paring: paige bueckers x fem!oc
synopsis: after years of facing scrutiny and drowning in expectations from her mother, leona brings paige bueckers to pose as her girlfriend for her mother's tropical wedding trip
warnings and content: toxic mother/daughter relationship, homophobia, some angst, smut eventually, more tba
a/n: yes ik i have other wips and no i probably won't be finishing them anytime soon... BUT this story will be short (it was literally supposed to be a oneshot but i wrote too much and started adding way too much detail and depth to the oc) so i'll most likely get this done quicker (pls bare w me)
contents/warning(s): toxic mother daughter relationship, implicit homophobia
word count: 8.4k
a/n: fyi there's some quick flashbacks within the chapter and it might be easy to miss
seconds felt like minutes. minutes felt like hours. hours felt like days.
every agonizing moment you spent fake smiling at family members you barely even remember, feigning interest in the mediocre appetizer that was barely touched on your plate, and pretending to be in love with the woman you hated since seventh grade, felt like it was defying the eighth amendment.
but given your options: face the wrath of your mother for showing up to her wedding without a date and being outcast by your own family once again... or tolerate a week-long vacation with a fake date who you only have to pretend to like around said family. you chose the latter.
paige bueckers.
a name you'd almost forgotten since high school graduation.
paige was the most cocky, arrogant woman you've ever met. she was stubborn, but so were you. she was too playful, you were more guarded. she was daring, you were a rule follower. she was also, unfortunately, a good friend of renee, your best friend since elementary school.
you remember seeing paige for the first time in seventh grade. being new to the school meant starting everything from scratch, including making new friends. but once renee saw you nervously fidgeting with your hands at an empty lunch table, she dragged an annoyed paige over and officially declared you part of their friend group.
truthfully, you tried being her friend at first. but paige would eventually start petty arguments or turn everything into a competition that you never signed up for. one day, you could be arguing about who got first dibs on the passenger seat, and the next day, it was whether or not pineapples belonged on pizza.
it really clashed when you first heard her call you leo. no one had ever called you that before, and fifteen-year-old you thought it sounded too masculine for a girl's name. but, paige being paige, stuck with it, and you were sure you hated her ever since.
you weren't sure where the shift happened; maybe it was due to paige's basketball career kicking off. however, by the time senior year came around, you two were rarely in the same vicinity. you barely said a word to each other unless renee forced you to.
everyone loved paige—the teachers, the coaches, the girls—and yet, you could never understand it.
you were never sure what to call your dynamic with paige. friends were definitely a reach, but strangers felt... untrue.
though, your temporary dynamic as fake lovers seemed to be prevailing—at least, for your aunts who currently sat, eyes glued to paige and leaned over the table as she began telling them the fake love story that you made her rehearse fifty times on the plane ride here.
────────
"how 'bout i say 'i laid eyes on her in the crowd and it was love at first sight'?"
you responded with a scowl. "that's too cliche. hell no."
the story that you decided to go with was that renee had reconnected you two after college, and after a few months of rebuilding a friendship, you guys started dating.
it was simple, boring, believable, and fail-proof (you made sure renee knew the fake story just in case your family decided to cross-reference.)
"and you asked me out. got it?" you pointed a finger at her as she lazily scrolled on her phone, barely paying attention to you. "my family, especially my mother, would never believe that i made the first move."
"mhm," she hummed.
"are you listening to me?"
"mhm," she hummed again before cracking a smile at something funny on her phone.
regret began to pool in your stomach.
the plane hadn't even left the runway yet. maybe you can fake an emergency and tell your family that you couldn't make it. or maybe fake a medical emergency and get off the plane before it cleared for takeoff.
paige wasn't the right person to ask to do this. if there was anything that you remember about her, it was that there were two things she cared about: herself and basketball.
after all, the only reason she even agreed to do this was that she owed renee a huge favor. you two had barely spoken a sentence to each other, let alone be in the same room since high school graduation. you two probably wouldn't have even crossed paths if it weren't for renee being both of your best friends.
"paige, this is important," you sighed, already stressed from this predicament.
she smacked her lips, lowering her phone. "i'm listening. we met again during renee's college graduation party, i asked you out, and blah, blah, blah."
────────
paige rubbed a thumb over your hand as she held it, the action displayed for show to your aunts who smiles widened at the sight. the feeling made you want to retract your hand and gag. her head turned, eyes finding yours and sending a smirk before she spoke.
"we were playing usc and i noticed her sitting in the first few rows with renee," she said, ignoring the sudden kick you sent to her leg under the table. you forced a warm grin to mask your annoyance. "we used to know each other since middle school, actually, so it was... refreshing, seeing a familiar face in the crowd."
it was as if paige was a newborn baby with the way your aunts let out an obnoxious round of awes.
this was a humiliation ritual.
"i remember it like it was yesterday," paige added with a laugh. "renee invited the team and me out to eat— even though we blew out her school by forty points—and leona was there. i started teasing her about her usc jersey, but she pretended like she didn't recognize me. she looked so gorgeous that night that i told myself i wasn't leaving without her number no matter how stubborn she is. besides, i always knew she had a lil' crush on me in high school, so it wasn't too hard of a challenge."
you were going to kill her.
yet, the story was true… somewhat.
it was junior year. you and renee both went to usc and she was always a huge women's basketball fan. her mother even played in college as well. so when she somehow convinced you to come with her to a game, forcing you into a usc jersey that she had hung up in her closet, she failed to mention that the game was against uconn— paige's team. at that time, you hadn't seen paige in person for years and you had planned to keep it that way, but renee, still being paige's friend, wouldn't allow it.
you remember seeing paige walk into the bar that renee had suggested, along with only some of her teammates who you assumed were the ones legally allowed to drink. she was out of her blue jersey and now dressed in a white tee with comfortable sweats. her hair was kept in her signature ponytail with two braids.
you shifted uncomfortably in your seat, mentally shaking out the memory. your face turned hot from a mixture of bashfulness and agitation and you butt in before paige has a chance to say anything else. "she's exaggerating..."
aunt estelle, lips pouted in awe as she wiped a teary eye, spoke with assurance. "leona, honey, i can't believe what i'm hearing right now."
"your mother and i thought we'd never see the day," aunt nadine added. her too, visibly emotional. "yvette swore you'd die alone with no children if it were up to you."
yvette, your awfully sweet and loving mother, was running late due to the unexpected tropical storm that grounded her flight hours ago. she hadn't met paige yet, which made your stomach churn nervously.
your aunts and other family members were easily gullible. yvette was not.
nothing ever went past your mother. she was a lawyer, after all. which is why you were so surprised that she simply accepted your lie when you told her over the phone that you'd bring someone as a date.
you'd lied about dating someone before. lied just to buy yourself some peace and quiet, a way to temporarily stop the never ending lectures about marriage and grandchildren and why you aren't as successful as your tradition-following cousins.
and although you've never took your lies to this level of extreme, you wouldn't let it fail this time around.
"so, paige," your aunt, crystal, picked up her wine and took a short sip. "what do you do for a living? are you still in school? do you have a stable job? how will you provide for leona? only god knows how far that career of hers will get her."
"aunt crystal," you groaned.
but paige didn't hesitate to answer.
"i play professional basketball," she said simply. "and with my endorsements, it's more than stable. i'm very lucky to do what i love."
"professional basketball," your aunt crystal repeated, slightly approving but still skeptical. "that's a... demanding job, paige."
"it is," paige agreed with a nod. "but it's the off-season right now so i'll have a lot more time to focus on leo."
leo.
paige knew how much you hated that nickname.
your aunt estelle picked up on the name, sending you a pearly white grin.
"and after that? sports won't last you forever," aunt nadine continued with her interrogation.
you glanced between your aunt and paige. your aunt crystal was the oldest out of all your aunts, most similar to your mother, cold and sometimes sweet, overly judgmental, and not easily impressed. but paige wasn't phased. she sat comfortably, holding eye contact as she spoke unwaveringly.
"i've planned for that," paige said. "i have a couple of degrees and i plan to invest. stability isn't a problem."
she paused, briefly looked at you. "besides, leo's not the type to wait around and wait for me to take care of her. which i respect."
how in the hell was she so good at this?
there was a moment of silence at the table. you reached for your glass of cold water to help cool you down.
your aunt nadine placed her fork down gently, eyeing the two of you curiously. "any plans for marriage? children?"
"aunt nadine!" you nearly spat your water out. you grabbed a napkin to dap the corners of your mouth where some spilled from your lips. "we’ve only been dating for two months."
she rested her head on her hands and squinted her eyes. "i've always wondered how that works. because you know..." she vaguely gestured between the two of you. "biologically speaking—"
"oh my god," you pulled your hand away from paige's to bury your face in them.
paige smoothly reached back for your hand and pulled it away from your face, linking your fingers back with hers. "well, we actually haven't talked about that. i'm sure we will a few years from now, though."
a few minutes passed before your aunts had eventually run out of questions to ask. you made up an excuse about being tired and said your goodbyes quickly.
"let's go," you muttered to paige and grabbed her hand before heading towards the wooden walkway that led to the main resort.
paige followed behind without a word. the only sound was the soft sloshing of the ocean beneath you and the fading chatter from the restaurant. you kept it together, knowing that your aunts were probably watching you two like a hawk. the soft yellow glow of the resort lights eventually led to the narrower stretch of the wooden boardwalk, leading towards the bungalows, and the second you knew no one was watching, you slipped your hand free from hers and stepped away.
you could feel paige's eyes on you.
"ten out of ten performance, by the way," she smirked, putting her hands in her pockets. "your aunts love me. nadine will probably need a bit more time to warm up to me, though."
your didn't look at her, staring at a joyous couple holding hands and laughing as they walked past the two of you instead. you almost laughed at the irony. "you broke a rule."
"which one?" she raised an eyebrow.
"paige, i told you exactly on the plane and you still somehow fucked it up," you snapped, finally giving her a look of irritation. "plus, i would never ask you out first for the record."
"really?" paige asked playfully with subtle curiosity.
"yes, really," you said firmly. "i am the catch. not you."
amusement flashed across her face. she was enjoying this and you hated it. "that's cute."
"and i told you to stop calling me leo. what's not clicking for you?" you proclaimed. "also, i never, ever had a crush on you in high school. why would you even say that?"
paige listened with a smirk. "you know, you haven't changed much since high school."
you blinked.
"still bossy," she added, using her fingers to count her list of attributes. "still convinced that the earth revolves around you—"
"and you're still so insufferably annoying," you jumped in. "i can't believe i let renee convince me that this would work."
your bungalow came into view, a low wooded structure that hovered above the water.
"you know you should be thanking me for real," paige huffed as you reached the door. "you wanted me to sell it, so i did."
you dug inside your purse for your keycard, cursing under your breath. it should have been in there. with an annoyed groan, you checked your pants pockets. "that's not the point. we have to be on one accord, or this won't work."
“it’s in your—“
“like if you’re just going to bullshit this, tell me now and just leave. i really don't want to deal with—“
paige stepped closer, hand slipping into the pocket of your jacket. her hand brushed against your hip as if it belonged there before she pulled the card free, holding it between her two fingers.
a sharp exhale left your lips, your eyes flickering up to hers for a moment. the light above the door shone directly on her face, highlighting her eyes and cheekbones with a soft glow. paige rarely wore makeup— at least that's what you remember from high school, but tonight her lashes were coated in a layer of mascara, bringing out her eyes.
her hair was different than usual. you noticed it was in waves, two pieces tucked behind her decorated ear.
you'd admit that she touched up nice tonight. the words would never fall from your mouth, but you did truly appreciate the effort from her, regardless of how much you disliked her.
you took the keycard and unlocked the door without a word, although you did hear paige mumble something about a 'thank you'.
you'd seen the room earlier when you first arrived to put away your luggage, but you'd barely taken it in. once your aunts got word that you had arrived, they immediately rushed you two out and to the resort's restaurant to meet your girlfriend.
the room seemed much more vibrant in contrast to the dark blue sky that shone natural light through the glass wall. beyond the wall was the most beautiful, unreal view of the ocean, stretching to the horizon. you though about your camera still packed in one of your bags, and made a mental note to take a picture of the view later.
inside, the bungalow was all open space with pale wood floors that looked as if they had just been laid, and earth-toned furniture was perfectly placed. the glass wall stretched across the room, stopping at a sliding glass door that led to a private deck. there was a small section with a kitchen, and then another, more private section for the bathroom. but what caught your eye was the single king-sized bed with a mirror mounted directly above it.
"of course, my mother booked us a single when i specifically asked for a double,” you sighed, dropping your small purse on the table.
paige chuckled at that, inspecting the rest of the room as you began tending to your luggage. suddenly your skin felt sticky. you've been moving around all day since six am, shuffling your luggage all around the airport to arrive at the welcome diner with paige. you desperately needed a nice, hot shower.
“normally, the women i share a bed with don't complain," she teased so easily.
you held back a disgusted gag as you searched through your luggage for the pajamas you packed. "good thing i'm not like most women."
"clearly."
the words rolled off her tongue so quickly with just a hint of playfulness.
but you stilled. you looked up at her, she didn't look back. she was wandering around the rest of the bungalow, inspecting it curiously. you couldn't help but detect some truthfulness behind her words. your mouth parted, ready to snap back, but you decided against it. part of you was scared that what she was going to say would have been true.
"speaking of that…" you started, still rummaging through your suitcase. "i forgot to mention this on the plane, but can you please keep it in your pants while we're here? i know this can be a little difficult for you but i don't need you running around here hooking up random women."
her neck jerked back like i had grown two heads. "what the fuck? is that what you think of me?"
"i'm serious, paige. you'll get us caught."
paige walked closer. her legs were so long that it only took her a few strides to reach you. "nah, i don't need some fucking lecture on how to control myself. you said that like i'm a whore or something."
a little guilt crept up into your chest. she was obviously offended by your accusation, but you honestly didn't mean any harm behind it. you were so used to seeing paige around different girls and the stories you've heard from freshman and sophomore year of college stuck with you as a reminder of how much paige hadn't changed.
but maybe she did.
"sorry, i didn't mean it like that. i just…" you apologized, running your hands over your tired face. "i don't want to argue, okay? do whatever you want, i don't care."
paige didn't answer at first. instead, she walked over to the foot of the bed and sat down. she stared out the glass panel door as she let out a quiet breath. both of you let the silence settle for a beat.
"and for the record," she finally said, keeping her eyes on the low tide washing up against the shore, "i wouldn't do anything to mess this up for you."
something about her words… the sincerity behind them, settled deep in your chest. you paused, taking a moment to look at her. she really had changed.
her hair used to be a bit darker compared to the blonde it is now. she must have just dyed it, you thought.
she was visibly stronger too; her arms were twice the size than you remember it being the last time you saw her. your eyes slowly traveled down her body. even her thighs were thicker and strained against the fabric of her pants.
the air felt thicker and your clothes suddenly felt tighter. you needed to separate yourself from her.
your eyes flickered to the day beds outside, speaking before you could think. "i'm gonna sleep outside."
she turned, finally looking at you with a puzzled look. "outside?"
you nodded once, grabbing your pajama set and standing up straight. "yeah, there's a daybed. i'm gonna hop in the shower first."
paige didn't say much other then a simple okay before you headed toward the bathroom.
your shower lasted longer than you expected. the water pressure was just right on your skin and you took advantage of the built-in speaker, nearly going through all the songs on your shower playlist. you thought about why you even settled on bringing paige as your date. thought about how in the hell you were going to convince your mother—who is a criminal attorney—that you were in love with the same woman you hated since seventh grade.
but then, your mother knew nothing about love. that was evident, being that this was her fourth wedding in ten years since your father died.
you and your father had a much closer relationship than you did with your mother. growing up, your mother was always about work and school. distance and isolation from a child often came with having a workaholic mother. your father spent more time at home, usually grading his students' papers or working on his own thesis. yet, he was never too busy to spend time with you.
when he died, you were only fifteen. you were so devastated that you left school for two months, often spending time alone in your room or sometimes with renee over her house. your mother, however, acted as if nothing ever happened. you remember seeing her face when she received the news that your father had died, and it was completely stoic. you attributed it to shock at first, but as the years went on, and the boyfriends turned into husbands, you wondered if your mother had even cared about your father at all.
twenty years of marriage just thrown down the drain and stomped on with spontaneous, loveless marriages with overly extravagant weddings.
the jet lag caught up to you quickly, overtaking the urge to stand under the warm water for as long as you could as you wallowed in self-pity.
once you dried off and got dressed, you quickly breezed through the rest of your night care routine. when you finally walked back into the room, your foot caught in the middle of your step, the sight in front of you catching you off guard.
paige stood in front of you waiting. a fresh purple towel and toiletry bag in one hand while the other tapped impatiently against her clothed thigh. her shirt was completely off, leaving her in just a sports bra and unbuttoned pants. she looked at you like she'd been waiting for a long time.
