”

“Are you sure?” Seb asked, surprised. “You’d be sharing a hotel room with a stranger.”

“You’re not a stranger. I know more about you than half the people I’ve met at school.” Jill chuckled. “And it’s fine. Just don’t think I’m going to give you pity sex because you broke up with your girlfriend.”

“Ha.” Seb chuckled. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” He shook his head. “If I fuck someone, I don’t want it to be because they pity me. I’d rather they like me.” He announced. “Loved me would be nicer, but I’ll settle for like if I have to.”

Jill didn’t answer. She pushed her sunglasses up and kept driving.

With music playing, the world sped by them. Seb spent most of the afternoon writing a paper. He’d already read the books and had his notebook with notes from the books he wanted to cite. He didn’t enjoy underlining or highlighting in his textbooks. So, he kept a notebook for each class and hand-copied any passages that suited his purposes with proper citations.

He had most of a paper drafted between that and his MacBook when they got to their dinner stop. It was a rest stop off the highway with something like a food court. There was the burger place, the pizza place, the donut place, and the convenience store. Not much in the way of healthy options, but they could make do.

Seb used the bathroom first, and when he came out, he wasn’t sure where Jill was, so he got in line for a burger. Standing in line, he heard a loud exclamation from behind him. Seb turned with everyone else to peer toward the pizza line, where a man stood with his head back, clutching his nose.

Jill stood in the center of the chaos. Three guys were around her, one of which she had struck with the butt of her palm right in the nose. Another had his hand on Jill’s wrist, and Seb didn’t have the time to take in much else before he reached them. It wasn’t even a conscious decision to duck under the line’s barricade and run across the tables to Jill. He was there before he’d had time to think.

His face as he arrived made Jill pale for a moment, but he obviously wasn’t angry with her. There was someone between Sebastian and the man with Jill by the wrist, but he wasn’t standing there for long. Seb punched him across the face so hard he spun. Sebastian pushed his hip and whole body into the blow like a professional boxer giving a knock-out punch. It didn’t knock the man out, but it spun him around and threw him to the ground before he could give off an angry retort.

The man holding his nose let go of it to grab Seb by the shirt. Sebastian delivered a left-handed uppercut to his stomach. It knocked the wind out of his lungs. Seb followed it with a right hook that sprayed blood from the man’s already bleeding nose onto the floor. The onlookers gave a cry of surprise to see the blood.

The man with his hand on Jill’s wrist let go of her and reached into his waistband for something. He regretted it as Sebastian grabbed his wrist, yanked him, and flipped him. He landed on his stomach. Seb shoved his heel into the man’s shoulder blade and used his grip on his wrist to pull the man’s right arm straight and force him to cry out. The hold nearly tore his arm off until he dropped the knife he’d drawn and cried out for Seb to let him go. Seb had his foot on the man’s back, holding him in place, when the security officer tackled Sebastian, slamming him into the ground.

Jill gave a cry of protest, and Seb struggled for a second out of reflex. His wits came back to him, and he stopped. The officer zip-tied his wrists behind his back while another did the same to the guys on the floor.

Seb looked over at Jill, who was staring at him wide-eyed, and she suddenly looked sympathetic when she saw his worried expression as he checked her for damage.

“I’m fine!” She assured him. “They’re drunk. I think.”

Sebastian gradually became aware of applause. The onlookers were applauding him for stepping in and ending the assault, and some were even arguing with the guards.

“You should thank him for doing your fucking jobs!” A random older Italian gentleman chastised them. “Fuck! You should hire him!”

The State Trooper made his way over, and the crowd got a lot calmer. Most of them remembered they had something else to do at that exact moment. The officer questioned Jill first. She explained what happened. The guys had been aggressive, and when she turned down their offer to go outside with them, one of them had slapped her on the ass. She palm-struck him in the nose. Then the other one grabbed her wrist, and Seb dove in and ended it by taking them out.

The security team cut his zip-ties, and to Seb’s surprise, Jill threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. Seb hugged her back, glad she was okay and sorry he hadn’t been there sooner to prevent it.

“I’m sorry.” Seb said. “I couldn’t find you, so I got in line for a burger.” He explained.

“You’re sorry?” Jill asked, surprised. “You have nothing to be sorry about.” She chuckled. “You are like Daredevil.” She laughed again, her contagious, unashamed, child-like laughter that flitted through the air. “Fighting crime.”

“Don’t make a habit of it.” The State Trooper piped up. “This was a clear case of self defense, and he pulled a knife, so he’s going away for a while, but I’ll need your contact information.” He informed them. “And your IDs for a moment.” He added. Jill and Sebastian turned them over and gave him their phone numbers. He walked away to talk with the security guards, then picked up the knife from the floor with a plastic baggie and put it away.

“You and your boyfriend might be called in to testify.” The trooper explained. “But for now, you’re free to go. Hope you folks have safe travels.”

“Oh, he’s not my boyfriend.” Jill corrected.

“Damn girl, give the guy a shot.” The old woman next to the Italian gentleman who’d spoken up before piped up this time. She addressed Sebastian. “Do you want my granddaughter’s number? She’s about your age and single! Cute as a button.”

“Leave ‘em alone Mia.” The old man chided her. “You kids have a good night.” He said as he and his wife walked past, arm in arm. “You have to stop trying to set up Lucia. She’ll get married when she’s ready.” His voice faded into the distance as they walked with their pizza to a table out of earshot.

“Oh my god, they are the cutest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.” Jill commented, clutching Seb’s arm, holding his bicep in her hand. She realized what she was doing, let go, and stepped away, looking down at his hands. “How are your hands? Are you okay? Do you need ice?” She asked.

“I’m fine.” Sebastian said, examining his knuckles. They were red, and he had torn some skin on his right hand, but otherwise, he came out of the fight none the worse for wear. They might swell a bit, but nothing he couldn’t handle.

“Do you still want a burger?” Jillian asked. “My treat.”

Seb gave a nervous laugh but nodded. He was still coming down from the adrenaline rush, and he was tired but hungry. “I’ll handle the burger.” He assured her. “If you want to buy me something, buy me a latte. I’m exhausted.” He chuckled.

“Do you want any flavor?” She asked.

“Caramel Brulee?” Seb shrugged.