"if you took all the hot water, i'm going to be so pissed." she said, clearly annoyed. "what were you even doing in there for so long?"
if she noticed your staggered gaze, she didn't mention it. you cleared your throat, moving past her before your eyes lingered on her any longer.
"showering," you muttered. "trying to relax... you make that impossible by the way."
she laughs.
"you've been wound up since middle school, don't blame that shit on me."
you ignored her comment. sleep was tugging at your tired eyes, and you just wanted to get this wedding trip over with. "good night, paige."
the next day, you woke up to the bright, warm sun caressing your skin. you kept your eyes shut, taking in the sound of the waves that almost nursed you back into a deep slumber, until you heard a familiar resonant tone.
"where's my daughter?"
your eyes opened wide, and you shot up from the bed. the sun's glare was making it hard to see inside the bungalow, but you didn't need eyes to know who was inside.
you opened up the sliding door to face your mother and a very sleepy, disoriented paige. she sat back on the bed with her arms keeping her steady, eyes squinted from the incoming sunlight, and messy hair from sleep.
yvette stood with her hand on her hip, eyeing the both of you judgmentally. "you know i've been calling you since eight o'clock this morning? my plane just landed an hour ago and i was expecting you to be dressed for our brunch today. and— jesus, you look a mess. we only have an hour before they cancel our reservation."
you blinked, checking the time on your phone.
11:37 am.
"sorry, i must've forgotten to set my alarm…" you trailed off, cocking your head to the side in curiosity. your eyes flickered to the keycard in her hand and to the door. "wait. how'd you even get in?"
"well, after knocking for only god knows how long, i had to request the front office for an extra keycard. can you believe that they denied me three times before i had to wave around my attorney card?" she shook her head with a sigh before she glanced towards paige who was now standing beside you. her face slightly dropped. "anyway, i wasn't expecting you to have… company."
a nervous chuckle left your lips. "mom, this is paige. i told you i was bringing my girlfriend."
paige finally seemed to find her bearings. she didn't look like the wnba all star and rookie-of-the-year that the media craved about. she looked ruffled and tired, but still offered a friendly smile and a hand toward your mother.
"nice to meet you, ma'am."
yvette didn't offer a smile back, but she did shake paige's hand with acquiescence. your mother wasn't completely cold-hearted.
"girlfriend," she repeated, the word sounding like it was foreign to her. she retracted her hand, eyeing you with narrowed eyes. "that's interesting… because i mentioned inviting julian for this trip."
your mouth slightly dropped in surprise. "what? you said he might be coming for the wedding day, not the entire week."
yvette shrugged. "he arrived early this morning. he's actually staying in the bungalow a couple of doors down from you, and he's very excited to see you at the brunch leona, so i would suggest you make yourself look…" she paused to look over your appearance. "—presentable."
you were taken aback, not expecting your mother to be so disrespectful to your (fake) relationship. she clutched her small purse, looking over paige once again. she was never one to hide her judgment.
"and i suppose the table will be a little crowded now, but you're welcome to come too, peyton. i'm sure julian would love to meet you," she added.
"mom…"
"an hour, leona," she reiterated, making her way towards the door. "don't make me come back in here and fetch you."
the room fell silent when she left. nothing but anxiety filled your chest as you plopped on the bed, throwing your hands over your face. you felt paige drop on the bed next to you.
"holy shit…"
"i know," it felt like you finally breathed. you sat up and met paige's gaze. you frowned apologetically. "i'm sorry about her. she's…"
paige shrugged nonchalantly. "nah, don't worry about it. it's okay."
you shook your head. "it's not okay, though. she can be so fucking rude sometimes like— ugh!"
"yeah, i definitely see where you get it from now," paige raised her eyebrows with a smirk.
you shoved her, getting up from the bed. you decided to start getting ready before paige really sees who your mom is. "oh, fuck you. i'm nothing like my mother."
she gasped, pointing to her arm in the exact place you shoved her, like it was evidence. "aye! see what you just did? rude as hell."
the two of you eventually got ready— paige getting dressed in the bathroom while you stayed out here. thankfully your hair was already done, so most of your time was spent deciding on what to wear. you decided to go with a floral sundress that was strapless with some sandals renee gifted you a few years ago for christmas.
paige exited the bathroom, a strong fragrance following her trail as she walked past you. you eyed her as you applied sunscreen to your shoulders. her outfit was casual; her usual type of vibe. she had on a polo ralph lauren shirt with beige colored shorts, her hair was now out of its bun in waves, falling way past her shoulders. she looked through the closet, deciding on which shoes to wear as she hummed to herself.
suddenly, she paused, then peeked over her shoulder, catching you staring at her. you immediately looked away, but not quick enough to miss the sly smirk forming on her face.
you finished applying sunscreen, yet the feeling of paige's eyes on the back of you made the protectant feel ineffective.
she finally spoke. "so who's julian?"
you almost froze, not anticipating the question. "nobody."
she huffed. you caught a glimpse of her reflection from the sliding door that lead outside. she was bent down on one knee, tying her shoes. "doesn't sound like he's nobody to me."
"he's just a family friend. that's it."
"more like competition to me."
you furred your eyebrows, finally facing her again. "there's no competition to even begin with. what are you saying?"
paige stood up straight and sighed out dramatically. "damn, relax, leo."
she walked over to where i was standing by the couch and leaned against it before she spoke again. "look. i know that i'm just here to play my part and help you get through this wedding. but unless you want us to look like fools, i'm gonna need to work with a little bit more than 'he's just a family friend'."
you crossed your arms, hating how she made sense.
"i've known julian since like… birth, practically," you paused, letting out a wry laugh. "my mom and his mom are best friends and went to law school together. he's studying to be a doctor, and my mom's been trying to marry me off to him since we were five." paige hummed, listening as you continued speaking. "and he's expressed interest in me before, like years ago, but i told him that i wasn't sure. i think he kinda took that as 'wait for me' or something."
"but you just wanna stay friends?" paige questioned.
"not even that," you shook your head. "he's a good friend, i guess, but…"
you made a gesture to yourself, earning a confused look from paige.
"but, i'm gay."
realization, then surprise flashed across her face. "oh. wait, for real? i thought you said you were bi back in high school?"
you nodded, fighting back the urge to physically cringe at the memory. you've always liked girls—that was a fact—but you realized after many romantic and sexual pursuits from men over the years that you were in fact a lesbian. that was something your mother couldn't understand, no matter how many times you told her. "well, yeah. but i've changed. so trust me, julian is not my type."
paige watched you curiously. you could tell she wanted to say something, but an alarm rang out, pulling your attention away from her.
you set the alarm earlier as a reminder to start heading out before you pissed off your mom. you disarmed it and cleared your throat. "we should go."
you crossed the room to grab your purse and other necessities as paige waited for you at the door, sunglasses perched on top of her head. but when you reached the door, ready to leave paige stared at you again with the same inquisitive look.
"question," she said lightly. "does he know you're a lesbian?"
your face heated up. "julian? um, no? i haven't told him."
paige slowly nodded.
"why?"
she laughed. "well, i mean. i don't know the guy, but i'm sure he's into you, right? there's no denying that you're attractive."
your breath hitched at her blunt confession. "and your point?"
"he's gonna be applying pressure, leo," she said like it was obvious. "we're gonna need to be like all over each other if we wanna convince your mom and him that you're not interested."
────────
"what about physical touch?"
"huh?"
"huh?" paige mocked you while trying to open a bag of peanuts that the flight attendant gave her. "you want me to be your girlfriend, right?"
"fake girlfriend," you corrected with emphasis. your tone was sharp like this was a business transaction. "but, yes."
she ignored your comment, popping a peanut in her mouth. "well, obviously i'm gonna have to touch you. hand holding alone won't sell it."
the thought of paige touching you elsewhere made you feel nauseous.
your family didn't need some oscar-winning performance to sell this fake relationship. hand holding would suffice for a week, and you just barely said yes to that.
you sat back in your seat, folding your arms across your chest. "it'll have to sell it, then."
────────
"absolutely not."
you've seen paige in relationships, countless of them. during senior year in high school, she nearly had a new girlfriend every other month. not to mention all the stories you've heard during college, all of them through the grapevine from renee. nothing about paige screamed unexperienced whereas you, a twenty-four year old woman, have never felt the romantic touch of another woman. paige is touchy and overly affectionate; a combination that would send your nervous system into full overload.
if you wanted to make it through this wedding alive and well, you needed to set clear boundaries.
paige exhaled a defeated breath. she might have been infuriating and pushy at times, but she was still respectful at the end of the day. "fine. let's go."
the brunch spot was about five minutes away from the resort. it was only meant to be for immediate family, so you weren't expecting much of a crowd. your mother greeted you when you arrived, nearly ignoring paige, and made a comment on how much better you looked from this morning. she had told you that your aunt nadine wasn't feeling too well, but your other aunts, uncles, and cousins were attending as well. it was no surprise that your grandparents weren't there. they had stopped showing up at her second wedding after your father passed.
Omar, the apparent groom whom you could count on one hand the number of times you've met, was there as well. his family would be coming in a couple of days later since they all mostly lived abroad.
the only person missing was julian.
"i should just let you know that my uncles are going to grill you," you mumbled to paige. "especially my uncle raymond. he's a sherif and i seriously have not seen him crack a smile since i was ten."
she scoffed dismissively. "how much you wanna bet they end up loving me just as much as your aunts do?"
"why are you always so full of yourself?"
with paige's hand in yours, you greeted and introduced her to everyone. your aunt estelle practically engulfed her in a hug before placing a big kiss on her cheek. you've never seen your aunt so happy for you, not even when you graduated with a double major in college on the president's honor list. if you were being real with yourself, it made you a little sad knowing that if your aunt estelle found out that your relationship was fake, she would be absolutely devastated.
"paige, honey! good to see you again," she greeted her as if she hadn't just seen her last night.
eventually, the restaurant seated you guys in a big booth that took up two tables near the back, and the seat next to the window that showcased the oceanfront caught your eye. you reached to pull out the chair and sit, but paige had beaten you to it, pulling it out for you.
"oh. thank you," you muttered, taking a seat.
paige nodded and took a seat next to you, her arm sliding around the back of your chair to slide you closer to her. she kept her arm there like it was natural and the hairs on the back of your neck raised as the scent from her clothes overwhelmed your airway.
"hey leona! it's been a minute," your cousin jasmine took one of the seats across from you with a warm smile. jasmine was always a sweet girl, only a couple years older than you, but she didn't act like it. she lived in texas with your aunt crystal so you rarely ever seen her unless it was a special occasion. "you're still working in photography right? how's that been going?"
she was genuinely asking and you felt yourself relaxing at the question. your family always turned the other way when you mention your dream career of being a professional photographer. your mom nearly had a heart attack when you told her that you were going to major in photojournalism and communications, telling you that you should pick something more reputable.
"yeah, it's going great. really great, honestly," you smiled. "i'm actually working as a studio assistant at one of my favorite galleries. it mostly just installing exhibitions, cataloging work, and photographing pieces, but it's getting my feet through the door. i also do some freelance work sometimes. i'm trying to build my portfolio right now."
"oh shit, that's amazing!" jasmine exclaimed, her pearly white teeth shining bright in contrast to her dark lipstick covered lips. "aunt yvette, why'd you pay for a photographer when you got your own right here?"
yvette cringed and shook her head. "some things are just better left to the professionals."
ignoring how your heart sank, you weakly smiled at jasmine who simply told you to ignore her. you weren't surprised at your mother's response. you learned at the age of sixteen to stop letting her comments get to you. soon after, the waiter introduced themselves to the table and offered drinks, taking note of everyone's order before disappearing into the kitchen.
without a conversation to distract you, paige's presence became aware again. she was busy talking with another one of your cousins who sat on the other side of her. her arm absentmindedly brushed against your exposed back as she laughed, causing you to jump a little. you readjusted in your seat, suddenly feeling warm.
you tuned out your mother's rant about how the color scheme of the restaurant threw her off as paige leaned down, noticing the motion. "you okay?"
you didn't say anything, but hummed as you sipped from your cold glass of water.
"that wasn't an answer."
before you could respond, a chair scraped against the floor, and your mother stood up with a smile. "ah, julian! always a pleasure to see you, dear."
she's never called you dear.
julian approached the table in a nice short-sleeve tee and shorts that screamed expensive. he gave my mother a hug, eyes glancing over the table until he reached mine.
his eyes lingered for a moment before he broke eye contact and greeted the rest of the table. and of course, like fate was mocking you, the only seat left was across from you. of course, he took it.
"leona," he said, eyes softening as he took you in. "long time no see. wow, you look beautiful."
you swallowed and forced a polite smile. "thank you."
paige shifted, bringing her arm even closer which caught julian's attention. his gaze adverted between you two curiously.
"nice to meet you," paige smiled, but it wasn't like the same smile she gave your family members. it was more distant than welcoming. "i'm paige. her girlfriend."
"aren't they just the cutest?" your aunt estelle swooned as your mom's slightly smile faltered.
"ditto," julian cleared his throat, and though he offered a small smile to both of you, his attention was mainly on you. "i didn't know you were… dating someone."
you nodded with a forced laugh and leaned into paige more, trying not to let your body language give you up. "yeah, we've been dating for a couple of months. everyone here just found out either yesterday or today, so you're not alone."
"don't worry," yvette cut in, waving around her hand while the other held a mimosa. somehow the waiter had already come back with the drinks unbeknownst to you. "she's still young. plenty of time to explore before settling down with a nice man."
paige stiffened.
your heart dropped at her words. you would have expected this kind of behavior from her behind closed doors, but never in public yet alone to paige's face.
"yvette," your uncle lenny warned cautiously.
"leona is a grown woman who doesn't need anyone telling her who she should be with," paige said. you nudged her side under the table, trying to get her attention, but it didn't waver away from your mother.
the table went silent, everyone gawking at paige like she grew a third eye for speaking up against your mother. it was a custom in my family for your mother to have the final say. she was a criminal attorney who could argue back and forth with you until your ears bled.
you wanted to crawl into a hole in die.
"excuse me?" she was furious, voice lower than usual, but her face kept it well hidden.
"with all due respect ms.phillips, you heard what i said," paige sat up straighter, her eyebrows pulled together slightly. "leona isn't exploring. she's with me. and i'd appreciate it if you'd show her and our relationship a little more respect."
yvette sat her glass down, and for the first time ever, your mother seemed to be at a loss for words.
astoundingly, you stared at paige who had a glowering look on her face. even if you wanted to say something, you couldn't because one, you didn't know what to say. and two, the words seemed to be stuck in your throat.
"i think she was just trying to say—"
" i know what she was trying to say," paige dismissed an uncomfortable julian with a side glance.
you squeezed her hand, not to get her attention but to thank her. no one besides your father had stood up against yvette like that. especially not for you. you felt a sense of… triumph at paige's actions.
you suddenly stood up, chair creaking loudly in the tension-filled silence. "excuse us, please."
paige had no choice but to follow you. your hand was still squeezing hers anxiously as you practically dragged her to the bathroom. the door shut behind you, and you let go of her hand to stand by the bathroom sink.
you held a hand up, cutting her off. your heart still raced from the adrenaline. "you didn't have to do that. i mean… thank you, but you didn't have to."
she narrowed her eyes.
"of course i had to. i wasn't just gonna sit there and let her—" pausing, she let out a breath to calm herself down and lower her voice. "she's been talking down on you the entire day, and it's barely even started. like, i was cool with just ignoring her at first, but what she just said threw me all the way off."
"if she didn't like you before, she definitely hates you now," you rubbed your temples, feeling a stress headache forming. "she's going to make this trip a living hell."
"let her."
"you don't get it," you sighed, pushing yourself away from the counter to pace back and forth. "she doesn't let shit go. she's calculated and extremely manipulative."
she watched you, arms crossed over her chest. "and you just take it."
you disregarded the hurtful truth behind her words.
"i do not just take it," you glared at her as she defensively held up her hands.
"whatever. fine," she said. "but you still tolerate it."
your pacing stopped, and you leaned your hands against the counter. when you didn't say anything, her posture slightly lowered to find your eyes. "leo, you good?"
she was much closer now, and you could smell her again. it was a rich lavender scent, almost just as strong as it was over an hour ago. you nodded, bottom lip caught in between your teeth as you thought deeply to yourself.
yvette was never going to stop pestering you, especially about julian… not even with paige around, it seemed like. if you truly wanted her to back off, you and paige needed to up your performance by a hundred no matter how much the thought of it bothered you.
"you were right."
paige blinked. then, because of the arrogant person she was, she stepped closer by an inch and cupped her ear as a smile crept up on her face. "i'm sorry, what?"
"don't piss me off," you shook your head with a warning. "my mom thinks we're a joke. and i'm not spending an entire week here with her shoving julian down my throat, so… we'll just need to convince her a little more."
paige wiggled her eyebrows, "a little?"
"god, you're such a perv," you rolled your eyes. "but, we still need rules. boundaries."
she nodded in all seriousness.
"no touching below the hip," you said with no hesitation. "oh! and please keep the flirting at a minimum." you tapped your chin, thinking about anything else to add. "and kissing…um…"
the thought of kissing paige made your stomach churn with anxiety. you've never been in a relationship and have only ever kissed two people before, one of which was back in high school at one of renee's parties. you were questioning at the time, but once he kissed you—his lips dry and cracked with his hands gripping too tightly on your ass—you were pretty sure that was the defining moment that you knew you were, in fact, a lesbian.
"kissing is fine," you said carefully.
you watched her for a beat, making sure she was listening. in all honesty, you didn't expect her to be so on board with this trip and everything that came with it. you were expecting her to make a petty comment, probably about how you were being a prude, but she agreed with an "okay."
she noticed your fingers anxiously pulling at the fabric of your dress. "if it makes you feel any better i won't make any first moves."
it did help.
you nodded, feeling a small weight lift off your shoulders. "yeah, okay."
after you made sure paige knew the new set of rules, you two decided it was time to go back out before someone came looking for you. but a thought crossed your mind, and your chest tightened once paige reached for the door.
"wait," you tugged on her shirt.
her movements paused as she looked over my face, taking in my sudden uneasiness. "what's wrong?"
you didn't know how to say this without sounding like a fool, so you took a long breath and carefully measured what you said next.
"can we… y'know," your eyes wandered off to the blue wall behind her, finding it much more calming to look at. "…practice or something?"
a slow grin formed on her face.
"please don't make this weird," you pleaded with her. "i just… don't wanna go out there and jump in head first without testing the waters. what if you're a weird kisser or something and it throws me off?"
paige scoffed, feigning offense. "wow, okay. first of all, i'm a great kisser. second, it's me who should be worried."
"paige…"
"okay, okay," she surrendered, moving herself away from the door to face you fully. you expected her to come closer and take the lead, but she leaned against the wall in front of you, lax and patient. there was a moment of silence between you two before you spoke up.
"what are you waiting for?" you voiced quietly.
"you," she uttered. "no first moves remember?"
embarrassed, you turned away from her and covered your face. "i hate you."
the ball was in your court and all you could do was stare at it.
you heard paige laugh. "only sometimes."
you peeked at her through your fingers. she hadn't moved an inch, waiting for you to make the first move. you didn't need proof to know that she was enjoying this.
"can you at least stop looking at me like that."
"like what?"
you dropped your hands, gesturing to her vaguely. "like… i don't know! all flirty and shit. it's not helping."
"damn, you want me to close my eyes or something?" she bantered.
you took a small step toward her. "yes, actually."
with a huff, she obliged. with her eyes now closed her her head tilted back, she cracked a smile. "there. happy now?"
you really did feel less nervous without her eyes on you. you took another step, and then another, stopping just short of her. thankfully, her widened stance on the wall gave you more access without you having to stand on the tip of your toes too much. a wave of confidence hit you, and before you knew it, your hand found it's way to her jaw and cupped it. paige's skin was soft under your fingertips, and you fought the urge to caress it.
you looked at her lips, pink, moisturized and… inviting. curiosity replaced your nervousness. you wanted to know what a real kiss would feel like. what it would taste like. before you knew it, you leaned in. paige kept her eyes closed and hands at her sides like she promised.
your eyes fluttered shut once your lips brushed against hers. you moved slow, pressing further into her as paige parted her lips, letting you take her bottom lip. you could taste a hint of the chapstick that covered her lips; strawberry.
oh.
she felt soft. and for a split second, you found yourself wanting to feel her hands on your body. feel her warm hands pull you closer. but paige stayed still, letting you take charge while she kissed you dangerously slow.
you pulled back abruptly, eyes dilated. you didn't realize that during the kiss, your hand somehow found it's way to paige's shirt, clutching it tightly. muttering a quick apology, you stepped back as if she had burned you. it felt like the bathroom was spinning now.
she opened her eyes, licking her lips like she was tasting you all over again.
you wanted to die right then and there.
clearing your throat way too loudly, you looked away towards the door. "we should, um… go. before someone comes looking for us."
paige hummed in agreement. but there was something about her that seemed different now. her eyes seemed darker, yet she still had that same lazy smile on her face.
once you finally made it back to the table with paige's hand in yours, you didn't miss how your mother's face flashed with disappointment at the sight of it.
as brunch dragged on, you tried to drown out the memory of kissing paige in the bathroom with forced conversations and laughter, but nothing seemed to work. your stomach twisted and you tried to tell yourself that it was just the food you ordered, or just nerves… anything but the truth— that you had actually liked the kiss.
and that terrified you more than your mother's disapproval ever did.
contents/warning(s): none but trust things are gonna pick up next chapter🫡
word count: 3.1k
PAIGE → ARLINGTON, TX
my fourth consecutive shot bounced off the rim.
"fuck," i groaned, immediately slumping over to the padded wall.
"you're supposed to put it in the basket, you know?" dijonai teased before she took a shot of her own from the three point line. it sank in.
i didn't respond. i wasn't in the mood for jokes today.
i hadn't seen sevyn in a few days. we texted and facetimed whenever we could, but it wasn't the same. not even close. my last couple of games were away so i've been on the road, and she's been wrapped up with her class and rehearsals.
but damn, i missed her.
missed her strawberry scent and how her skin felt under my fingertips. missed the feeling of her lips on mine the most.
i couldn't even describe the feeling i felt when i noticed the ring on her finger. i hadn't even seen it at first until it caught the light just right, gleaming in my eye like a harsh reminder. i wanted to say something, ask her something, but i couldn't— literally.
and yeah, maybe it wasn't my place to say anything at all. but the moment she kissed me on my couch, she made it my place.
if someone told my younger self that i'd end up here— in whatever mess this was with sevyn—i'd laugh dead in their face. because i meant what i said to sevyn.
i wasn't a homewrecker.
but was there even a hypothetical home to wreck in the first place? if anything, it was wrecked before i was even in the picture.
i didn't know the full history between her and elisha. only that it was eight years deep, at least from what little she told me over these past few days.
i knew that they started dating when she was freshly eighteen and elisha was twenty, but knew of each other since she was fourteen. i knew that elisha and her went to baylor together where things got serious between them. i knew there was more that she was leaving out.
because no one stays in something that long unless there's not only history, but damage.
--
"i think i want a dog," i held the phone up as i laid back against my pillows.
sevyn gave me a look through the screen. "paige, you barely even have time to raise a fish."
"okay, you're dragging it," i uttered. "i would be a great dog mom. what about a husky?"
"a husky in texas is crazy," sevyn said, starting up her car. "if anything you should just get a cat. it's less work and more convenient."
i frowned. "i'm not a cat person. they just stare at you like they're possessed."
"but they're so cute!" sevyn looked down at the screen with a pout for a moment then continued driving. "especially clingy cats."
"yeah, still not getting one," i stared at her through the screen, admiring how her features glowed under the street lights. "anyways, you headed back home finally? i miss you."
"no..." she glanced towards the screen with a light shake of her head. "i'm actually headed to pick elisha up from the shop. then i'll head home."
my lips pressed into a line. i've only seen elisha once, back when they first moved in and were outside by the moving truck. never had a conversation with her to form an honest opinion, but from what i've overheard, my opinion was anything but nice.
"but, i miss you too, paige," she smiled.
i hummed, readjusting my arm so it was resting underneath my head. "tell her i said what's up."
the camera tilted to the car ceiling as if she almost dropped it. "paige, i'm about to hang up on you."
“i’m kidding, i’m kidding,” i smiled despite the slight ache in my chest.
the light coming through her windshield shifted from yellow to red and she came to a stop. the soft glow from the stoplight illuminated her face, making her hair seem copper. she raised her arm, her bracelets clanking together as she fixed a few pieces of her hair before she caught me staring.
“what?” the corner of her lips tugged upward.
i hesitated. i knew i shouldn't say it, but i couldn't help myself. “come over tonight."
her eyebrow raised suspiciously, looking at the screen with a growing smile of curiosity. "oh?"
"just to chill. or sit. or... i don't know, relax? nothing like that," i rushed out, ignoring how the thought definitely crossed my mind. "i just wanna see you."
her expression softened and she nodded.
"okay."
SEVYN → DALLAS TX
the door shut with a click behind us. i dropped my belongings on the table, watching as elisha walked past me and toward the couch.
"you in the mood to cook dinner? i'm tired," she took a seat, already typing on her phone.
"nah, i'm actually gonna head back out," i shook my head even though she wasn't looking. i paused, thinking of a lie to tell her. "dijonai texted. i told her i'd swing by."
"oh?" she glanced up at me and chuckled. "you parked and came all the way up here though? you shoulda just dropped me off. that was dumb."
my heart raced but i shrugged it off. "yeah, i know. i just came back from class, so i need a quick shower."
"whatever," she shook her head and returned back to tapping her fingers on her phone screen. "i'll find something in the kitchen later."
i quietly exhaled a shaky breath, walking away toward my bedroom. i didn't completely lie... a shower was needed.
i pulled out my phone and opened up my messages to let paige know i'll be over soon, then tossed my phone on my bed. i let the shower run as i got undressed and wrapped my hair up.
after i was out and ready to get dressed, i rummaged through my closet. my hand came across a crop top out of habit, but my mind instantly thought back to when i wore that last time in her apartment. i blinked, then put it back and chose a loose sweatshirt that was cut along the top, exposing my left shoulder. i paired it with matching leggings and stepped into my shoes.
paige:
door is unlocked. you can just come in whenever you want
my hands felt sweaty as i typed back a response. everything about this felt wrong yet so right. whatever i had going on with paige... i couldn't even begin to describe it.
friends?
friends that wanted to kiss each other?
and i knew that i should stay away from her, at least until i figure out what i'm doing with elisha, but something kept pulling me back to her.
right as i was about to walk out, i caught a glimpse of the ring on my finger. i froze, staring at it for a brief moment before i hesitantly slid it off my finger. i tucked it away in my top drawer.
elisha was still on the couch by the time i stepped back into the living area, this time her eyes were glued to the tv screen. but as i passed by, grabbing my purse even though i didn't really need it, i could feel her gaze on me.
"i'll be back," i called out, walking towards the door.
"sevyn."
i paused mid-step, turning to look at her. she stared at me like i was crazy, then pointed to the table where my purse was.
"your keys. they're still on the table," she said.
oh.
i hid my nervousness with a forced laugh, "shit, thanks."
after i grabbed my keys, i gave elisha a quick smile, then walked out.
the hallway was quiet. only the sound of my breathing could be heard as i stared ahead at paige's door. i adjusted my sweatshirt and stepped forward, opening her door slowly.
i didn't hear much as i walked in, just the quiet hum on music playing from her living room tv.
i shut the door behind me and slid off my shoes by the mat. "paige?"
"in here," she called out.
i followed the music to find her in the living room, sitting comfortably on the couch. she was in a plain black fitted tee, the same one i noticed in our facetime call earlier, and sweatpants. the only difference is that she now had a pair of glasses on her face.
she looked up to the sound of my footsteps approaching and gave me a smile. "hey."
"hi," i grinned, placing my purse on the floor and plopping down next to her. "i didn't know you wore glasses. you look so adorable."
she peeked at over the rim of her glasses, "adorable? out of all word choices..."
"not gonna lie," i shrugged. "i was gonna say nerdy at first."
she scoffed, but a smile remained on her lips. "how thoughtful."
my eyes fell back on to the coffee table in front of her, i leaned forward to get a better view. "are those legos?"
"mhm," she picked up a half-taped lego box and showed it to me. "remembered i never finished it, so i figured you could help me tonight."
"i've never built legos before" i admitted, taking the box from her and inspecting it.
she froze. "you've never what?" paige gasped dramatically, her eyes wide behind her lenses. "sev..."
"damn, is it that serious?" i laughed softly, setting the box back on the coffee table next to the tiny scattered lego pieces.
"uh, yeah," she said seriously, handing me the instruction manual. "cmon, you got it."
i took a glimpse through the book, giving her a look. "this shit has like one hundred pages."
"aye, don't disrespect the process."
--
a little while later, we both ended up cross-legged on the floor, hunched over the coffee table like we were cramming for finals. the lego up house was finally starting to look like a house, or at least something like one, and the music still playing lowly in the background was the only thing stopping me from throwing a logo in frustration.
frustration not only from the legos, but from the fact that paige was sitting less than a foot away from me, looking annoyingly good in a pair of glasses that framed her face perfectly.
i held up a red piece, glancing back at the instruction manual again in confusion. "wait, so this piece goes... here?" i pointed towards what looked like a door.
paige peeked over, her shoulder brushing mine. "nah, that's a one by four. you need the one by six."
i stared at the lego and frowned. "they all look the same."
"no they don't," she snickered, looking through the pile of pieces until she found the correct one with ease. "see?"
i groaned, my head dropping onto the couch cushion behind me. "i need a break. this is making me hungry."
paige tapped my thigh, "nope. no breaks for the rookie."
i turned my head, still resting it on the cushion. "oh, you're strict."
"you like it though," a slow smile spread across her face as she continued sifting through a pile of legos.
"hm, maybe," i mumbled, my eyes still on her.
i noticed how her glasses slid slightly down the bridge of her nose and how a few strands of hair fell loose from her bun. her bottom lip was caught in her teeth again as she concentrated. the lego piece was still in my hand, but i didn't care about it anymore. watching her was much better.
she must have said something to me, but i barely registered it. i was entirely too focused on the way her hands toyed around with the small lego in her hand.
she turned, catching me staring. "what?"
i shook my head dismissively. "nothing."
she set the piece in her hands down on the table and fully turned towards me, leaning closer. "nothing? you sure about that?"
my eyes flickered over to her again. her lips were tempting, still, i looked away and sat up to the table again. "very sure."
i could feel her eyes on the side of my face, watching me as i played with the lego piece just to keep my hands busy. the weight of her stare pressed against my chest made the hairs on the back of my neck raise.
"stop doing that."
my head turned, brows pulling together. "what am i doing?"
"acting like you can't touch me," her voice was low and careful.
i stared at her for a moment, the air around us suddenly feeling much thicker. still, i held myself together. my head tilted, "who said i wanted to?"
the way her smirk deepened sent a shiver down my spine.
"that's the thing," she chuckled. "you ain't have to say it." her eyes flickered down to my lips. "i can feel it."
"oh my god," i rolled my eyes, trying to shake off how she was making me feel, but my body betrayed me. "you're cocky as fuck."
"mm," paige leaned back against the couch, shoulders lax, her hands now in her lap. "maybe. but, i'm right. you been looking at me all night like you need permission."
"i don't need permission for shit," i said, scoffing under my breath.
"exactly. so prove it."
i almost laughed her off, but by the way her eyes locked on my lips, i knew she was serious. my hand finally dropped the lego i had been clinging to before my body shifted towards her. our legs were nearly touching, and it wouldn't take much for me to take a seat on her inviting lap.
"is this what you had in mind when you told me to come over tonight?"
paige didn't answer immediately. her fingers slowly trailed toward my clothed thigh. i could feel her fingers drawling mindlessly through the fabric. she finally muttered, "maybe."
i thought about pulling away. tell her goodnight and going to my own apartment across the hall. tell her that this wasn't right.
then paige looked up at me, her eyes darker behind the lenses. "you knew that though," she added, licking her lips.
my breath hitched as her fingers danced higher, and every thought seemed to have left my mind. my hands found her jaw as i leaned in, my thumb grazing the corner of her mouth. i didn't kiss her yet, just waited. for what, i wasn't sure. maybe a sign? an excuse to fall back?
paige didn't move or inch forward. she wanted me to make the first move.
and i did.
i pressed my lips against hers, slowly at first. yet, paige kissed back eagerly like she'd been waiting for this moment since i walked in. her hands gripped my hips, tugging me down onto her lap, and i let her.
one hand found my jaw, squeezing gently, signaling me to part my mouth. once i did her tongue slid in, and i nearly gasped in surprise when her tongue rubbed against mines messily. the other hand the was on my thigh made its way under my sweatshirt, slowly and curiously.
her glasses shifted, starting to slip down her nose and i pulled back to take them off. but paige didn't make it easy, chasing after my lips and nearly catching my lip between her teeth in the process of me leaning away.
"paige," i laughed under my breath, folding her glasses and placing them behind me on the table.