After patting him on the back, Jill nodded and headed over to the coffee line. She had a longer wait than he did, so he brought his food over to join her, waiting for the coffee.

“You want to sit?” Jill asked.

“Nah. I figured we’d eat on the road again.” Seb answered.

“Fair enough.” She said. That was the plan, after all. When the order came up, the barista handed him his latte, and Jill took her own. She didn’t have quite the fatigue he did, but she still figured a pick-me-up was a good idea. She’d been driving all day, and they still had more than an hour to go.

Sebastian took his latte and burger and waited through the pizza line with her. After a few more minutes, they left the rest stop behind them. They ate to Mariah Carey's tunes and finished her Christmas album before they started more conversation.

“So where’d you learn to fight like that?” Jill asked, having replayed the events of the brief fight in her head repeatedly during the drive.

“My dad.” Seb answered. “He’s really into fitness. He signed us all up for a boxing gym a few years ago. They offered classes in boxing, and I did pretty well.” He scoffed. “I guess I really wanted to be Daredevil as a kid.”

Jill smirked. “Well, you impressed me.” She admitted. “You’re my superhero.”

“You had it handled, I think.” Seb assured her. “You broke that guy’s nose. Where’d you learn to do that?”

“I did do that, yes.” Jill said quickly. “I may have watched Miss Congeniality a lot in high school. But I only did it because he slapped my ass after the three of them came on to me. And I couldn’t have fought off all three by myself.”

Seb nodded. “Well, I’ll make sure no one else slaps your ass.”

Jill started giggling.

“What?” Seb asked. “What’s so funny?”

“You’re not Daredevil.” Jill wheezed. “You’re Thor.” She was downright cackling now until she finally explained between gasps of breath for laughter. “You’re my personal ass-guardian.”

Seb was already joining in with her contagious laughter, but the punny punchline sent him over the edge and split his sides with laughter.

The two laughed and giggled in amusement until it was all out of their system, then fell into a serene silence. They sat next to one another as Jill drove for a while, not even realizing that they weren’t listening to anything. They enjoyed each other’s silent presence until they reached the Christmas village Jill was heading for. Jill pulled into the hotel parking lot on the edge of the village and parked.

“You stay here.” Jill instructed. “I’m going to check-in. Would you be willing to walk around the village with me afterward?” Jill asked.

“Absolutely.” Seb agreed. “It’ll be great to stretch the legs.”

“Perfect.” Jill smiled and headed into the lobby.

Sebastian waited in the car for a while but decided to go in after her. Maybe they had some cancellations that weren’t up on the website, so perhaps he could get a room after all. Or maybe… he hesitated. Maybe she wanted him to stay the night in her room. Would she be upset if he got a room of his own? Did she like him that way? Did he want her that way?

She was pretty, but more than that, being around her wasn’t taxing or draining. It was recharging. Even the shoulder-to-shoulder companionship of sitting and listening to music was comfortable. The silence between them was comfortable, and he didn’t get anxious over whether she was upset with him like he always had with Steph. Comparing her to Steph wasn’t fair, but it was all he had to compare a relationship to, and the differences were night and day.

He watched her exit the lobby, and seeing her face light up when she saw him made him smile. Uh oh.

Seb felt the butterflies in his stomach start to wake and stir. This was crazy, right? Spending a day in a car with a girl wasn’t enough to fall in love, right? He’d known Steph his entire life, but he’d only known Jill for a little over twelve hours. They were only four hours away from home, having made stops and hitting some heavier traffic in the afternoon. If all went well, they’d be home by tomorrow morning, and it would be goodbye.

Jill knocked on his window, and Seb rolled it down. “You want to put the bags in the room first?” She asked.

Seb nodded and climbed out of the car, hoisting his backpack over his shoulder and following her in after they each grabbed a suitcase from the trunk. Jill led the way and handed him a room key as they made their way to the second floor. The hotel seemed full of people, all traveling for the Holidays like they were. The place seemed booked solid.

Jill stopped when they got to their room door and opened it up. The size surprised Sebastian with how small it was. The bathroom door was to the immediate left, and a closet was also on the left before the small hallway opened into a larger square room. There was a window on the left wall. A dresser was on the far wall with a TV on it. The most noticeable aspect of the room was… the single king-sized bed.

Seb looked surprised, but Jill didn’t.

“Uh…” Seb started. “I thought you said there were two double beds?”

“There were supposed to be.” She started. “But some married couple going through a divorce pitched a fit about having a single king, so they swapped our rooms.”

Sebastian looked at Jill. “And you’re…” He hesitated. “You’re okay with sharing the bed?”

“Yeah.” Jill nodded. “Are you?” She asked.

Sebastian hesitated.

“I can sleep on top. There’s an extra blanket in the closet. You can sleep under the covers.” She assured him. “We’ve been stuck together in the car for so long. Sharing a bed won’t be a big deal.”

“Sure.” Seb nodded. “Okay.”

“Okay?” Jill asked.

“Yeah.” Seb agreed.

Jill hugged him. “Great.” She squeezed while Sebastian stood there and patted her on the back somewhat awkwardly.

Seb sighed. Now that he’d thought about her outside platonic boundaries, he’d made things weird. He could feel her breasts under her sweater smoosh up against his ribs. The squeeze of her arms around him sent a thrill through him. He could smell the fragrant aroma of her silken hair, like honey and lavender. He looked down at her, hugged her back, and stepped away.

Jill coughed and looked away. “Sorry.” She said. “I just wanted a hug after all the excitement today.”

“Not a problem.” Seb said. “I’m from a family of huggers.”

“Me too.” Jill smirked. “You want to get into PJs and watch something until we fall asleep?”

“I thought you wanted to walk?” Seb asked. “Wasn’t the whole point of coming to this Christmas village to do some shopping?”

“Oh.” Jill’s face fell momentarily, but she fixed it in an instant. “Yeah.” She nodded. “I’m tired, but some walking will do us both good.”

Seb nodded, set his luggage by the desk with his backpack on top, and headed toward the exit. Jill followed him out and looked as though she were going to reach for his hand, but then she stopped herself. She double-checked the door behind them to make sure it locked.

“You okay?” Seb asked.

“Yeah.” Jill nodded. “I’m fine.” She adjusted her sweater a bit and tugged the sleeves down.

Sebastian stuck his hands in his pockets and led the way back to the elevators.