"hm?" her voice was muffled against my skin as her lips found a new home at the base of my neck. her tongue flicked against my pulse and i moaned quietly. but when i felt her start to suck, i gently pushed her head away, fingers resting on the nape of her neck.
my mind went to the other woman across the hall as she looked at me, slightly dazed and confused.
"don't do that," i whispered.
she searched my eyes, then chuckled, humorless and dry. her hands dropped to rest on my hips. "so what are we doing, sevyn?"
my mouth parted, but i couldn't give her answer.
"is this about her?" she asked when i didn't respond.
i huffed, "of course it's about her. it always is."
"fuck elisha," she scoffed.
"paige," i rubbed my fingers against my temple. "it's not that simple."
"yeah, it is," paige doubled down, her hands still around my hips squeezing. "i get that you two have history, but look at yourself, sevyn. you keep choosing a version of yourself that's not even happy anymore. you told me that yourself."
i bit the inside of my cheek, hating how she was always right. hating how she always remembered the little details and things that i tell her. hating how she's only known me for a month, but it feels like it's been forever.
but then i thought about my mother. how i watched my father leave her. how she sacrificed everything, working to the bone, just to barely make ends meet. how she practically smoked half her life away because she couldn't deal with the stress anymore.
i wasn't my mother.
but somehow i still felt her presence deep inside me every time i thought about leaving the only stable thing i've had in my life.
my eyes shut, feeling smaller under paige's gaze.
"what happened to not wanting to just be friends?" paige said softly.
my voice was thin, eyes still shut. "i still want that. trust me." she rubbed circles on my hips, somehow soothing me.
"but you still want her?"
my eyes opened at that, mouth parting as i tried thinking of an answer.
it wasn't necessary elisha herself that i wanted. i wanted the life i imagined with her— the life since i was fourteen, seeing her for the first time. i wanted the wedding i imagined walking down the isle to. i wanted the big house and marigold garden that i imagined her attending to as our kids ran around.
without that, i wasn't sure who i was. at least outside of dancing.
"i want the life i've built with her," i finally whispered. "and leaving her means i'll be alone for the first time in a long time. everything i've pictured for my life will be gone, just like that. i don't know if i can handle that, paige."
"it's okay to want something new. that's part of life, sev. people outgrow each other," she squeezed my hip reassuringly. "and you never needed her to live the life you deserve. besides, you won't be alone. you'll have me."
i let out a small sigh, my body falling forward into paige as i rested my head on her shoulder. my arms loosely wrapped around her waist. "you're so good with words. it's getting kinda annoying," i mumbled against the fabric of her tee.
contents/warning(s): nothing rlly but yall know i love some angst so…
word count: 4.4k
SEVYN → MOBILE, AL (eight years ago)
the hot alabama sun shone right on our backyard. i stayed under the shade with a cold water in my hand to cool down as i chatted with my friend annalise.
my little cousins were running around playing tag, but when one of them got a little too close to the hot grill, my mom shouted. my head snapped towards the sound, catching a glimpse of a group of people standing off to the side laughing.
i recognized my cousin michael amongst the group. then another familiar face.
elisha smith.
she was dressed in a black tee and jeans, her signature chain across her chest. her locs were longer since the last time i seen her last summer when she came home from college. she still had that same toothy smile that made my stomach twist.
her gaze suddenly shifted and i looked away fast.
"i saw that."
i felt a nudge from besides me. my head turned to find annalise giving me a sly smile.
"saw what?" i ignored the knowing look on her face and took a sip of my drink.
she scoffed, "you basically eye-fucking elisha."
"shut up!" i almost choked on my drink.
i mean, she wasn't wrong.
i've had a crush on elisha ever since i was fourteen. i grew up with my cousins since i didn't have any other siblings, meaning i was always around them. michael especially since he was around my age. so when michael first brought elisha over saying he'd made a new friend, i've been crushing ever since. but i stayed silent about it. annalise only knew because she was way too observant for my liking.
annalisa laughed loudly, catching the attention of michael. and just my luck, he waved. i blinked, looking around to confirm he was addressing me.
"aye, sev!" he smiled.
the entire group turned and suddenly their eyes were on me.
including elisha.
fuck.
"hold on," i nudged annalise's arm and slowly made my way over.
i kept my head down, mostly to make sure i didn't step on somebody's kid, until i reached them.
"congrats cuzzo!" he pulled me in for a hug that i wasn't ready for. "you ready for college?"
i pulled away with a forced smile, trying to ignore the taller woman next to him. "yeah... i think?"
he shook his head laughing, then lazily threw an arm around elisha's shoulder. "you remember elisha right? my friend from high school?"
our eyes met and she held out her hand, giving me a smile. "sevyn, right? i remember you."
i'd never hear her same my name before much less even glance my way. i shook her hand and held back a squeal. "i remember, yeah."
i didn't miss how she held my hand a second longer than normal. or how licked her lips as i nervously adjusted my bikini top.
"so, ma said you going to baylor," michael said.
"mhm," i nodded. "i leave in a few months."
"cool, that's where elisha goes. maybe she can give you a rundown on things down there," he suggested.
i began to shake my head. elisha was already heading into her junior year, there was no way that i— an incoming freshman— was going to be any convenient for her. but she stepped in before i could speak.
"yeah, i gotchu," she shrugged like it wasn't a big deal. "i'm here for the summer so we could definitely work something out."
"oh... okay," i swore my heart skipped a few beats. "i'd like that."
SEVYN → ARLINGTON, TX
the memory of that day played on loop in my brain ever since i left paige's apartment that night.
eight years gone, just like that.
it's been days since i kissed her, yet if i closed my eyes and waited long enough, i could still feel her lips on mine. no matter how many times i washed my hands, i could still feel her skin beneath my fingertips.
and no matter how many times i tried avoiding her, she was still there. just like now.
i turned the corner, duffle bag slung over my shoulder as i walked through the tunnel. i saw her before she saw me.
paige was walking with maddy, both of them in their warm up gear as they made their way towards me to the arena. i debated ducking into the nearest room, but i just kept my head down and moved closer to the side, hoping that neither of them saw me. but it was too late.
maddy's eyes glanced over to mine at the last second and waved enthusiastically, catching paige's attention.
"sevyn! hey!" she smiled.
i gave her a smile back and a quick wave, ignoring paige's eyes on me. i silently prayed that she'd continue walking past, which she did. of course paige didn't.
as i passed them, i could hear paige's voice fading away from behind me.
"aye, i'll be out in a second."
my stomach tightened and i walked faster, pretending not to hear her jogging towards me.
"sevyn," she called out, her footsteps getting closer. "wait."
"i need to get ready, paige," i kept walking until i could feel her beside me.
truth was, i was pretty early. only because i wanted to avoid paige as much as possible.
"just—" she shuffled in front of me, walking backwards until i came to a stop in front of her. "fuck, sevyn. can you stop for just two seconds?"
i exhaled through my nose, staring past her for a second before i finally met her pleading eyes. "what, paige?"
"you've been avoiding me."
"no, i ha—"
"sevyn," she said firmly. "don't do that."
i looked away, rubbing my forehead. "i can't do this right now, paige. i'm trying to figure shit out."
"so figure shit out with me," she stepped forward, her body turning sideways like she was shielding me from people who were passing by. "listen, if you regret it then that's fine. you never wanna see me again? that's cool too. but don't just run from me without talking about it."
"i don't regret it... it's just a lot," i swallowed thickly, hating how my heart dropped at the thought of never seeing her again. "of course i wanna see you, paige. i just don't know what to say. there's no rule book for cheating on your girlfriend, y'know?"
she nodded slowly, her eyes lingering on mine as if she was trying to read between the lines.
"bueckers!"
her head turned briefly towards the call, then back to me.
"i understand," paige stepped aside. "but just know i'm still here. friend or not."
she left, jogging back towards the arena. i leaned against the wall, my fingers curling tighter around the strap of my bag.
i didn't know what the hell i wanted. all i knew is that i could barely breathe around paige without remembering how she touched me. how she looked at me even when she thought i wasn't paying attention.
paige was like a door i wasn't supposed to open, yet i did anyway. and now i didn't know if i could stop myself from walking inside.
SEVYN → DALLAS, TX
the apartment was quiet when i walked in. i kicked my shoes off by the door and dropped my bag off near the couch. i started to think elisha wasn't here until i heard her voice from the kitchen.
"sev?"
i walked to the sound of her voice, massaging the sore muscle in my neck. once i found her, she was leaned against the island table with a coach bag in her hand. i stopped in my tracks, eyeing narrowing suspiciously.
"hey..." my voice trailed off.
"you don't look happy to see me," she raised an eyebrow, watching me as i grabbed a cold water from the fridge.
"sorry. i just had a long day," i said honestly. "i just wanna take a warm bath and then sleep for a week straight."
elisha set the bag down on the table behind her and stepped forward. her arms wrapped around my waist like we haven't been off for days and her hands caressed my bare skin.
"i missed you," she placed a kiss on my cheek, then on my lips. "i missed us."
"yeah," i blinked, slowly nodding my head. "me, too."
"look," she then turned back and grabbed the bag she once had in her hand, a wide grin on her face. "i got you something."
she placed the bag in my hand. it was small and light, making me curious as to what was inside. i started to open it, removing the gift tissue and tossing it on the countertop. but when my hand pulled out a small velvet box, my throat instantly tightened.
"elisha..."
"just open it."
my fingers brushed over the edge of the box and pulled it back, revealing a small silver ring. i could only stare at it in shock.
"it's a promise ring," elisha clarified with a small, low laugh. "i know things have been rough and that i haven't been the greatest...but i do love you."
i pulled the ring out of the box and held it between my fingers, eyeing the tiny delicate heart etched in the metal. i looked at her again, feeling like i was suddenly back in alabama. like i was my eighteen year old self who fell in love with her over the summer.
"i want to fix this," she reached out and held my cheek, her thumb brushing the skin. "we've been together for too long to just to throw it all away."
but in that moment, all i could think about was paige.
when i slipped the ring onto my finger, i thought of her.
when elisha kissed me, i thought of her.
when we somehow ended up in the bedroom, elisha's body on top of mine, i thought of her.
and when i came on elisha's fingers, biting her shoulder and praying that i didn't say a different name, i thought of her.
--
i shut my car door with my hip, juggling my phone, purse, and shopping bags full of snacks that i picked up on the way. i carefully walked up to dijonai's doorstep and knocked twice.
the door swung open a few moments later, revealing nalyssa who smiled once she realized it was me.
"hi, lyss," i greeted as she stepped aside to let me in.
"hey," she grinned and shut the door behind us. "you on time for once."
"shut the fuck up," i hid a laugh and kicked her leg since my arms were full. "i'm gonna put this stuff in the kitchen."
"alright, cool," she nodded, backing away in the opposite direction. "we're still waiting on a few other people, but imma let nai know you're here."
i gave her a nod, and turned towards the kitchen, feeling an ache form in my arm from the weight of the bags. the house was pretty quiet, only a distant hum of conversation from people who were in the living room. so when i turned the corner into the kitchen, the last person i expected to see was paige.
but there she was, standing in front of the open fridge. her back was turned until the soft thud of my footsteps caught her attention. she looked over her shoulder and our eyes met.
"hello," she said calmly, ignoring the way i stalled mid-step at the sight of her, nearly tripping.
"hi," i dropped the bags onto the counter top where everyone else put their food with a heavy exhale, rubbing the ache in my arm.
her eyes lingered on me for a bit longer, then she turned back to the fridge and grabbed a sprite can.
my heart felt like it was in my stomach. dijonai said paige wasn't going to be here tonight.
from my peripheral vision i could see her lean against the counter. i didn't have to look up to know she was already eyeing me.
"you look good."
the box of cookies slipped from my grip and fell onto the floor with a soft thud. i cursed under my breath, picking it up quickly. i looked her way again, hating the way she looked so relaxed.
i also hated how good she looked too. but i kept that to myself.
"thanks," i muttered, moving a piece of hair behind my ear to get it out my face.
we stayed silent for a moment. my hands kept themselves occupied by rearranging the items i brought, lining them up randomly. then she spoke again.
"how have you been?" she didn't move from her spot, only shifted her weight.
i shrugged, "fine. busy."
i should have just left the kitchen. should have found nai or mingled around in the living room with everyone else who was here. yet, i stayed still under her gaze.
"i didn't know you were coming," i finally glanced up at her. "nai said you had something else going on."
"yeah, it got cancelled," she said, popping open the soda can. "figured i'd stop by."
the distance between us wasn't much, only five feet give or take, but it felt like if i breathed too deeply, we'd touch.
"would you not have come if i did?"
my breath caught and i met her eyes again. her expression was too unreadable, too calm. like she was ready for whatever answer i gave her. but i don't think i had one for her.
suddenly, dijonai stepped into the kitchen, breaking the tension between us before i could say anything.
"hey, sevy," dijonai greeted me with a kiss to the cheek then grabbed a bowl from the cabinet. "you got the juices right?"
"yeah, they're on the counter." i breathed out, thankful for another distraction. "i'll help set up. what do you want me to do?"
paige eventually slipped out of the kitchen, and i focused on helping dijonai. most of everyone made their dish— sliders, brownies, some type of chicken dip, but since i was running low on time today, i brought store-bought snacks.
i even helped set up individual tables in the kitchen area, setting the tables with the ingredients for a cocktail. but when i questioned dijonai about it, she said she'd explain later.
by the time we finished, the night settled into full motion. everyone else had arrived and trickled into the kitchen, grabbing food and drinks. i ended up on the couch a short while later talking to kaila. she had complimented my hair and i began telling her about my hairstylist.
"okay, guys let's get started," dijonai stood and clasped her hands together to get everyone's attention. "i have some fun games planned for us tonight so don't get too complicated."
i took a sip from my drink as dijonai turned and reached into a bag, pulling out a roll of tape and blindfolds.
"oh hell nah," myisha blurted out dramatically.
"girl, relax. it's not as bad as it looks," dijonai shot her a look as everyone laughed. she grabbed a small clear box with crumbled paper in it and shuffled it around. "first game is the blind, deaf, and mute challenge. you guys have to work together to make a cocktail. and since there’s twelve of us, we'll do four groups of three."
"but," she held her finger up. "one has to be blindfolded, one has to have their mouth taped, and one has to wear these noise canceling headphones that beats sent me."
"i'm not taping my mouth," i grimaced.
"too bad," dijonai grinned, "i'm randomly picking the groups so you guys can choose what role you wanna to have."
she picked up a folded piece of paper from the box. "first we have... lyss. you're group one."
dijonai continued pulling names and reading them until it was down to two people, me and one of her friends, kayla.
she reached for another slip and opened it, her smile widening. "sevyn you're group three."
i looked over to where group three stood, spotting paige and aziaha. paige gave me a half hearted smile while aziaha waved me over enthusiastically.
"of course," i mumbled under my breath.
we split up with our groups in the kitchen and i lingered near the counter, watching paige and aziaha arguing about who's going to have what role.
"i'm not wearing a blindfold, i got contacts," paige argued with her arms crossed.
"i don't wanna wear one either," aziaha groaned. "how about i give instructions? i can wear the headphones."
they both turned towards me for my opinion and i shrugged. "as long as y'all don't put that tape on my mouth, i don't care."
"okay fine," paige grabbed a piece of tape that dijonai gave us. "i'm mute, zaza's deaf, you're blind."
we all mutually agreed and i hesitantly put the blindfold on, everything instantly going pitch black.
"everyone ready?" dijonai called out. "first one done wins. go!"
i instantly heard shuffling around me— someone opening the fridge, a bottle dropping to the floor, and a lot of laughing.
"grab the shaker!" aziaha practically shouted in my ear, her voice way louder than she intended.
i shrieked, instinctively backing up. my body crashed into the person behind me, their hands catching me by the waist before i could go any further. the touch was soft but familiar, and i knew it was paige.
"oh, my bad," i heard aziaha laugh. "paige, help her get the shaker."
for a moment, there was just noise. then i felt her gently guide my palm upward, placing the shaker in my hand. her touch lingered longer than necessary and i felt my heart beat faster.
"okay, good," aziaha called out. "now, get the measuring cup. we gotta pour in the tequila."
"where's the measuring cup?" i asked, blindly reaching my hand out.
i felt paige's hand on my other hand, this time guiding it until i felt my hands wrapped around a measuring cup, but this time she didn't let go.
she froze.
i almost asked her what was wrong until i felt it. her thumb brushed over the ring on my finger, painfully slow. i gripped the shaker in my other hand, feeling my body suddenly go weak.
aziaha said something else, but i didn't pick it up. i couldn't. everything else around me shifted and the only thing i could hear was paige's breathing near my ear. her grip loosened coldly and i felt her pull away.
i wanted to explain. tell her that the ring didn't mean anything.
but that would be a lie.
"hello? guys?" aziaha called out again. "pour the tequila, let's go!"
i set the shaker down and blindly reached for the bottle, nearly knocking it over in the process. my hands were shaky as i tried to line the bottle up with the opening of the measuring cup, until paige helped me again.
her touch didn't feel the same this time. it felt colder. hesitant.
and i hated it.
we ended up being fourth place. i snatched the blindfold off my face and blinked, readjusting my eyes to the bright light. i instinctively looked for paige who was already pulling the tape from her mouth. she wouldn't even look my way.
"damn, we lost," aziaha sighed, grabbing the finished cocktail. she took a curious sip. "well at least it come out good."
i could only give her an absent nod, still watching paige who set the bottle in her hand on the table with more force than necessary. she muttered, directed to aziaha more than me, that she was headed to the bathroom. my eyes followed, glued to her back as she disappeared around the corner.
i anxiously chewed on the bottom of my lips, ignoring everyone as they laughed and joked around. i glanced down to my hand. i could still feel her lingering touch on my fingers.
"i'll be back," i said before i could stop myself.
the noises from the kitchen faded away as i stepped further into the house. the floor creaked with each careful step that i took towards the bathroom. and once i reached the door, i stared at it for a moment, trying to muster up the courage to knock.
my hand raised, then knocked. silence followed.
"paige?" i said hopelessly. "it's me."
more silence. then a click sound.
the door didn't open, so i took that as silent permission to come in. i turned the knob slowly and slipped inside.
she stood leaning against the sink, arms braced behind her as she stared off to the side. her jaw was tight and i couldn't figure out if it was from anger or disappointment. maybe it was both.
i genuinely didn't know what to say or how to even start. but i knew i had to say something.
"paige..."
she exhaled at the sound of her name, then finally turned to me.
"what, sevyn?" she said, her tone unfamiliar and cold.
"it's only a little promise ring," my chest tightened. "elisha surprised me with it."
"do you want a congratulations?" paige laughed dryly. "gon' send me a wedding invitation?"
"don't do that," i stepped back as far as the limited space would let me. "it doesn't mean anything to me... at least not anymore."
"so you kiss me... then tell me you don't regret it," paige started, her arms crossed over her chest now. "now there's a ring on your finger. do you see where i'm confused at?"
"you're not the only one confused, paige."
i avoided her gaze nervously before i spoke again.
"when i kissed you that night i meant it. and i didn't leave feeling guilty because i kissed you, but because i wanted to do it again," i spoke, my voice shaky. "i really like you paige. honestly? i think i have ever since we first met. you make me feel things that i haven't felt in a very long time, and that scares the fuck outta me."
she stared at me for a moment, "so why wear it?"
"i don't know..." i admitted, "i guess i didn't want to hurt her in the moment. i wore it to make her feel better, not me."
"you wanna be just friends, right?" paige's voice cut through the air sharply, "well as a friend, imma tell you this. she doesn't give a shit about your feelings so stop giving a shit about hers. every time she fucks up, you forgive her. that's not love that's control."
i stayed quiet.
"as a friend, i can't sit back and watch you waste yourself on her," she let out a deep sigh, her tone softening. "you're more than her, sevyn."
her words felt like a slap in the face. i clutched my hands at my side, my next words spilling from my mouth before i could think about it. "i don't wanna be just friends... not with you."
she stepped forward, "so take it off."
i didn't move, watching her with burning eyes. "what?"
"you heard what i said," she reached to lock the door.
i looked down at my hand, the ring catching the light. i wasn't exactly hesitating. i was simply curious. "why?"
paige didn't say anything for a second, just looked at me. really looked at me.
her eyes moved slowly, like she was memorizing the shape of my face, my mouth, the way my chest rose and fell fast.
"because when i kiss you, i don't want you wearing it," she said quietly, but firm.
she stepped forward again, our chests almost touching now. i raised my hand, eyeing the ring again. my fingers reached and gripped the silver, pulling it off my finger slowly. i slipped it in my pocket.
"paige-"
she closed the distance, her mouth claiming mine with an intensity that almost knocked me off my feet. i gasped into the kiss as my hands flew to grab onto her arms for stability. her arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me even closer.
the kiss was nothing like our first one— patient, explorative, and gentle. this one was needier and messier. like paige put all her frustration, confusion, and desire into the press of her lips.
her hands slipped down to the curve of my ass, gripping the soft flesh through my shorts. i barely had time to think before she shifted, hoisting me onto the sink. she slid between my legs shamelessly as i spread them for her. i let out a needy moan which paige caught with her mouth.
everything felt like a blur. one minute she was kissing my lips, leaving wet kisses down my neck, then the next a knock was coming from the door.
suddenly remembering my surroundings, i pushed at paige's shoulders, creating about a foot of space between us.
"somebody in here? i gotta pee," i recognized myisha's voice from the other side.
still between my legs, paige dropped her forehead on my shoulder. "fuck," she whispered under her breath with a quiet laugh.
"this isn't funny," i mumbled under my breath, then much louder. "yeah, i'm in here. go use dijonai's bathroom. i'm... fixing my makeup."
"dijonai said don't use her ba-"
"do you wanna piss yourself? cause i'm gonna be a while," i shot back, praying that she would drop it.
"fine, damn," i could hear her mumble, then walk away.
paige lifted her head with a smirk, her hands still on my waist drawing slow circles. her lips were a bright shade of pink, still wet from our kiss. "fixing your makeup, hm?"
"shut up," i groaned as she stepped back so i could get down. "we need to get back. we've been gone for too long."
i adjusted my shorts and then turned, fixing my hair to make it seem like i didn't just make out with my best friend's teammate in her bathroom.
"we're okay though, right?" paige muttered, looking at me through the mirror.
my eyes flickered towards her, hands pausing mid-adjustment. for days i was running, finding any reason in the book to make me believe that i didn't deserve her. that i didn't spend the last eight years of my life with a woman who i thought i would spend the rest of it with.
but for the first time this week, i wasn't thinking about elisha or feeling guilty for wanting to kiss her again.
so i did.
i turned, hands grabbing her jaw and bringing her lips down to mine again. she was caught by surprise, but quickly kissed back softly.
i felt a whack on my arm, almost knocking my phone out of my hand. i yelled, glaring at aziaha who sat next to me on our charter bus.
"never mind," she rolled her eyes, turning to kaila instead.
i reread sevyn's text.
sevyn:
watching the game tn. don't get dunked on by bg
i cracked a smile.
paige:
this might actually be the worst pre game text i've ever gotten
sevyn:
lmaooo😭
good luck fr tho <33 manifesting a win for you guys
"paige over here smiling at her phone," nalyssa announced, trying to sneak a look over her seat.
"aye, shut up," i angled my phone away from her.
i quickly responded back to sevyn as the charter bus pulled in front of the arena. we had been texting back and forth frequently ever since that night a few weeks ago when i drove her home. she had came knocking at my door about ten minutes later and casually asked for my number.
nothing about us felt casual.
especially ever since that night i basically told her i had feelings for her. i expected her to tell me to stop the car and let her out. yell at me and tell me how i was disrespecting her relationship. but she didn't.
we were friends now.
and if i couldn't have sevyn the way i truly wanted, being just friends with her would have to suffice.
SEVYN → DALLAS, TX
the final game buzzer sounded through my tv speakers and i smiled.
87-80. dallas wins.
i could see paige by the bench smiling in her dark blue uniform, high fiving her teammates. she looked genuinely happy.
i picked up my phone, ready to send her a text to congratulate her. then the front door opened.
i turned, watching elisha walk through. she kicked off her shoes and shut the door behind her, hand running through her locs, a habit she did when she was stressed.
she didn't say anything until she noticed me curled up on the couch. "oh, hey. i didn't know you'd be here."
"i live here."
she laughed, waving me off. "you know what i meant."
i laughed dryly, trying to mask my annoyance. nothing was humorous to me. i was still pissed about the shit she pulled last week.
she walked to the fridge and searched for a soda, then shut it. i watched her open it and plop on the couch a cushion away from me. i grimaced at the sight of it.
"lish, you know how much i hate it when you eat or drink on the couch," i scolded.
she leaned back, "i'll be careful, relax."
"you always say that."
she didn't respond, just sipped her soda as she watched the tv. it was on a commercial now.
"rent is due this week," i said, raising my voice a little louder.
she swallowed, then flickered her eyes to me. her voice was flat. "i know."
"so..." i trailed, my patience thinning. "do you have it?"
"i'm working on it..."
i sat up straighter. "working on it how, elisha?"
she placed her soda down on the table. "don't do that shit."
"do what?" my voice sharper now.
"act like i'm not trying. i told you i'm working on it, end of discussion." she fired back. "it's due in three days, not tonight."
"and what is your definition of working on it exactly? because you told me last week that you were going to work, but when i stopped by darren said you weren't even scheduled." i stood up, my heart beating fast.
she froze, only for a tiny second, but i caught it.
"what are you, my fucking mom?" elisha scoffed. "you sneaking up on me now?"
"no," i snapped. "i was dropping off lunch like i normally fucking do."
she stood up and walked around me towards the bedroom. i followed behind her and into the hallway.
"elisha, tell me," i grabbed her arm, stopping her from going any further. "are you selling again?"
she closed her eyes shut and exhaled sharply. "no, sevyn."
my eyes scanned her face as she opened her eyes again. it was like i was looking at someone different now. but she reached for my face and leaned in, placing a kiss to my lips.
"i am not selling again." she said slower. "you have to trust me."
i wanted to. god, i wanted to. but something in me couldn't.
i let my hand drop from her arm, watching her turn away and walk into the room without another word. i stared at the door for a second longer, then with the turn of my heel, i walk back into the living room. i fall back into my original spot, pulling the blanket over my body. i pick up my phone, thumbs hovering over my screen.
a few years ago, i would have went straight to dijonai. but there was somebody different on my mind now.
i hit our text message thread.
sevyn:
congrats on the win p!you played well tn🫶
i knew she wouldn't see it or at least answer right away, but i hit send anyway. i bit my cheek, hesitating a double text.
sevyn:
i know your probably busy rn but when you have time, do you wanna call?
i hit send then tossed my phone on the couch next to me with an embarrassed groan. i half expected to get left on delivered at least until tomorrow morning. she was working, busy with media and other important things. i would be the last thing on her mind. after a few minutes, i decided to scroll through netflix to distract myself. then i felt my phone buzz.
paige:
thank you 💗
and yeah ofc. i'll call when i'm back at our hotel. gimmie like an hour
i hid a smile reading her text, a warmth settling in my heart. i typed a quick reply, letting her know to be safe.
i continued scrolling on hulu, deciding on a random unfinished series i said that i would finish watching months ago.
about halfway through the episode, i could feel myself nodding off. i shifted under the covers, getting comfortable as my eyelids got heavier. i didn't mean to fall asleep, but i did anyway.
the buzz of my phone vibrating on the couch startled me awake. i blinked, vision disoriented as i caught a glimpse of the screen, now halfway into the next episode. i reached for my phone, reading the display name.
paige🫶
i answered, trying my best to sound like i didn't just have one of the best naps of my life.
"hello?"
i could hear paige pause on the end, then an amused chuckle came through the other end. "did i wake you?"
"yeah... i accidentally fell asleep," i yawned, sitting up. i reached for the remote to lower the volume.
"oh, my bad," paige shifted on the other end. it sounded like she was already in bed. "i can call back tomorrow if you're tired?"
"no," i shook my head even though she couldn't see. "i wanna talk to you."
i didn't have to see her face to know that she was smirking. "you miss me?"
"i'm not stroking your ego,"
"mmm," paige hummed. "i'll take that as a yes then."
she was right, but i never told her that.
"how was your day?" she asked.
i sank back into the cushion. “it was alright. i taught my class today. they were actually really on point today for once so i told them i'd bring treats next class. i went to the gym after, then did a little window shopping just to kill time since i didn’t have rehearsals.”
"look at you being all productive and shit," paige teased.
"please, i'd do anything but be home," i joked but my tone was more honest than humorous.
paige caught on.
"everything okay?"
i hesitated before i answered. "no, not really."
a beat of silence passed. then:
"talk to me."
her voice was smooth through the phone, almost like her hand was telepathically caressing my cheek.
i eyes glanced toward the bedroom. the door was still shut and the lights were off. she was probably sleep.
i've never talked to paige about elisha before. the only time i even mentioned her was in the car a few weeks ago, and i hadn't even said her name. but paige knew.
"i just..." i started, my words still forming. "i feel like i'm just constantly going in fucking circles. and i keep telling myself that this is a rough patch, but it's been like this for a while. i feel trapped."
"and she's not a bad person. like, i need you to know that," i added quickly. "i love her, but the old her. or maybe she's always been like this and i've just been too young to see it... i dunno. either way, it's different between us."
paige stayed silent for a moment, i could only hear her quiet breaths. i let my words sit with me as i listened.
"sevyn, i mean this with respect but," she paused, her tone gentle. "you ever thought of just leaving?"
she said it like it was the most simplest answer. but nothing was simple when it came to elisha. never has been.
"of course i have," i muttered. "i even tried to. twice."
i let out a short laugh at how pathetic i sounded. "but she knows me. knows what to say and how to get me back. and its not even just her words i think. it's our history and everything we've been through. when i didn't have anybody, elisha was there. that's the elisha i miss and love."
i blinked away tears of frustration. "but lately it feels like i have one foot out the door while she's pulling the other back in."
"just because she has your past doesn't mean you owe her your future," paige said. "if she can't love you now, when will she ever? you deserve more, sevyn."
her words stuck in my head. i briefly closed my eyes, wishing she was here and not miles away.
"can you stay on the phone with me for a bit?"
"yeah, i got you," she said without missing a beat.
paige shifted again on the other end, like she was getting under the covers. after a moment she spoke again.
"you still tired?"
i hummed a no even though i was still a bit tired, "i feel like if tried to sleep now i'd start overthinking everything."
"then don't sleep yet."
i ended up telling her about the show i was, the white lotus, and it turns out paige watches it too— which then led to a ten minute discussion of 'who done it?' theories.
"there's no way you believe that," i laughed quietly.
"how can you not? the proof is right there," she said.
my laughter died down. the tv was off now and i was snuggled up under my blanket, only my head and hand peeking out. "when do you come back to dallas?"
"our flight leaves tomorrow morning, so maybe later that evening," paige yawned. "i'm gonna be knocked out on the plane for sure."
i could tell she was exhausted by her half mumbled words.
"you should go to sleep now," i said above a whisper.
"nah," she exhaled. "i like this."
i didn't respond, just let a minute or two of our calm breathing speak instead. it wasn't until i heard a small snore when i spoke again.
"paige?"
no response.
i didn't hang up.
PAIGE → DALLAS TX
i plopped down on my bed face first, exhausted from the flight. it was a little before six in the afternoon, so i knew a taking a nap would be a dangerous game to play.
so instead i got up and cleaned, then made a snack to keep me busy.
then my phone rang.
it a facetime call from aubrey.
i picked up, closing the fridge with my foot. "hi, pookie."
"hey," she smiled on the other end. "this a good time to call? i just wanted to check in real quick and say what's up."
"yeah," i said. "i just landed not too long ago. i almost passed out as soon as i got in."
"you look rough."
i gave her a look, propping the phone up against my tumbler as i sat down at the table and ate.
"thanks," i deadpanned. "but nah, i've had a lot going on these past few weeks."
i paused between a bite, contemplating about telling aubrey.
she caught on, "don't tell me it's a girl..."
"not just a girl," i mumbled. "i think i like her— actually, i know i like her. we've been talking a lot recently."
"so? what's the issue?"
i eyed her through the screen. "she's got a girlfriend."
aubrey's eyes went wide. "oh shit! i ain't know you got down like that."
"no, it's not like that." i exhaled. "we're friends."
"but you like her...?" she added.
i nodded. "yes. but the worst part is, i'm pretty sure she likes me too, or at least pretends not to."
"damn," aubrey shook her head, "you're in deep, p."
"i know." i agreed, resting my head in my hands for a bit. "and i don't wanna push, but everyday it just gets harder. i think i honestly need to stay away from her... for her sake."
"well, that seems pretty easy."
i winced, "not when i live right across from her..."
"oh, you're definitely cooked."
our call lasted about ten minutes after that, and i peeled myself from the chair. i walked to my bathroom to get ready for a shower.
once i was in, i rinsed my face, letting it wake me up a bit more. i washed and scrubbed until i was satisfied, then rinsed off.
after, i lazily dried off and pulled out nike boxers, sweatpants, and a sports bra. i was a few seconds away from scrawling in my bed again before i heard three knocks on my door.
i groaned, glancing at the time.