They felt comfortable in their clothing despite the cool outdoor temperature. The places where the air touched skin were cold, though. The tips of their noses and the curves of their earlobes were bright with chill. They were thankful that walking kept their blood pumping, and the indoor shops of the Christmas Village were well-heated. Jill kept looking around nervously as they walked, and Sebastian wasn’t sure what was wrong, but he knew something was. She kept looking at him and looking away the moment he looked at her. She also seemed far more nervous than she had during their drive.

“What’s wrong?” Sebastian asked after the third shop they’d gone into, and Jill had bought nothing.

“Nothing.” Jill assured him.

“Nope. Don’t do that. That’s what Steph would say when pissed off at me for something. I can tell something’s wrong. What did I do?” He asked, shields up. Anyone could see in his face that he had braced himself for a fight where he would get yelled at.

Jill softened in a way that made him see her melt, and it disarmed him as her eyes met his. She put a gentle but reassuring hand on his shoulder. She was silent for a heartbeat, swallowed, and steeled herself to speak.

“Seb, you’ve done nothing wrong. You’ve been… You are great. And I promise I won't act like your ex if I ever have an issue with you. However, I haven’t been completely honest with you.” Jill admitted. “You remember that ex I mentioned, Oliver?”

“Yeah.” Sebastian nodded, still half-waiting for the yelling to start but now half-accepting that the usual routine wouldn’t happen. Jill was not Steph, and he realized that was one of the many things Seb liked about her.

“He works here.” Jill confessed. “I was…” She sighed. “I was coming here to rekindle things. To try to… I don’t know. Spark some holiday magic or something and hook up while I was on my way home.”

“Oh.” Seb said. Getting a hotel room only a few hours from home made more sense now.

“I didn’t want to go to my sister’s wedding alone. He goes to college near here and works here for some extra cash.” Jill explained. “My plan was to, I don’t know, try to run into him, get talking, and hope things led to bringing him back to my hotel room.”

“I can sleep in the car.” Seb offered. “If you want to-”

Jill shook her head and smiled as she looked up at him. She took a step closer to him. They were standing on the sidewalk now, the surrounding shoppers ignoring them. The sky was dark, but the world was bright with thousands of Christmas lights decorating every building and walkway in the humble colonial village turned Christmas village. The only noise came from the children waiting to see Santa around the corner.

“I don’t want that anymore.” Jill admitted. “I don’t want him anymore.”

She held his hand in hers, tugging him along behind her. “Come on, let’s get this shopping over with." She suggested.

Seb was smiling the entire time they held hands. They walked through the stores together. Jill would pick something up, examine it, show it to Sebastian, and then usually put it back. She bought little nicknacks and gifts for her family members. Seb bought a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree kit he thought would look great in his and Mike’s dorm room.

It wasn’t until they stood in line for Hot Cocoa that any semblance of the real world returned to them.

“Jill?” A male voice cut in.

They both looked over to see an overweight, but not obese, young man with a patchy beard dressed in full elf regalia. He looked a little silly in his curly green shoes and his night-cap-like green hat. The ears looked very well done, but the costume undercut the illusion with its garish candy-cane socks and the absurd number of silver bells that jingled every time the man made the slightest motion.

“Ollie, hi.” Jill said resignedly. “Oliver, this is my… friend Sebastian. Sebastian, this is Oliver.”

“Oh, hey.” Sebastian nodded and offered Oliver his hand for a handshake.

Oliver accepted the handshake and squeezed down hard on it. Sebastian winced from the swollen and torn knuckles that received the pressure. Oliver seemed satisfied by his minor act of intentional, yet ignorant, sadism.

“Hey.” Oliver answered. “What are you doing here?” He asked Jill.

“Shopping.” Jill held up the shopping bags from the different stores they’d visited. “Seb and I are on our way home for the holiday.” She explained.

“Cool.” Oliver nodded. “And you stopped over on your way because…”

“Because I remembered liking it as a kid?” Jill supplied. “And we’ve been in the car all day.” She sighed. “It’s nice to stretch our legs before we make the last leg of the journey.”

“Oh, well…” Oliver looked at Sebastian and sized him up, though his expression soured. “I’m off work in about two hours if you want to get some dinner? Catch up?”

“Oh, I’d love to, but Seb and I have some plans.” Jill shrugged. “Some other time.”

“Oh.” Oliver took another glance over Sebastian, then shrugged. “Alright. Well, you have my number if you change your mind.” He said.

“Sure.” Jill nodded. “See you around!”

Oliver nodded and waved as he returned to the path he’d been on before he spotted Jill. Sebastian looked down at her and raised an eyebrow.

“I feel used.” Seb joked.

Jill didn’t seem to take it as a joke, but she laughed anyway. “I’m sorry, but thank you. That felt amazing.”

Seb didn’t respond but nodded.

“What’s wrong?” Jill asked. “Talk to me, Seb.”

“No, it’s stupid.” Seb said, shaking his head. “Don’t worry about it.”

Jill grabbed him by the arms and squeezed. Looking up into his eyes, she held his gaze. “Hey, I won't get mad at you. Tell me what you’re thinking.”

Seb relented. “It’s like I’m the Ali in this situation.” He explained. “Like you were using me to make him jealous or something.” He chuckled, trying to lighten the blow of the inevitable anger.

Jill didn’t seem to find it funny, but she didn’t get angry. “I don’t play those games.” She said. Her tone was soft and reassuring. “Do you?”

“No.” Sebastian answered.

“Good.” She seemed to soften. “Oliver and I…” She hesitated. “We loved each other, in our way.” She explained. “But we didn’t want to date long distance, so we broke up when we went to college. We’re still friends on socials and everything.”

“And you still have feelings for him?” Sebastian asked.

“No.” Jill said immediately. “I mean.” She hesitated. “Maybe?” She asked. “I don’t know. It's difficult to understand feelings sometimes. I loved him. I did. But when I look at him and you, I know who I want.”

Seb swallowed.

“What about you?” Jill asked. “Do you still love Steph?”

He didn’t know how to answer that. Seb thought he should - like he should still be hung up on his ex, whom he’d dated for his entire adolescent life. He’d lived for years with the understanding that Steph would always be a part of his life- she was a constant. Yet, here he was without her, and life went on.