6:41 pm
still, who would be knocking on my door at this time?
i padded my feet to the door, not even bothering to ask who it was. i opened the door, and suddenly a pair of arms threw themselves around me.
"paige, what the fuck?" sevyn muffled into my shoulder. "you didn't even text me that you landed, i had to put two and two together when i saw your car outside."
still caught by surprise, my hands stayed to my side and she noticed.
"shit..." she stiffened, then pulled back. her eyes widened once she took in my appearance. "oh shit, is this a bad time? you probably have company over. i'm so sorry-"
"sevyn," i breathed, my body tingling from the feeling of her on my bare skin. "no, it's not a bad time. sorry, i meant to text you back, but i've been tired."
she frowned. "it's okay, don't be sorry. i shouldn't have just ambushed you like that. i got kinda excited i guess."
i felt a smile forming on my face, "so you did miss me?"
"shut up, rookie."
i didn't think before my next words left my mouth. "you wanna come in? chill for a bit?"
i could see her hesitate, then nod. i stepped aside, letting her walk in, and then shut the door behind her.
i watched her look around, like she was studying the way i lived. then she glanced my way, and i suddenly noticed my lack of a shirt. i excused myself before finding a tee in my closet to throw on.
i came back to find her in the living room, eyeing some of the pictures i had framed near the tv.
"aw, baby paige," sevyn cooed, pointing at a frame while she looked back at me, her eyes soft. "you were so cute."
"i'm still cute now, what are you talking about?" i joked plopping down on my couch. sevyn soon followed, almost comically sitting at the complete opposite end.
"i mean, like adorable cute," she explained with a grin. "you aight now i guess."
"auntie may would say something different."
she threw a couch pillow at me but i caught it. "you're so annoying."
i placed the pillow beside me, gesturing toward the kitchen. "you want anything?"
she shook her head, "no, but thank you. i ate before i got here. i just came from the studio."
i gave her a nod, noticing how she crossed her legs and clasped her hands together, almost like she was afraid to move.
"i don't bite, y'know," i teased. "friends can sit next to each other."
her mouth curled, but she stayed still. "i'm good over here."
"fine," i threw the blanket over me. "i got the ac on blast so enjoy freezing over there."
she flipped me off, her attention turning to the tv. i didn't even remember ever turning on the tv, but it was playing a random action movie.
we let the movie play on, adding in some commentary here and there. she would say point something funny out and i would laugh, and vise versa.
then i noticed how over time her arms folded tighter across her chest, and how she slightly rocked back and forth.
"you good over there?" i held back a laugh.
she groaned, standing up. her crop top rose, showing her toned stomach and her shorts hugged her curves, showing off her long legs.
"you win." she sat next to me. "now make some room, it's cold as shit."
i lifted the blanket, trying to hide my smug look. she slid in without a word, our shoulders brushing against each other.
a another few minutes past and i shifted under the covers, my arm accidentally brushing against her exposed stomach. i glanced over, seeing her slightly shivering.
"fuck, you're cold," i began to sit up, but she held me back down by holding my shoulder.
"no, sit," she said, snaking her arms around me. "you feel nice and warm."
i froze for a second, the feeling of her acrylics softly grazing against my clothed stomach was enough to send me in a spiral. she rested her head on my shoulder comfortably. my arm lifted, slowly resting it behind her to pull her closer.
the movie continued playing, but neither of us was paying attention. i could only focus on the strawberry fragrance she had on again. or her hand that rested on the side of my stomach, her thumb dragging slow circles against the fabric.
i shifted, feeling a slow roll of heat settle between my legs.
sevyn lifted her head, her breath tickling the side of my face. her voice was a whisper. "this okay?"
i almost said no.
not because i didn't want her, because i wanted more than this. wanted to forget about the movie and pull her onto my lap. wanted to press my lips against hers even though they weren't mine to claim. wanted my hands to explore more than just her back side.
so all i gave her was a hum, keeping my eyes glued to the screen. my jaw stayed tight and clenched. i was afraid to open my mouth and say the wrong thing. she nestled back into me, slower, almost deliberate.
a few more painfully long minutes went by just like that, me pretending not to notice her glance up at my every once in a while as i internally squirmed, trying to keep my cool.
but when her leg raised underneath the cover, falling on top of mine, i couldn't stop my hand from moving. my hand found her thigh, resting there for a bit before my thumb started drawing small circles on her skin.
her breath hitched, but she didn't move away.
"sevyn..."
i didn't know how much longer i could respect a relationship that didn't really deserve it.
"yes?" she said, breathy and unsure.
i was no longer looking at the tv. instead my eyes flickered down to catch her already looking at me. my eyes trailed down to her lips, moisturized with some type of lip oil.
"what are we doing?" i whispered.
she didn't answer at first. maybe she didn't have one, because i know i didn't.
her lips parted, then closed, like she was thinking about what to say. "i don't know."
my eyes shut, "you shouldn't be here..."
then, the blanket fell off the both of us as her leg slipped over mines. i felt her weight on my lap and my eyes opened, watching as she straddled me. i let my hands drop to my side, clenching them tight.
"i know," she whispered, barely audible.
her hands rested at my lower torso, sliding up my chest, my tee lifting a bit. "fuck, sevyn. this isn't fair."
her hands found my neck, her thumbs cradling my cheeks.
"i know."
my mind raced, thinking of my exact choices to end up in this exact position right now. how i ended up with the most beautiful woman i've ever met, on my lap, caressing my face like i was hers.
it wasn't until she whispered my name like a plea that i finally cracked. my hand found the back of her neck and pulled her in while the other clutched her hip.
my lips met hers and i almost moaned at the feeling. her lips were soft and warn like i had imagined. we moved slow, uncertain. i was scared if i moved too much she would pull away. but she didn't.
so my hand moved again, pulling her even closer. my hands found her waist, thighs, ass, anything to hold on to as i deepened the kiss. she clutched onto my shirt like it was the only thing keeping her afloat.
a quiet moan fell from her lips and i felt like i could die then and there.
her hands started to explore, pausing at the hem of my shirt hesitantly. i rolled my tongue into her mouth and flexed underneath her fingertips, silently begging her.
i groaned as she obliged, pulling away just enough to hover. "you're killing me."
"fuck, i'm sorry," sevyn sighed against my lips.
"i'm not," i muttered truthfully.
"i don't know why i did that," she whispered. "i shouldn't have."
her fingers stilled under my shirt, but she didn't move from my lap. my hands rested on her exposed thighs, squeezing them like i was still making sure this was real.
"because you wanted to."
her eyes drifted and it was like i watched the guilt build up in her. her hands slipped from underneath my shirt. "i should go."
i didn't stop her as she shifted off my lap, readjusting her shirt and fixing her hair. the room felt colder than before, the absence of her weight settling deep in my chest. she stood and i followed as she walked to my door.
she twisted the door handle, then paused. when she turned, i felt the guilt in her eyes more than ever.
"i'm—"
"don't say sorry," i stepped forward, stopping myself from pulling her against me again. my hand couldn't help but move a piece of hair from her face. "just get some rest. i'll see you later, okay?"
she muttered, "okay."
she opened the door and slipped out without another word.
contents/warning(s): paige driving with one hand AHHHHH, lowkey fluff and kinda emotional 🥀 💔
word count: 3.5k
SEVYN → ARLINGTON TX
i said goodbye to dijonai then waited patiently for paige to grab her belongings.
i should've said no.
or sucked it up and just called an expensive ass uber.
but i knew dijonai was tired from the game, and i would have hated to drag her out an extra twenty five minutes, through traffic tonight.
so i said yes.
yes to spending an excruciating thirty minutes in a car with paige bueckers, who i can admit that i've been purposely avoiding as much as i could.
"you ready?"
paige was suddenly standing in front of me, her book bag strapped over her left shoulder with a pair of sabrina's in her hand. she changed into crocs and put her ponytail into a bun.
no.
"yeah," i nodded as we started walking.
i fell a couple steps back, not because i wanted to, but because she genuinely took bigger strides and i struggled to keep up with the heavy duffle bag digging into my shoulder.
most of the fans were gone along with some of the staff, so the only sound we could hear was the occasional chatter of security and the soles of our shoes against the floor.
paige glanced back, then again with a smile. "you okay back there?" she slowed her pace to match mine.
"i'm great. you just walk too damn fast."
paige, now walking besides me, breathed out a small laugh. "what'd you even pack in that thing anyway? shit is like half your size."
"well, it was my first performance today so i packed a bunch of extra shit just in case," we reached the door and paige went first, holding it open as i walked through and out into the parking lot. "never again, though."
paige hummed, spinning the keys in her hand as she stayed quiet for a moment.
"i saw some of it," she said. "not the whole thing, but they had it on the tv in the locker room."
i glanced at her, her eyes staring straight forward as we walked towards a black car in the last row.
"you did really good."
a beat of silence settled between us as her words repeated in my head.
"thank you," i muttered, watching as she reached the car first, stopping in front of the passenger side.
she opened the door and gestured her hand to my duffle bag. "i'll put this in the trunk."
i gladly let her take my bag and slid into the passenger seat. the inside was cool from the night air and i felt a chill run through my body. i rubbing my hands, waiting as paige popped open the trunk and our bags away, then circle to the drivers side. it wasn't until she was seated, the door closing with a thud, that i suddenly felt myself heat up.
paige started the car and adjusted the temperature, but didn't start driving right away. instead, she started scrolling through her playlists. i watched her finally decide on a playlist titled 'late night car rides'. i instantly recognized a brent faiyaz song start flowing from the speakers at an appropriate volume.
she rested back in her seat with one hand on the wheel as she drove off. i clutched my phone, trying to find anything to help distract me, but i had no new notifications.
we were on the second song by now, something by partynextdoor, and there were still no words spoken between us. which was weird, considering how well be bonded together at the dinner before myisha's comment.
but i think we both knew that there was something unspoken between us.
"you gon' keep staring at your phone like we're strangers?" paige's voice cut through the silence as she rolled to a stop at an intersection.
i looked over to find her already watching me with a faint smirk on her face.
i gave her a small, tired smile, "sorry, i just... didn't know if this was gonna be weird or not."
"why would it be weird?"
i didn't respond right away, just shifted my gaze to the car in front of us. my teeth chewed on my bottom lip, a million thoughts racing through my mind.
i wanted to be honest with her and say that i liked talking to her more than i should've. that i found her incredibly attractive and genuine. that i liked the way she looked at me. that i wanted to know her more.
"you know why," i finally muttered.
"sevyn, if this is because of what myisha said..." i could see paige shift from my peripheral vision, her hand still resting on the wheel while her other ran over her jaw as if she was carefully trying to find her words.
"it's not," i cut in, my eyes finding her again. "well, not exactly."
i exhaled slowly, the words in my head threatening to spill out any second.
"i'm just gonna be honest," i continued. "i really liked talking to you. more than i should have."
the light turned green and the car in front of us accelerated forward. paige's expression only softened as she continued looking at me, then she finally turned and pressed her foot to the gas.
"and paige... you seem like a very good person. not even just from what dijonai told me—"
"you talk to dijonai about me?" she shot over a quick look with a dumb smile that made my stomach flip.
"i—" i felt my cheeks heat up. "shut up and lemme talk."
and she did.
"i'm seeing someone," i mustered up almost too quietly. like i was ashamed to admit it. "it's complicated... and i didn't want you to think that i was leading you on or anything. i'm sorry."
"don't apologize for that." paige countered. "i'm not gonna sit here and lie to you and say that i'm not attracted to you, because i am. but i don't want to make shit messier for you either. i'm not a homewrecker."
if only she knew our home was already wrecked.
i swallowed, my leg bounced anxiously and i tried to stop it. a woman walking alongside the sidewalk caught my attention as i stared out the window, but all i could feel was paige sitting next to me, patient and nonjudgmental.
"if it makes you feel better," paige said eventually, her voice low and steady. "i can talk to the leasing office. see if they have any vacant spots—"
"no," i responded quickly, then much softer. "you don't have to do that. we're two grown adults. we can be mature enough to be friends."
she hummed, like she was skeptical. "friends?"
i turned my head at her, my eyes brows raised. we were stopped at yet another stoplight and she rested back in her seat, watching me with low eyes.
my stomach flipped again.
"yes. friends," i reiterated. "and friends can't look at me like that."
paige stifled a laugh, tilting her head curiously. "like what?"
"like that!" i pointed to her. "like you want me."
"i do, though," paige said simply. "but like you said, we're grown. you have someone else. i can respect that."
i shifted in my seat, feeling hot under her gaze. i turn away.
"good."
a new song filtered through the speakers as another moment of comfortable silence came between us.
"i usually stop for food after games. you want something?" paige suggested.
"please," i sighed dramatically. "i'm starving. the food at the arena is not good at all. you'd think with the ticket prices they'd be able to afford real food."
"bro, dont even get me started," she glanced over, her eyes gleaming with humor. "i don't know how fans eat that shit."
paige turned the music down to a distant hum. "have any places in mind?"
i thought for a second, scanning our surroundings to see if i saw something interesting. but as we passed a familiar area, i gasped in realization.
"oh my god, there's this spot with food trucks not far from here," i sat up straight. "i used to go there all the time with dijonai. make a left right here."
paige listened, flipping on her turn signal. "it must be good then."
i exhaled with a smile, my stomach grumbling at just the thought of it.
"nana's kitchen is definitely the best truck there," i said. "reminds me of my actual nana's cooking back in alabama."
we arrived at the lot in just a few blocks. it looked nearly the same as it did years ago during my senior year in college. a string of lights lit up the area as 7 trucks were scattered across the pavement. there wasn't that many people, only a few groups here and there chatting and ordering food.
paige parked and we both stepped out.
"which one is nana's kitchen?" paige asked, locking her car as we started walking.
"right there," i pointed to the white truck, decorated with pink flowers and calligraphy.
the familiar smoky smell hit my nose as we approached closer. the line wasn't long at all thankfully. only a couple, who were in the middle of ordering, their hands clasped together as the woman leaned closer into her lover.
my eyes flickered down, noticing how close i stood to paige who was reading the handwritten menu on the side of the truck. i shifted over and crossed my arms over my chest, pretending not to notice.
"so what we gettin'?" paige asked, her hand holding her jaw like she was in deep concentration. "catfish... jerk chicken... meatloaf..."
"so you get one meat, two sides," i explained. "i usually get their catfish or ribs. but i always, always get their baked mac and cheese. it taste so good."
paige looked over, her eyebrows furred in fake seriousness. "damn, you got me stressing now."
"just get what i get," i sucked my teeth, "cause you not gon' be stealing shit off my platter."
"that's crazy," paige's eyes widened. "cause you're the one who wanted my food in the first place."
the couple who ordered before us stepped to the side as they began to wait for their food. i hushed her with a finger in her face, then stepped forward. my eyes lit up at the familiar face.
"auntie!" i dragged out excitedly.
the older woman gasped, clutching her chest as if she'd seen a ghost. her hair was slightly grayer than i remember and her face a few lines deeper, but she still had the same homey smile.
"oh my!" she laughed, pointing a hand at me. "well i'll be damned."
i grinned sweetly, my hands resting on the metal counter of the truck. "how you been? it's been a minute."
"tired. always busy. you know, same ol' crap," she waved me off. "but look at you! all grown up. you graduated by now right?"
"yup. class of twenty two," i nodded. "i moved back to alabama for a bit, but i'm back down here for work."
her gaze slid towards paige next to me who watched the interaction patiently, her hands resting in her pockets.
"n'who is this?"
"oh, this is paige," i introduced her, noticing how auntie may's eyes squinted suspiciously. "my friend." i added quickly.
paige nodded her head politely. "nice to meet you, ma'am."
i butted in before auntie may could say anything else because if there was anything i did remember, it was that she never held back.
"this is her first time here. can you hook me up like old times?" i pleaded.
"like old times, huh?" auntie may giggled. "child, what y'all want?"
i ordered for the both of us, settling with catfish, mac and cheese, collard greens, and two water bottles. she slipped me an extra two pieces of cornbread like she always did and then told us the discounted price. but before i could finish reaching for my wallet i felt a hand stop me.
"i got it."
"unt unt," i shook my head, trying to push her hand back. "it's fine, i can pay."
"i know you can, but i want to," paige challenged, pulling a few bills out her wallet.
"paige—"
"lord, just let the girl pay," auntie may chimed in, already reaching for the money paige held. "you brought her here, she pays. it sounds good to me."
"auntie, you just met her. you're not supposed to side with her." i huffed.
"oh, please," she opened the old junky register. "i don't pick sides. paige came correct. real polite, and money ready."
"whatever," i mumbled under my breath, grabbing our cold waters from the counter.
"plus, she's real cute for a white girl." auntie may added, handing paige back the remaining balance with a wink.
i turned my head, "auntie, stop it."
paige hunched over and laughed, high pitched.
"what? i got eyes," auntie may said with a shrug. "we'll have your food ready soon, alright?"
i stepped to the side, staring at paige with a playful glare.
"she's hilarious," paige said, still laughing under her breath. "i like her."
"yeah, she's definitely a character," i scoffed, handing her a water. a smile still tugged on my lips. "i missed her, though. she makes me feel closer to home."
paige leaned against the warm truck next to me, far enough for my liking but still somewhat close enough to feel it.
"do you miss home?" paige asked quietly. "alabama?"
i opened my mouth, then closed it again. a million thoughts ran through my mind.
"sometimes, yeah," i said softly. "my family... everybody who's known me since i was little."
"most of my family moved to maryland," paige said thoughtfully, "but, i miss minnesota sometimes too. definitely not the cold though."
i let out a short laugh, "yeah, you definitely need some more sunlight."
paige shot me a look, "what you tryna say? i'm pale?"
i raised my hand, pinching my fingers close together. "just a little vitamin d deficient."
without warning, paige hit me with her water. not hard, but soft enough just to make me flinch. "can't believe this is the treatment i'm getting after paying for our food."
our food was ready a short time later and i thanked auntie may again. she didn't fail to give me a very short lecture of coming to visit her again and i promised her that i would.
i led us to a picnic table that glowed under one of the lights, tucked away in a quiet area. we sat down across from each other.
"this smells amazing," paige licked her lips. she didn't waste any more time before opening her container, the hot steam rolling into the night air.
"it tastes even better," i added, opening mine as well. "first bite is gonna change your life."
paige stared at her plate, like she was contemplating about what to try first.
"try the mac," i suggested.
she glanced up at me, then used her fork to dig out a nice piece. she waited a few moments for it to cool down, and then finally ate it.
her eyes shut as she chewed. i could tell she was enjoying it.
"this might be the best mac and cheese i've ever had."
we spent the next half hour talking between bites. our conversations bounced from silly one minute, but serious and deep the next. i liked it.
how easy it was. how i could joke with her yet be vulnerable all in the same breath.
she told me more about her family in maryland and minnesota, then about her days in storrs connecticut. how she'd go in the gym against coaches orders and shoot for sometimes hours when she was out with an injury. and how one time she accidentally made a hole in the wall in her dorm and blamed it on the maintenance guy.
then the conversation slowed and she asked about how i started dancing.
"my mom," i started, playing with the foil from the plate quietly. "she used to dance. owned a whole studio and everything. i was younger, like six or seven when my dad left us though."
my eyes flickered down as i continued.
"then money got tight. my mom couldn't juggle having a job and a dance studio, so she sold it and got a second job. she didn't really dance much after that." i exhaled heavily. "i think that's why i fell in love with dancing. seeing my mom have to give it up kinda made me want to do it for her in a sense."
my eyes glanced back up to find her listening intently. not pitiful, just... listening.
"i think that's beautiful," she said. "that you're carrying it on for her."
"yeah, i guess," i shrugged softly. "she passed after i graduated. she always thought i should focus on something real. find a real job."
"i'm sorry," she slightly frowned.
i offered a small smile, "it's fine."
"do you know how many people in high school told me basketball wasn't a real job?" paige said with a soft scoff. "that i wasn't gonna go pro and that i needed to be realistic?"
i slowly shook my head.
"when i was in college, there was this girl named abby who was diagnosed with cancer. over the years, the team and i became very close with her and her family. she'd come to our games, we'd visit her at the hospital or have dinner together at her house and what not. i honestly wouldn't even call her a fan, she was like family." paige said, a small smile on her face like she was revisiting the moments in her head.
she continued, "one night after practice, we found out that she ended up in the hospital with a brain bleed. she passed a few weeks later."
i chewed on the inside of my lip, feeling my heart ache as paige spoke.
"i was devastated, of course," paige said. "but it made me realize that this isn't just a sport. that being myself and doing what i love was able to give her joy and help her through the unimaginable."
i looked away, suddenly aware of the lump forming in my throat.
"i'm sure the kids you teach feel the same way, even if they're too young to say it. you give them something more than just dancing," her voice was softer. "that's what's real, sevyn."
i didn't know what to say at first. i was afraid that if i looked at her i'd either cry or kiss her. but i blinked away my tears and glanced back to her.
"thank you," i murmured. "i think i needed to hear that."
the wind picked up, nearly blowing away our almost empty plates. i suddenly looked around to find that most of everyone cleared out.
paige cleared her throat and checked the time, "you wanna head back now? it's getting kinda late."
i nodded and we both gathered our trash, throwing them away. we walked back to her car and got in, a comfortable silence between us.
another brent song played low through the speakers and paige hummed along as she drove. the ride was short, she pulled into the lot smoothly and parked.
i hated that i wanted to stay in the car.
but i got out anyway, the click of the seatbelt replaying in my head. i met paige near the trunk as she got our bags.
i reached for my duffle bag, "thank you... again."
"you don't have to keep thanking me." paige hit a button, triggering the trunk door to automatically close. "it's what friends do."
right. friends.
we didn't say much as we rode the elevator up to our floor. probably because i was too busy thinking about her rather than what to say to her.
thinking about how her real laugh was loud and high pitched, a juxtaposition to her naturally low and sometimes deep voice. thinking about how she slipped a fifty dollar tip in auntie may's tip jar when she thought i wasn't looking. thinking about how her expression softened when she talked about abby.
the elevator dinged, dragging me away from my own thoughts. i followed behind her as we turned the corner and walked the short distance to our doors. hers on the left, mine on the right.
we both dug out our keys, pausing with them in our hands like we were stalling.
"i had fun tonight," paige said, turning her head back to me. "definitely gonna have to visit nana's kitchen again."
"not you stealing my favorite food spot," i teased.
"guess you'll just have to come with me then."
my grip on my keys tightened.
"yeah, maybe," i nodded.
paige shifted, turning around to unlock her door. "goodnight, sevyn."
i watched as she gave me a smile before disappearing behind her door.
sevyn coincidently being my neighbor, dijonai's best friend, and on my team's dance crew was not good.
not good when she walked up to our table wearing a corset that nearly had her cleavage spilling out the top and leggings that hugged her curves in all the right places.
then she sat down next to me, close enough for her legs to brush against mine.
and when she laughed? her head tilted back, soft palm pushing at my arm, and eyes crinkling... i knew i was done for.
and definitely not good as she sat next to me with my sweater still draped over her shoulders as she ate half of a ribeye steak that i cut for her.
after myisha's comment i could notice how sevyn crawled back into a shell and i held back my tongue as my eyes landed on her across the table.
sevyn and i ate in silence other than chiming into some conversations here and there. but she was still distant and the vibe between us changed.
but i didn't want to push. so i let us sit in the slightly awkward tension. i knew she had a girlfriend— somebody, at least. and if i had to guess, it would be the elisha girl i overhead about. but regardless of how rocky the relationship seemed, i knew i had to respect that.
was i going to? maybe.
maybe not.
by the time we finished, the sun had already set and there was a slight chill. i was in the middle of saying goodbye to maddy, leaned against my car, when i noticed sevyn walk out with dijonai. she immediately wrapped my sweater tighter around herself.
but she was quick to get in her car after hugging dijonai goodbye.
the ride home was quiet. i had the radio on a low volume, barely even coherent. when i pulled into the lot, i noticed sevyn's car already in the lot. i took the elevator up to my floor and turned, finding sevyn leaned against her door.
my sweater was in her hands, clutching lightly. her head perched up at the sound of my footsteps.
"hi..." she trailed.
"hi," i stopped in front of my door, facing her.
she stared up at me for a moment, her kitten heels only taking away an inch to the additional 5 that i had over her. then she stretched out her arm with my sweater.
"sorry, i accidentally stole your sweater."
i honestly would have let her keep the sweater. sleep in it, rip it, sell it on ebay. i didn't give a fuck.
but i took it, my hand brushing against hers in the process. i knew she felt it because her hand slightly flinched back like it surprised her.
"you didn't have to wait for me out here," i said. "i coulda got it tomorrow or something."
"yeah, but i dunno," she said softly. "it would have felt weird."
oh. right.
i could only nod, letting the silence speak for the both of us. she cleared her throat and shifted her weight to her other foot. her fingers toyed with the keys in her hand.
"well, i'm gonna call it a night," she sent me a smile, but i could tell it wasn't genuine. "i promise no loud music this time."
i let out a quiet laugh, "thank you."
i didn't want her to go yet. my mind scrambled for anything to say in the split second that she turned her key. but before she went in, she paused and looked back at me.
"and i had a really nice time tonight. talking to you."
i smiled, nodding my head in agreement. "me too."
she didn't let the small moment between us linger, slipping inside before letting the door close gently.
i shut my eyes, resting my head on my door for a moment before i went inside my apartment. i spent yet another night with her on my mind.
--
the next few days were a blur. training camp, eat, sleep, a few costco runs, and media. our first preseason game was tomorrow and our flight to indiana left in a couple hours.
i haven't seen sevyn since she waited for me after dinner that night, and i felt myself lingering for longer than i needed to every time i came home or went to the arena.
i talked with nalyssa, trailing behind the rest of the group as we walked down towards the far end of the terminal. we both took our seats and dropped the duffel bag that made my shoulder sore.
"so then i was like—"
dijonai slipped into the empty seat between us, turning towards nalyssa. "lyss, can you go grab me a snack?"
nalyssa scrunched her face in confusion. "we literally just passed like ten food spots..."
"oh my god, just go," dijonai shooed her away with a groan. "and get something sweet."
"you're annoying." nalyssa stood, side eyeing her playfully.
once nalyssa was out of earshot, she turned around to me and narrowed her eyes. "you are not slick."
"huh?"
"huh?" she mocked. "i'm talking about sevyn. you were literally all over her the other night. everybody saw it."
i averted my gaze, eyes locking on some guy struggling to carry his bag.
damn, was i really that obvious?
but i shook my head. "like i said, we were just talking... y'all are dragging it."
"yeah, okay," she rolled her eyes. "you had your arm over her chair, almost cuddling, sharing food n'shit. she literally left with your sweater."
i sat quietly, mostly because i didn't have anything to say that wasn't a lie.
"listen," she continued, leaning a bit closer. "i'm not dumb, okay? i know you're feeling her and it's not my business, but since sevyn won't tell me shit, i have no other choice than to talk to you about this."
my head turned at her words. she looked genuinely concerned.
"she's in a messy relationship... has been for a while," she added quietly. "so whatever went on between you two at dinner, end it. she doesn't need something else to feel stuck in."
my jaw clenched at that, but i stayed quiet. dijonai eventually moved back to her seat across from me and i immediately dug my headphones out of my bag. i let my music drown out my thoughts while we waited to board.
SEVYN → ARLINGTON, TX
i let the door to the tattoo shop close behind me with a jingle. i had only been here a couple times, but a few of the artists recognized me, welcoming me with a warm smile.
"sevyn! hey," darren briefly paused to wave from behind his station. he worked on a half finished sleeve on a client's arm. "elisha's in the back."
i gave him a quick smile and nod, making my way towards the secluded room in the back with my two iced coffees and bag of packaged lunch. it was left open just slightly, but i still knocked first, unaware if she was in the middle of a session or not. i heard her voice immediately follow.
"come in."
i pushed the door open with my hip, my eyes landing on her immediately. she stood by her station, sleeves rolled back with black latex gloves on her hands as she wiped down her supplies.
"hi," i said, offering her a smile that she returned. i crossed over the room, removing one of the coffees from the holder and handed it to her. "it's still okay if i stop by right? i thought i'd bring lunch."
"yeah, of course. my next appointment is in a few hours." she took it, leaning in to place a kiss to my cheek. "thanks, bae."
i placed our lunch at the table that was near the window as elisha dragged two chairs over. i bought sandwiches from a cafe down the street, unpacking it before i took a seat.
"how's your day been?" i grabbed my drink, taking a much needed sip.
elisha pulled off her gloves and sat down, immediately reaching for her sandwich. "slower than usual. i had two back to back clients then i just worked on a few sketches."
she took a bite, chewing quietly.
"well, i had rehearsals today. it was good. tiring, but good," i said. "the home opener is tomorrow night by the way. it’ll be our first performance."
i paused, eyes dropping down towards my cup. i ran my finger against the condensation nervously. "i know you're working though, so if you can't make it it's fine."
she shook her head dismissively. “nah, i’ll be there. i don’t have any appointments so we can just go together.”
i smiled at that.
"okay, great," i took a bite of my ham sandwich.
our small lunch date continued for a bit longer. i listened as she rambled to me about work for a bit, something about a sketch she was working on. i nibbled on my sandwich, occasionally nodding to agree with her. my mind went elsewhere, back to that night last week.
i don't know what came over me that night. being with paige for just those two hours alone felt like i was stepping into my old self again. the me before elisha.
i felt lighter. safer.
i felt like i could just simply exist and not walk on eggshells around her.
and how she looked at me like i was already hers? it should have bothered me. should have made me feel uncomfortable. but it didn't.
i couldn't wrap my head around the fact that i'm in a relationship with someone who was my first everything.
my first kiss, first love, first time, first heartbreak...
yet, i felt things for paige that i haven't felt in a long time for the woman sitting right in front of me.
PAIGE → ARLINGTON, TX
i could hear the loud bass of the music from the arena before i even stepped on the court.
dressed in our warm up gear, we lined up in the tunnel and waited for our cue to start jogging towards the arena.
i followed behind arike when we were given the green light, taking in the noise of the crowd that was still trickling in. it wasn't until i jogged past the baseline that i noticed the dance team strutting down the sideline, coming from the opposite tunnel.
they were smiling and waving, energy flowing through their bodies as they walked in sync. my eyes scanned the group, almost immediately spotting sevyn who was in the middle of the line up.
she didn't notice me first, at least i don't think she did. she was dressed in her dance uniform, smiling as she pumped up her arms to the hype beat of the music.
i forced myself to look away as we broke off into drills. i caught a pass and drove in with two steps, the ball going in with a nice touch off the glass.
i moved to rejoin the line, butting hands with my teammates as we crossed paths. as i jogged alongside the sideline, the dancers turned during their routine, all of them facing towards the court. and that split second was just enough time for sevyn's eyes to land on mine.
her expression didn't falter, but her eyes did linger for another second too long. then she looked away.
and so did i.
--
by the time halftime came around, we were up by nearly fifty points. i had ten of them, along with two rebounds and four assists.
i stood courtside, wrapping up my halftime interview.
“yeah, uh…” i leaned in slightly, scratching my head. “i think we just need to keep being aggressive, push the pace a little more on the offensive side. they’ve been drawing contact and getting to the line, so we’re trying to match that energy."
the reporter nodded, pulling the mic back toward her with a smile that seemed robotic. "thanks, paige. good luck in the second half.”
i thanked her with a quick nod and then jogged into the tunnel. when i rejoined my team inside the locker room, i listened as coach went over plays.
the flatscreen in the corner was playing the halftime broadcast, the dance team in the middle of their performance.
"defense needs to be tighter. they're not playing to win, but that doesn't mean we get to slack off in this second half..."
another glance.
i could spot sevyn in the middle of the formation as the camera moved in for a closer shot, close enough for the camera to catch the sly smirk she had on her face as she moved to the beat.
i caught myself staring a bit too long before dijonai’s words from last week repeated in my head again. i spent almost that entire plane ride trying to convince myself that what i felt for sevyn was just a simple crush, phase— whatever.
but i still couldn’t help but want to know her more.
--
i stood up from the uncomfortable chair that i just spent the last ten minutes stuck in, thanking the reporters with a tight smile. i caught up to dijonai as i exited the media room.
“good game tonight, dc,” i poked her arm, walking beside her.
she was on her phone texting, but barely looked up. “if you call me that one more time…” she shoved me away with a light push of her shoulders. “i don’t have time for this tonight. i have too much shit to do.”
“hm, like what?”
she side eyed me then looked back her phone. “well, first i have to find sevyn and drop her off.”
we turned a corner and into the hallway that led to our locker room, dodging security that stood firmly in the way.
my mouth parted, a response on the tip of my tongue, before dijonai let out a sigh of relief.
“oh, there she is.”
my eyes followed her line of sight, landing on sevyn near the far wall. she was now changed into comfortable sweats, a hoodie, and slides, smiling sweetly as she talked to who i presumed to be a staff member.
her attention shifted towards us as we approached, her smile faltering subtly. i let dijonai walk in front of me as i slowed my pace and lingered near the opposite wall.
“hey,” sevyn adjusted the duffel bag strap over her shoulder. “i’m sorry this is super last minute. lish had to leave with the car before the game ended. she said something came up.”
“what do you mean she left with your car?”
i watched as sevyn’s expression shifted, her mouth tugging into a slight frown.