“You’re taking a while to answer.” Jill pointed out. “Should I take that as a yes?”

“I don’t know.” Sebastian answered.

“It’s okay if you do.” Jill said. “You just broke up, and you’ve been with her for years.”

“If she came back to you tomorrow and wanted to get back together, would you?” Jill asked. Seb hadn’t heard that exact tone in her voice before. He didn’t know that it was worry. Jill was worried for her heart and concerned for his sake. Steph was someone who could and would hurt him, and more than not wanting to see someone take him away, she didn’t want him to get hurt.

“No.” Seb answered. “I don’t think so.” He shook his head. “Not after she was probably cheating on me with Ali.”

“And if that was all a misunderstanding?” Jill asked. “What if she could prove she’d been faithful and that her sibling had hacked her account? Or if she changed it to dating Ali because she was mad at you and wanted to punish you. What then?”

Seb hadn’t considered that possibility before, and his mind seemed to thrill at it momentarily. It could all be a misunderstanding. Perhaps he could get Steph back, and things could go back to the way they were, how they should be. He looked down at Jill, whose worried face looked up at him with a tenderness he’d never seen in Steph.

“Love isn’t always easy.” Sebastian said. “But… what Steph and I had wasn’t love.” He admitted. “Maybe it was once, but now?” He shook his head. “I don’t like who I am with her. I prefer who I am with you.”

Jill grabbed the edges of Seb’s open flannel shirt and toyed with them in her hands. She broke eye contact and looked down, staring directly at his chest as if she couldn’t bear to hold his gaze while she confessed. “I know you’re going through it right now.” She said. “And if you don’t feel the same way, it’s okay, and that can be that, but-”

Seb raised his hand to her chin and tilted Jill's face to meet her eyes. Their gazes dipped to each other's lips, then returned to each other. Keeping his hand there, his index finger hooked beneath her chin, his lips descended to hers.

The soft press of her lips was delicate at first. Her breath hitched as Seb tasted her peppermint mocha latte, and she tasted his caramel brulee. The world around them seemed to vanish. All he could smell, feel, taste, and see was her. Her eyes were closed, and her chest rose and fell in heavy breaths through her nose as the kiss grew from something soft into something hungry.

Seb felt her tongue delicately test the opening between their mouths. He reacted by pressing his tongue into hers, the two tongues embracing and dancing together as they kissed. His blood stirred in him, piping hot, as he held her against him.

Jill made a soft sound like a coo of approval as his arm pressed against her lower back. Her arms slid under his open flannel to his upper back, holding him close to her and pushing the front of her body against his.

The sound thrilled Sebastian, who had to remind himself that while he could no longer sense the world around them, it still existed. Seb broke the kiss first, gulping down a lungful of air as he lifted his head away.

Jill apparently wasn’t done and kissed the underside of his jaw, then his neck in soft little pecks before she stepped away. She smiled up at him, and he smiled down at her, both stupid with emotion.

“Wow.” Jill sighed. “You are a much better kisser than I expected.” She laughed, and Seb laughed with her.

Jill tugged him down by his open flannel and kissed him again, letting her lips and tongue express what she couldn’t put into words. Sebastian did the same until the person behind them coughed loudly and suggestively, and they realized the line had moved.

Embarrassed and blushing, they stepped forward and got their hot cocoa. They walked in relative silence, enjoying the scenery as they sipped their hot drinks and let warmth spread through them.

After exploring the Christmas Village, purchasing their gifts, and consuming their drinks, they found themselves back at the hotel, quietly riding the elevator. They were quiet as they walked to their room, and Jill set her bags down in the little hallway by the door. She closed the deadbolt and the latch, took her suitcase, and disappeared into the bathroom.

“We should get ready for bed.” Jill announced before she disappeared. “I want to be up and checked out early.”

“Of course.” Seb nodded, and she was already gone.

While she was in the bathroom, Sebastian took the opportunity to strip off his chilly clothes and slide into his pajama pants. The soft cotton pants were baggy and comfortable. Usually, he slept shirtless, and the room was warm enough for it, but he felt slightly self-conscious doing that with Jill.

Seb heard a frustrated sigh from the bathroom. He wanted to ask if she was okay, but he didn't want to embarrass her if she was using the toilet.

For as comfortable as it was to be with Jill, he was awkward and self-conscious now. He had no mirror to check himself in, but he looked down at his body and only noticed his numerous flaws. The things Steph would sometimes tease him for or about all came back. The body fat he couldn’t get rid of, even if his percentage was well below average. He never quite looked like the guys on TV, which Steph never failed to remind him of, which was her idea of encouragement.

In the bathroom, Jill was going through her clothes and berating herself for not packing anything sexy. Seb was shy. He wouldn’t make a move unless she encouraged him somehow, and she had nothing particularly encouraging packed. Jill could always emerge naked, but somehow, that felt too vulnerable to contemplate. It was too aggressive, too. She didn’t want him to think she was a slut, but she wanted to sleep with him. She’d agreed to the room change with that arguing married couple for a reason, after all.

When she emerged, Seb was in a plain black T-shirt and pajama pants. His back was to her as he sat and watched the colorized version of Miracle on 34th Street on TV.

Jill gave a soft cough, which caused Seb to turn around and look over his shoulder. He then turned to face her, his leg hanging over the edge with only one foot on the floor. Seb looked at her, and Jill looked at him. They both smiled. She was wearing exactly what she had before she entered the bathroom.

“The bathroom’s all yours.” She gestured, and Seb nodded to her as he passed her and headed in.

Once the bathroom door was closed, she made her decision and got to work.

When Sebastian emerged, the lights were off except for the one on the nightstand, and the TV was off. Seb looked around the corner to see Jill standing on the other side of the king bed. She was wearing his flannel overshirt and nothing else from what he could see.

Her thighs were pale and thick, slipping out into view from the corners of his flannel that came to her knees at its points. The rounded hemline curved halfway up her thighs. She’d undone the top few buttons, revealing several inches of cleavage. She walked around the bed and stood before him, looking up at him expectantly.

Seb looked down at her, reminding himself to breathe.

“Are you going to kiss me?” Jill asked sweetly. “Or do I have to do everything myself?”

Sebastian grabbed his flannel shirt, scuffing it by her collarbones, and pulled her into a kiss that made their faces flush.

Their breath had changed since both of them had brushed their teeth. The strong minty flavor was delightful, with subtle hints of real milk chocolate. He matched her taste. The two of them stood at the edge of the bed and kissed, gripping and hugging each other closer.

Sebastian ended the kiss, letting the back of his hands trail down from her collarbone to the first closed button of his shirt on her. He could feel no straps, and judging by the points he could make out in the dim lighting, she wasn’t wearing a bra. Seb kissed her again and pulled back again as he undid the top button.

Jill looked up at him with heat in her eyes, and she licked her lips as the silent tension built between them. The thin cotton pants he wore did nothing to hide him when they pressed together, and she could feel his excitement against her, which only heightened her own. She wanted him, and he wanted her, and they’d chosen each other. Whether it was only for tonight or whether this was the start of something that would last much longer, neither knew, but both hoped. Both knew what they wanted, and both wanted to take the plunge.

Seb unbuttoned the following button and kissed her. He undid the third button. He kissed her again. Slowly, between passionate kisses that left her gasping for breath and wanting more, he revealed the rest of her cleavage. Her sternum, her stomach, and the pair of plain black panties she wore came into view. The flannel fell open and bared a narrow strip of flesh all the way down her front. He could see the interior curves of her large, round breasts, her soft, flat stomach, and the thin black cotton covering the most intimate part of her body.

Seb took a deep breath as he smiled down at her. “I want you.” He kissed her. “More than tonight.” He explained. “I want what we have to last.”

“I want you too.” Jill agreed. She removed her hands from his sides and brought them to her collar. Tentatively, nervously, Jill hooked her fingers under the open flannel and widened the opening. She shrugged her shoulders, and the shirt rolled open before she let it fall entirely to the floor.

Sebastian looked at her, and Jill felt more than naked. She felt raw and exposed to him in ways she’d never felt before. He knew her, saw her, and chose her. He took her with a passionate kiss on her lips, and their bodies pressed together once more.

The cotton of his T-shirt was rough against her. It had to go. She hooked her hands under the hem and lifted, and he helped her lift off the shirt, which he threw aside. Their kiss resumed, and the skin-to-skin contact electrified them, melting them to their cores. Every touch was a thrill. Every moment of contact was pure ecstasy flooding their bodies. Jill could hardly stand it.

She’d been moments away from pushing him down onto the mattress when Sebastian turned them both and lowered her to the bed with a surprising amount of control. His arms and chest were bare now, and she could see the muscles he’d been hiding in the dim glow of the bedside lamp. He was hot. Hotter than she was, by her estimation. She didn’t have time to think about it before the kiss resumed. Seb washed away all thoughts of insecurity and nerves with the pleasure of his touch.

“Get under the covers.” Sebastian’s voice was low and commanding, and Jill found she’d obeyed before she’d even had time to consider why. The two of them were in the bed, facing one another. They kissed and held each other close in a tender embrace, almost too delicate for her desires.

The passion built and grew between them until Seb’s lips left hers, and she gasped as he rolled over on top of her. She spread her legs to make room for him. His body pressed against her in the most exquisite delight as his hard cock slid against her wet panties. It parted her lower lips ever so slightly.

“I want you.” Jill gasped. “Seb, please.”

Seb didn’t answer, but he kissed her. He pressed his lips against her neck, her collarbone, and she felt him slide his body down her own. She was lost in bliss as he trailed his kisses down her stomach. Seb dipped beneath the blankets until she felt his lips press against her with the thin, wet material of the panties between them. She gasped as she felt Sebastian pull her panties aside. He kissed his way from her hip, over the curve of the thigh, until she felt his lips kiss and pull at her in sheet-gripping bliss.

“Oh!” Jill gasped. “Wait- what about-” Another gasp drowned out her protests for his pleasure’s sake as her hips bucked. His hot, slick tongue slid between her folds and licked her lips apart. “Fuck!” She called out.

Seb did it again, and she clenched her eyes shut at the pleasure. She squeezed the sheet beneath her with her hands like claws as she gripped it. Her grip only intensified as Sebastian poured his passion into her with his mouth. He started like he had above, slow and soft, using his lips and tongue to tease and please. Slowly, that pleasure built into tortuous ecstasy as he found what he was looking for. Seb used the touch of his lips, tongue, and fingers to elicit reactions from her to see what she responded to until he was playing her like an instrument. He made her coo, scream, clench, twist, and squeeze in staccato rhythms she’d never experienced.

She lost track of time and the world until she couldn’t hold herself back anymore. “Please…” Jill gasped. “I’m going to--” She knew he could finish that sentence. “But I--” She gasped. “What about you?”

Seb didn’t seem to care about his own pleasure and said as much. “My pleasure can wait. I’ll take it when I’m ready. For now, I want to see to yours first.” And that was all he said before he returned to it, twice as focused as before.

Jill tried to hold it back. She wasn’t sure why, but she worried that cumming before he did was wrong somehow. Yet when she thought about stopping him, she couldn’t. All she could think of was how he looked when he came to her rescue. His powerful arms, muscled body, and hot, bright eyes bore into her soul with every gaze. His easy laugh, his charming innocence, and that, for all his muscles, he seemed to have more of them in his tongue than the rest of his body combined.

“FUCK!” Jill screeched as she clamped her thighs around his head, squeezing him into her as she came. She gripped the sheets and arched her back, forcefully driving the back of her head into the pillows as the air rushed out of her lungs. Her body shook with the ecstasy of it. Jill rolled over to her side, taking Seb with her as his tongue went still between her legs. He pressed it into place and held it there as she bucked her hips against him slightly. She trembled at the shockwaves his every subtle movement caused to ripple through her in exquisite spasms in rolling waves. Orgasm after orgasm rolled through her body and squeezed all the air out of her. She tried to curl up into a ball, her core muscles clenching, but Sebastian held her in place.

Finally, she gasped for breath. Her entire body relaxed and collapsed, and Seb withdrew, crawling up the bed beside her.

“Holy. Fucking. Shit.” Jill had to take a breath between each word.

“You okay?” Seb asked, a hint of concern crossing his face.

“Yeah.” Jill breathed. “Just… wow.” She breathed again. “That was amazing. You… I’m keeping you.”

Seb blushed and chuckled a little. Jill looked like she was about to fall asleep. She woke up with her eyes wide, like someone who’d almost dozed off and woke to the tug of gravity on their head.

“Get those pants off.” Jill ordered as she tugged off her panties under the covers and flung them across the room. “And lie back.”

Seb laughed and rolled onto his back as Jill climbed on top and held him close. She kissed him, and they kissed for a minute or two until Jill scooted back and felt his length. The girth of it took her by surprise when she reached between them to guide him into her. Still, she didn’t hesitate. She was hot, wet, and eager for him as he slid inside.

“What about-” He asked, and she cut him off.

“I-U-D.” She explained, which was the last they said about it, as she went still to adjust to his length and girth. He filled her, and Jill took a moment to savor the sensation. Slowly, Seb started rocking his hips against her, causing her to clutch at the sheet beneath him once again. “Fuck-” She breathed out again. “Oh, my god. Seb.” She breathed.

“Oh!” Seb exclaimed as she arched her back and brought her hips against him, pushing down and against him as he pushed up and against her. Their rhythm was slow but cooperative, and the pleasure between them was overwhelming them both in easy, lapping waves of pleasure that washed them away together.

“Jillian.” Seb gasped.

Jill’s heart fluttered at her name being driven from his lips. The breathy sound in his deep baritone filled the silence between them.

“Jillian.” Seb said again. “I want you.” He said. “I want you!”

“You have me.” Jillian closed her eyes and whispered into his ear as they made love. “I’m yours.”

Sebastian grunted, and his legs seized up beneath her as he came. The spasms against her and the sudden press of him grinding against her clit caused her to crash over the edge as well. Her entire body clamped down on his as they came together, shaking with each other’s bliss. They found comfort and warmth after they fell apart and cuddled close to one another.

It was dark when they woke, the alarm beside the bed ringing out the cheerful Christmas tune of Jingle Bell Rock on the radio. Seb blinked awake to feel a strange pressure on his left side, where Jill had curled up, her head resting on his chest and using him as a pillow. He played with her hair, running his fingers along her scalp.

“Jill.” He whispered. “Jillian.” He said again, louder when his whisper failed to wake her.

“Hrmph?”

“It’s time to wake up.” Sebastian said. “You wanted to get on the road early.”

“Hrmph!”

Whatever Jill meant by that, it clearly didn’t mean: ‘Ah, my dear Sebastian, you are correct. Let us go.’ It must have meant something like, ‘Whatever, I’m going to cuddle in closer now.’ Because that was what she did.

Sebastian smiled and let his head rest back on the pillows. He was so comfortable, so blissful, and yet so awake. It was likely the latte’s fault. He wasn’t big on caffeinated drinks, so the espresso had his heart going steadily, and he was awake now. The radio was still playing its song when he tried again, squeezing Jillian to wake her slowly.

“Jillian.” He said again. “It’s time to wake up.”

“Hrmph.”

“I don’t speak sleepy bear.” Sebastian chuckled. “What are you saying?”

“Hrmph.” Jillian said again, lifting her head to gaze at him. Her hair was a mess, delightfully sticking up in directions Sebastian had never considered. Women with messy hair when they woke up were adorable geometric miracles, and Seb smiled to see her.

Jillian’s grumpy attitude about being woken up melted away at his smile. She buried her face in his ribs instead, like an embarrassed child, tickling him with her nose.

“A few more minutes?” He asked.

“Hrmph.” Jillian answered, kissing his rib and cuddling into him again.

Seb gave her another half-hour. Too awake to fall asleep again, he laid there listening to the music until he had to get up or risk wetting the bed. He slid out from under the covers, replacing himself with a pillow in Jillian’s grasping arms, and sprinted to the bathroom.

Sebastian looked at himself in the mirror as he washed up and realized he was smiling. It wasn’t a bright, wide smile or anything, but a gentle, content smile that refused to leave his face. He was happy. Genuinely, effortlessly delighted. It was such a shock from the worried, haggard face that looked back at him from the mirror yesterday. He couldn’t believe it had been a little over twenty-four hours ago. Today was day two of his and Steph being broken up. She’d already moved on to Ali, and he’d already moved on to Jillian.

Were they rushing things? Absolutely. Even in the situation, Sebastian could see that they’d gone from zero to sixty. He was surprised to find it didn’t frighten him. They had the rest of their lives to take it easy.

He turned on the shower and almost groaned at the fantastic heat and water pressure from the shower head. It felt amazing, and he was reborn when he emerged from the steamy bathroom with a towel around his waist.

Jillian sat on the edge of the bed, trying and failing to hold her hair down and make herself presentable. She was nude, and Seb was awestruck by her as he stood and looked at her. Jill saw him and blushed. She slid her arms to cover herself.

“Don’t be embarrassed.” Seb assured her. “I was just admiring how beautiful you are.”

“You’re a dork.” Jillian said, but she was blushing when she said it, and she stopped trying to cover herself from his view. She stood up instead, stepped up to him, and kissed him. “Good morning.”

“Good morning.” Seb answered.

“Is there any hot water left?” Jillian asked. She stretched absent-mindedly but cutely, and Seb watched her naked backside as she disappeared into the bathroom. Enthralled by her thick ass and its perfect shape, like two globes collided. She looked over her shoulder at him before she crossed the threshold and smirked. “I’d ask if you wanted to join me, but you showered without me already.” She pouted. “See you soon.”

Jillian closed the bathroom door behind her, and Seb groaned. He debated joining her. He hadn’t heard a click after she closed the door, so it was probably still unlocked. Even as he dressed, he debated with himself until the sound of water ceased.

When Jill walked out, she was wearing a towel, but not around her body. She’d wrapped one around her hair and put on a fresh pair of panties. They were red, with mistletoe printed on the front. Sebastian admired everything she’d left open to his view, which was the exact response Jill had hoped for. She kissed him again.

“Get packed and ready to load up. We’re almost home!” She said.

Given the extra bags they’d gotten shopping last night, loading the car took Seb a few trips. He did that while Jill got ready. Her makeup was done by the time he finished the first trip. Her hair was done by the second trip. When he returned from the third and final trip, she had put on jeans and a red sweater. They both did a final once-over of the room.

Check-out was painless, and after grabbing some food at the continental breakfast, they were on the road again. Traffic was thick but moving, causing them some delay. About two hours in, Jill pulled off the highway to the last rest stop of their journey.

“Would you like to drive the final stint since you know where you live and I don’t?” Jill asked.

“Sure.” Seb nodded. “If you’re okay with me driving your car and are sure you won’t get carsick.”

“I’ll be fine.” Jill assured him. “I just can’t look out the windows too much.”

“Alright.” Seb agreed, and they switched places. Jill took over the navigation and DJ duties, Seb took the wheel, and they were on the road again, stuck in traffic before too long. Their early morning arrival kept ticking back on the GPS until it wasn’t until noon. Gridlock took them.

Jill sighed.

“You okay?” Seb asked.

“Yeah. I was just thinking… it isn’t fair.” Jill said.

“That we’ll have to say goodbye so soon?” He asked.

Jill looked at him and melted a little, her face softening as she smiled. “Well, that.” She agreed. “But also last night.” She explained. “I came twice, and you only came once. I should make it up to you. I want to make a good first impression.”

Seb chuckled. “You made a great first impression.”

Jill giggled. “Sure.” She said. “But what if I want to try again?” She asked.

“Uh…” Seb hesitated. “What did you have in mind?”

Jill smiled, sat straight, and reached up to tie her back into a ponytail. She pulled a hair tie from her wrist and twisted it around, pulling it through in a loop. The action was akin to the meme, and Seb’s body responded before he did. She leaned over the console, put her hand on the inside of his thigh, and pulled him out.

“Uh…” Seb started again, looking around at the barely moving traffic. The positive was that he didn’t have to worry about distractions while trying to drive on the highway. The downside was that the surrounding cars might get a glimpse of what she was doing.

“You have nothing to be shy about.” Jill said determinedly. “The windows are tinted, and our car is higher than those around us. You’re fine.”

Seb couldn’t argue. He might have tried, but Jill was determined, stirring his length to hardness as she stroked him. Seb shifted his leg off the brake to let the car slide forward, then shifted it back as the traffic crawled and stopped.

His cock grew in her hand and into her open, waiting mouth as she took him past her lips and sucked gently at his tip. She licked around the edges and traced his veins. He was hard in no time, breathing deep after a minute. It felt strange, having to keep his senses alert for those around them, but thrilling. She seemed to enjoy herself and took her time repaying the favor she felt she owed him or whatever excuse she’d used to do this.

Seb leaned back in the seat as much as he could and swallowed hard as she flicked her tongue along the underside of his tip. He gripped the back of her sweater like she’d gripped their bed sheets last night, and she made a happy little noise. He flinched at the gentle touch of teeth, and she popped off for a second.

“Sorry.” Jill giggled and went back to it. She sealed her lips over him and sucked this time.

Seb bit his lip and groaned. The car behind him honked, and he took his foot off the brake and pressed it back down. Jill kept going until Seb finally felt himself flex and clench. He tried to warn her. “I’m about to-”

She cut him off by increasing the suction and playing with his balls, causing him to blow. As soon as he started, she started swallowing and took him into her throat as she gulped down everything he released.

Seb felt like his world was exploding around him. He gasped as blast after blast left him to be swallowed away by Jill until she pulled off of him with a radiant smile. She wiped the corners of her mouth and sat back in her chair.

“There.” She said. “Now we’re even.”

Seb carefully put himself away. “You didn’t have to do that.” He said. “I wasn’t like… keeping count or anything.”

“I wanted to.” She said. “You looked cute sitting there, and I wanted to make you feel good.”

Seb chuckled. “I’ll take it.” He shrugged.

Jill smirked. “Just wait till we get back to campus.” She winked at him.

Seb laughed with her, and the two returned to chatting and listening to Christmas music as they slogged through traffic. It took hours, but they were nearing Sebastian’s childhood home. The roads were familiar, and he looked forward to seeing his family again.

“Do you want to come in? Meet the folks?” Sebastian asked.

“Meeting your entire extended family is… a lot.” She answered. “And I have to get home.”

“Oh, they’re all at my grandpa’s house. This would only be my parents and siblings. But I understand if you need to hurry home. We are behind schedule.” He glanced at the clock. It was a few minutes after twelve, and he knew she was eager to get home, too.

“How about I meet them when I pick you up on Saturday?” Jill offered. “Which, I’ve been meaning to ask you… do you want to meet my extended family and be my date to the wedding? We can leave from there and head back to campus.”

Seb laughed. “Sure.” He agreed. “I have an old suit here, I think. My good clothes are back on campus.”

“That’s fine. My sister is the casual backyard wedding type anyway, and I don’t want my plus one to go to waste.” Jill laughed.

“Perfect.” Seb agreed. “But you’re about to meet my sister, anyway. It looks like she’s waiting on the porch.”

“Aw.” Jill smirked. “That’s cute.”

Seb parked the car in front of his parent’s house. It was an old Victorian with a tower-like construction going up three floors in the front corner. He’d have to share his old bedroom with his brother while he was here, but he didn’t mind.

Jill got out to switch places with him. She helped him pull out his suitcase and trash bag of laundry after checking to make sure it was his and not one of hers.

The girl on the porch came running up and hugged Sebastian with a laugh. “Sebbie!”

Seb laughed. “Hey, Evie.” He said. “Evie, this is Jill. Jill, this is my little sister Evie.”

“Thanks for bringing him home safe.” Evie offered her hand for a shake and shook Jill’s hand.

“Of course.” Jill said with a smile.

Seb handed Evie the trash bag. “Run that in for me?” He asked.

“No.” Evie shook her head. “You can carry your own laundry, thank you. Besides… I have a surprise for you!” She said excitedly. “Something I think will cheer you up.”

“I’m… not sad.” Seb said.

Evie looked confused. “You aren’t sad about you and Steph breaking up?”

“Oh, I mean… I guess, but also… no?” Seb admitted.

Jill laughed. “I’ll let you two catch up.” She said. “See you Saturday?”

“Saturday.” Sebastian nodded. “And text me when you get home safe.”

“Will do.” Jill said.

There was an awkwardness between them, with Seb’s little sister standing there watching their farewell, but Jill soldiered through it and hugged him. Seb hugged her back, letting his hand trail along her arm as she stepped away. After a final wave, he headed into the house with Evie and looked over his shoulder to watch Jill drive away.

“Did Steph get in touch with you?” Evie asked once they were inside.

“No. Steph blocked me, remember?” Sebastian shook his head. “Where is everybody?” He asked. The house was quiet, which meant it was empty.

“Grandpa’s.” Evie explained. “You and I are due there soon, but first… you should put your suitcase in your old room.”

“Okay.” Seb said. “How are we getting to Grandpa’s?”

“I’ll drive us.” Evie smirked. “I got my license now!”

“That might be the most terrifying thing you’ve ever said.” Seb laughed.

“Also, there’s a surprise for you upstairs!” Evie said. Her excitement suggested it was a good surprise. Her eyes suggested mischief.

“I was wrong. It keeps getting scarier.” Seb said as he stopped in place mid-step on the stairs. “Is everyone going to jump out at me or something?”

“No.” Evie shook her head. “I’ll be in the old Vic when you’re ready to go.”

“Okay…” He said. Evie disappeared, heading out to the car, and Seb finished his trek up the stairs. His old bedroom was the fourth down the hallway at the end. Something already cracked the door open, and he shouldered his way through it and stopped.

Steph was there, wearing a transparent pink baby doll set of lingerie. She was reclined on his old bed, lying on her side with her legs crossed. Seb looked behind him but remembered that Evie was outside. They were alone.

“Welcome home.” Steph said with a smile.

“What…” Seb’s brain was trying to catch up with reality, but reality wasn’t making sense. “What are you doing here?”

“Uh… waiting for you, silly.” Steph smirked.

“Does Evie know about this?” Seb asked.

“Evie knows I’m here and that I wanted to talk to you. She doesn’t know about the lingerie.” She gestured to her body beneath the transparent outfit. “This was a surprise for you.”

“What about Ali?” He asked.

Steph looked stricken for a moment but recovered. “What about him?”

“According to Facebook, he’s your boyfriend now. Shouldn’t you be in his bedroom?” Sebastian asked.

“You saw that?” Steph asked. She sounded surprised.

“Evie showed it to me.” Seb explained. “I couldn’t see it because you blocked me yesterday after we broke up, remember?”

“Because I was mad.” Steph said. “I didn’t mean it.”

“Were you cheating on me with him?” Sebastian asked. He wasn’t sure he cared anymore, but he wanted to know.

“No!” She snapped. “Of course not!”

Seb gave her a frown as he set his bags down and shook his head. She covered herself with her arms. She was hot, incredibly hot, but Seb knew better. As tempting as it was to sit where she patted beside her on the bed, he knew it was a bad idea. Sebastian didn’t want what they had together. Once, when he didn’t know better, he might have fallen back into his relationship with her, but now? Now he knew better.

“Did you sleep with him once we broke up? While you were dating him?” Seb asked.

“I told you I didn’t mean it. I was hoping it would make you jealous. I knew it worked when Evie told me you were coming home!” Steph explained.

“That… dodged having to answer the question.” Seb noticed.

Steph frowned. “We were broken up.” She said. “It doesn’t count! You can’t get mad at me for that.” Steph’s tone was defensive. “Besides… he was nothing compared to you, and I can make it up to you.” She smiled at him and stood up. He could see every line of her nicely toned body, from her long legs, curvy hips, and small pert breasts beneath the pink lace. She stepped closer to him, keeping her eyes low to see if her efforts were working.

“I’m good.” Seb held up his hands. “Whatever this is… I don’t want it.”

“Excuse me?” Steph thrust out her hip, taking up her familiar ‘I’m angry now’ stance.

“You should get dressed.” Seb said. He turned his back on Steph to give her some privacy. “Look, I’m… I’m sorry for how I was when we were together, but I can’t do this any longer. We’re not getting back together this time. And whatever you and Ali have, go have that if you want it.”

“I don’t want Ali. That was all a mistake. A disappointing mistake.” Steph said, trying to switch into a sultry voice. “I want you.”

Seb chuckled at that phrase, and all he could picture was Jillian. He didn’t want Steph, nor did he want to be who he was with Steph. He wanted to be himself.

“I…” Seb tried to imagine a kind way to say it. He sighed. “I don’t know how to say this. I’m just… I think our breaking up was a good thing. We’re not good for each other and were working too hard to make things like they were when we were kids, but we’re different people now. We’ve grown up.” He turned around to face her.

He expected Steph to look emotional, with tears in her eyes or some tender emotion about to break loose. Instead, she was angry, which made it so much easier.

“Are you serious right now?” Steph asked sharply. “You don’t want makeup sex? I’m wearing this-” She gestured to the transparent lace, which hid nothing and emphasized everything. “And you’re rejecting me just because I slept with Ali?”

“No.” Seb corrected her. “Because of what I’m like when I’m with you and how I don’t want that anymore.”

“So it’s not me, it’s you?” She was yelling now.

“Not exactly.” He knew he shouldn’t have said it. Luckily, he had quick enough reflexes to dodge the book that flew through the space where his head had been.

“Fuck you!” Steph yelled. She stomped over to the bed and picked up her clothes. She slammed them on. “I thought you loved me!”

Seb nodded. He’d thought he did too. Now, things were different. He wanted to apologize out of reflex, to tell her he was sorry, but he wasn’t going to. None of it was something worth taking back. He didn’t want to be with Steph anymore and would not give an inch on that.

“What made you reject Ali, anyway?” He asked out of curiosity. “Didn’t you spend the night at his place?”

Steph grumbled something angry about Evie and her big mouth as she finished dressing. She stormed out past him, shoving him aside on her way out. Seb took the shove and waited about a minute before he headed out. Steph was already gone, and he was thankful for that. He looked over and saw Evie giving him a worried look.

“Uh…” Evie started as Seb climbed into the passenger seat. “More trouble in paradise?”

“We’re staying broken up.” Seb explained. “Now, let’s go have Thanksgiving.”

“Aw. I’m sorry, bro.” Evie said. “You and Steph are like…”

“Toxic.” Seb shook his head. “We were in love once.” He admitted. “But what we had by the end of it wasn’t love.”

Evie shifted the car into reverse and started pulling out of the driveway. “Still…” Evie replied. “You two were together for a long time.”

“Yeah.” Seb chuckled. “That’s one thing to be thankful for this year.”

“What?” Evie asked.

“I’m thankful that phase of my life is over.” Seb said. “I’m looking forward to something better.”