“please, don’t make this a big deal,” sevyn’s eyes flickered towards me. “i can just take an uber or something. i know we’re in opposite directions.”
“i’ll take you,” i stepped forward.
both of their heads turned toward me.
sevyn blinked. “you don’t have to-“
“sevyn,” i cut in softly. “it’s fine. i don’t mind. you’re in the same direction as me, so it works out better.”
i lied, not wanting dijonai to know just how bad i had it. she stared at me for a bit, like she thought of saying something but decided against it. she turned back to sevyn instead.
“you cool with paige taking you?”
sevyn shifted her weight hesitantly, then nodded. "yeah, it's fine
day three of training camp was finally winding down. some of the team had already left the gym, but i stayed behind and let dijonai catch my rebounds as i mindlessly shot free throws.
i couldn't help but half-listen to dijonai and nalyssa’s conversation. something about dinner plans and an old friend from college.
i released another shot.
“oh my god. shut up,,” dijonai laughed at something nalyssa said, completely missing the ball as it bounced off the rim and rolled back towards my feet.
“wow,” i deadpanned, grabbing the ball. “you are actually the worst rebounder ever."
"oh, please," dijonai swatted at my arm. "im trying to multitask. y'know, rebound and facilitate some... team bonding."
"oh, i'm sure y'all have bonded enough..."
"bro—" nalyssa laughed.
dijonai sucked her teeth. "paige, shut up."
"speaking of team bonding," nalyssa added. "we're supposed to be going out to eat tonight. you could come with us."
"mind you! it was only supposed to be me, lyss, and my homegirl—" dijonai jumped in, her eyes finding myisha who was across the court talking to our assistant coach. her voice grew louder as she continued. "—but myisha's nosy ass told everybody."
"yeah, arike, maddy, and jj coming too," nalyssa added.
it wasn’t like i had anything else to do anyway, so i shrugged and passed the ball between my hands. “yeah, i’ll come. just text me the details.”
“bet,” dijonai said, pulling out her phone. before mumbling to herself. “i gotta text sevy back anyway.”
"she's the homegirl?"
"yeah," she nodded. "i met her back at baylor.”
i thought back to my college days playing against baylor. maybe she played too.
“she hoop?”
“no, but she was on the cheer team,” dijonai said, typing out her message. “she actually just joined our dance team... so maybe it's not so bad that i had to change our reservation. she need new friends.”
nalyssa scoffed, jumping back into the conversation as she leaned against the wall. "anybody but elisha's weird ass. i hope she’s not bringing her."
i glanced up at that, curious. from the looks on their faces i didn't really have to ask about the elisha girl. i could already tell that i didn't want to know.
after i got the restaurant information from dijonai, i eventually left, making sure to say goodbye to everyone who was still lingering. i changed out of my practice clothes and back into my black shorts and simple t-shirt.
it was only half past three and the dinner started at 7, so i figured i could kill some time by running some errands. maybe even stop by a bookstore i had noticed when i first moved in.
anything to keep my mind busy and from thinking about her.
sevyn.
it was like i could still smell her strawberry scent, feel her hands against mine as she shook my hand.
i thought maybe the infatuation would fade away after she closed the door. but the way her soft voice said my name as she wished me good night was the last thing on my mind when i went to sleep, and the first when i woke up.
i wanted to hear it again. see her again.
sevyn.
i almost whispered it to myself, her name dancing on the tip of my tongue as i pulled to a stop at a red light.
i let my head fall against the wheel, sighing deeply.
i wanted her badly. but from the looks of things last night, it seemed like someone had beat me to it.
"fuck."
SEVYN → DALLAS TX
i was going to be late. as fuck.
the last kid's parent ended up getting stuck in bad traffic, so i stayed an extra twenty minutes behind at the studio before i could head back home and get ready.
and i only had an hour.
thankfully the dance studio wasn't too far from my apartment and the traffic was light, which only bumped my time down to fifty minutes max.
i tried not to stress even more about the fact that i haven't even touched my face since this morning or thought about an outfit, but my terrible parking job was proof of that. the apartment was almost silent when i rushed in, keys in one hand and my bags in another. only the quiet hum of a tv, which wasn't there when i left earlier.
i could see elisha working in the kitchen, the previous empty cabinets nearly full with contents now.
"hey," she greeted as she finished tucking away the last few items that remained in a box. "you're back already?"
i let the bags in my hand fall to the ground with a soft thud, rolling my shoulders. "not really. i got held up back at the studio and now i'm running late. i'm gonna take a quick shower and then head back out though."
i moved into the bedroom, even more furnished than before. elisha had unpacked our clothes and began filling up the closet, shoes in the designated shelf space and clothes hung on hangers. she followed behind me as i walked into the bathroom, turning on the shower. i shut the door before she could follow me inside.
"you going with dijonai, right?" she raised her voice over the sound of the water running. "she still with nalyssa?"
"yeah, they're still together," i discarded my clothes, making sure to wrap my hair up. "and i'm pretty sure dijonai's bringing some friends too."
i stepped into the shower as silence began to linger. i almost thought she had left before i heard her voice again.
"she say who?"
"don't try to play that jealous card with me."
"okay—" i could hear her open the door. "—so when you're concerned about my whereabouts, it's about precaution. but when i'm concerned about yours it's jealousy. bet."
i closed my eyes, biting the inside of my cheek. she had a point. after a deep exhale, i pulled back the shower curtain, only letting my head poke through. her tatted arms flexed as she leaned against the sink, using her arms to support her weight.
"like, it's not even about that. you're in a new city, shit could happen." she continued. "i'm trying to make us work again. but it's like every time i do anything, you make it seem like i'm the bad guy."
maybe i’d been so focused on everything elisha did wrong, i stopped seeing the ways she was trying to do right. forgot that it takes both of us to make shit work. i knew she was trying in her own way, even though it didn't feel like it at times.
because the truth was, i still loved her somehow.
"you're right. i'm sorry." my eyes met hers. she looked tired, but so was i. tired of all of our conversations going in circles. "and i appreciate that you're trying. i truly do. but i'm fine, elisha. besides, you know how much i trust nai."
i pushed the shower curtain back and moved towards the water, letting it wash the soap off my body. i mentally counted about forty something minutes before i had to head out.
"can we finish this conversation later, please?"
"yeah," she sighed. "i finished unpacking most of everything so... i'm gonna head out to the shop. i'll text you."
the bathroom door closed behind her a second later and i stayed under the water for a moment, letting it rinse me off in silence. when i stepped out i was immediately met with the warm steamy air and i grabbed my towel that hung on the rack. i moved fast into the bedroom, checking the time again as i passed my phone.
if i kept my makeup light i could still be fashionably late, so i settled on concealer, a little blush, and a lip combo.
thanks to elisha, my closet was much more organized than it was earlier which made choosing an outfit a lot less chaotic. i ended up deciding on a cream colored corset top, pairing it with matching capri leggings, the side tied into a knot that hugged my waist.
thankfully i didn't have to tend to my hair too much besides curling a few pieces that framed my face, securing it with holding spray.
i stepped into the kitten heels that i retrieved from my closet before spraying my favorite strawberry fragrance, finishing off my look with some jewelry.
after i double checked myself in the mirror, i grabbed my essentials and nearly twisted my ankle rushing out the door.
my eyes landed on the door across mine.
door c.
i haven’t seen paige since she knocked on my door last night practically half asleep, which was funny considering the fact that i dance for her team. but the dance crew and i haven’t exactly gotten the chance to meet the team just yet, so i hoped i got a chance to make a better first impression soon.
one thing i've learned since moving to texas is that dallas rush hour traffic was not for the weak. between someone stalling out on the freeway and constant stop and go traffic, i ended up being fifteen minutes late.
i heard my phone vibrate in the center console, apple carplay reading out the newest text from dijonai.
"nai said... girl if you're not here in the next two minutes we all putting the tab on you. would you like to respond?"
i pulled into a parking spot which was fortunately close enough to the entrance and texted her back with a giggle.
sevyn:
ntmmm😭 traffic was not nice to me today but i'm just pulling up now.
i shut the engine off and double checked my appearance in the mirror one last time before i got out.
the restaurant looked even better than the pictures on google. pink flowers and tiny white lights lined the walkway, leading up to a door that looked like it belonged to a mansion. i almost felt out of place.
inside, the air shifted, a much cooler contrast to the warmer outside atmosphere. with all the rushing to get ready, it didn't even cross my mind to bring a jacket just in case. i wrapped my arms around myself to try to give myself some warmth. the hostess greeted me with a polite smile nonetheless.
i returned it, "hi, i'm with dijonai carrington's party."
"of course, right this way."
i followed behind as she led me towards the back of the restaurant, the tables gradually getting bigger.
i finally spotted her bright blonde hair amongst the group of people she was sitting with, her back towards me.
jesus, how many friends did she invite?
i did a headcount of at least ten people as i approached the table, half of them already engaged in conversations while others studied the menus. dijonai's attention shifted at the sound of my heels. her gaze landed on mine, doing a second look over before she practically launched herself out of her seat.
"sevy!" she crossed the remaining space been us and pulled me into a hug. "bitch, i haven't seen you in forever."
"i know," you pouted, pulling away. "it's been too damn long."
"guys—" she turned around, keeping her arm around me as she started to introduce me to the table that now had our full attention. "this is sevyn, my bestie from baylor who's also on the dallas wings' dance crew now. i damn near had to drag her ass down here from alabama to audition."
"hi, it's nice to meet you guys," i laughed softly, scanning the group. "i'm so sorry for holding you guys up, i got stuck in traffic."
"sevyn, these are some of my teammates..." she trailed off, naming each of them.
i noticed nalyssa of course, sending her a friendly wave. some of them i recognized from the dallas wings roster, including the six foot blonde who was outside my door last night in uconn basketball shorts and a t-shirt.
she looked cleaned up now— a soft, pink buttoned sweater over a white top with black pants, sitting down next to an empty seat. she greeted me with a small smile.
"here," dijonai gestured towards the empty chair. "i saved you a seat next to me and paige."
i muttered a thanks as we both sat down, ignoring the way my legs slightly brushed against paige's.
it had been a while since i've seen dijonai and nalyssa in person, maybe a year or two give or take. our schedules rarely aligned, and when it finally did, one of us was either halfway across the country or in the middle of a season. so with dijonai and nalyssa being traded to the same team and me moving here for work, we had a lot of catching up to do.
and as i engaged in a conversation with dijonai and a few others about my time here so far in dallas, i could feel paige's presence heavily.
she hadn't said much of anything since i sat down, only a few laughs here and there from the table's conversation.
it didn't help that our chairs were so close that if i moved my leg a couple inches it would be on top of hers.
after another few minutes of catching up, i felt the grumble of my stomach. i turned to the menu that rested on the table in front of me, scanning over it fast.
my eyes landed on the ribeye, which sounded fucking amazing.
out of the corner of my eye, i could see paige glance my way again. it was sneaky, but i catch it.
i turn my head. she's looking at the menu, her face feigning a look of deep concentration. my mouth parted, thinking of anything to say to break our silence.
fuck, she has a good side profile.
"hey, neighbor," i said, catching her attention.
her lips curved into a smirk before her head turned towards me.
her blue eyes looked brown almost under the warm lighting.
"hey," she said, "it's a small world, huh?"
and her voice sounded sexy... lower than i remembered.
i hummed, turning my attention back to the menu but keeping the conversation alive.
"you know what you gettin'?" i flipped a page, scanning over the words as a distraction. "i think i'm gonna get the ribeye with mashed potatoes and asparagus."
"yeah, i decided on salmon like an hour ago," she joked, side eyeing me over her menu.
"hey!" i gasped, nudging her menu with mine. "i was not that late."
"yeah right," paige chuckled. "my poor stomach was touching my back."
i sucked my teeth with a roll of my eyes.
"but nah," she tapped her finger against the table. "the ribeye steak sounds good. i was thinking about it too."
"you should just get it so i can steal off your plate then..."
paige huffed in disbelief, but i saw a smirk tug at her lips. "see, now you're talkin' crazy."
"ain't nothing crazy about that, that's called strategy." i shrugged before taking a sip of my glass that i poured earlier.
i was joking... mostly.
but dijonai, leaning back with a smirk as she overheard our conversation, nudged my arm.
"y'all wanna know what’s crazy?" she said, grabbing everyone's attention. "because i got some crazy baylor memories."
i narrowed my eyes at her warily, "don't start, nai..."
"nah, now i gotta hear this," jj laughed, leaning in with her elbows on the table, clearly intrigued.
"so sevyn was on the baylor cheer team, right?" she started, already struggling to contain her laughs. "this girl almost got us a tech-"
"dijonai, please," i groaned.
"no, no, lemme tell it," she laughed. "so we were playing against missouri state. the game was tied and we only had like ten seconds left. i drive up to the basket and number twelve fouls the fuck out of me. like i fell hard."
i hid my face in my hands as dijonai pointed to me.
"then this one steps over the baseline and goes, 'bitch that's why y’all ranked number twenty!'"
the table erupted in laughter as i rolled my eyes at dijonai. “okay, that’s enough.”
thankfully the waiter finally showed up before dijonai could get another story out. he made his way around, taking everyone's orders until he got to paige.
"i'll have the ribeye, medium well, please."
i eyed her, but she kept her eyes ahead, sipping her drink. the waiter's attention then turned to me.
"i'll get your salmon dish, thank you," i said, handing my menu over to him with a smile.
he nodded and scribbled down my order quickly, moving onto dijonai.
paige leaned back in her chair, turning towards me with a low laugh coming from her lips. "y'wanna split?"
i eagerly nodded, falling into an easy conversation with her as we waited for our food.
i told her about myself, giving her the same spiel that i gave everyone else.
born and raised in alabama, started dancing at four years old and fell in love with it, graduated from baylor university with a double major in dance and psychology, blah blah blah...
she listened, her body almost fully turned towards me with her full attention. i swear i noticed her eyes dropping towards my lips a few times. but she quickly caught herself every time.
talking with her seemed... natural. way too easy.
it was when i was in the middle of a story, something about a kid trying to backflip in one of our routines, when she finally took her eyes off of me. i watched as she unbuttoned her sweater, slip it off, then carefully throw it around my shoulders to cover my arms.
i slightly froze at the sudden move.
"you were shivering," she said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"oh. yeah," i blinked. "thank you."
i ignored— or at least tried to ignore, the sweet lavender smell of her cardigan, finding myself loosening up more than i usually did around people i'd just met as we fell back into conversation. i nearly almost forgot it wasn't just the two of us when she said something that made me laugh. a real laugh from the gut that earned a look from the next table over.
"y'all just in your own little world over there," myisha commented.
paige, in the middle of a sentence, paused as both of our heads snapped towards myisha who sat across from us.
"don't let us interrupt date night." she added, catching the attention of everyone else at the table.
the table fell silent, their eyes on the two of us. someone at the end of the table let out a chuckle that they tried to cover with a fake cough.
i shifted, suddenly aware of just how close i'd migrated towards paige. my body leaning towards her, our legs were slightly brushing with her arm rested over the top of my chair, her sweater— still warm from her body heat, now draped over my shoulders. from anybody else's perspective, we looked like a couple.
intimate and close.
"don't be weird," nalyssa butted in. "we're just talking."
"hey, i'm just saying," myisha mumbled.
thankfully the rest of the table fell back into their own conversations, leaving a thick uncomfortable silence between paige and i. i turned back towards the table, my gaze catching hers. she slowly retracted her arm that was over the back of my chair and dropped it into her lap. i sent an apologetic smile that she didn't fully return.
her sweater felt hot against my skin now. i exhaled, suddenly becoming aware of how much the sweater smelled like her.
a soft poke pulled me from my thoughts.
"hey," dijonai leaned in and whispered. "you good?"
i nodded maybe a little too quickly, "yeah. i'm good."
she raised her eyebrow, reading right through me. but before she could press any further, the waiter approached with everyone's food.
a plate with two pieces of salmon, rice, and steamed vegetables was placed in front of me. i watched from the corner of my eye as paige received her plate.
the both of us didn't move for a moment, until paige broke the silence.
contents/warning(s): nun much just sevyn’s stud gf and paige being down bad
word count: 2.3k
a/n: i’m literally begging yall for feedback on these few chapters i’m publishing tn LMAOOO PLS. also this will be published on my wattpad later on too so i’ll link that when it’s up
PAIGE → DALLAS, TX
the first time i saw her, i was on my way back from grabbing lunch.
the dallas heat was nearly excruciating and i mentally cursed myself for deciding to walk instead of drive. but just as i neared the apartment entrance, i heard a shout. curious, i glanced over to the parking lot and saw her.
a woman, struggling to hold a box as its contents spilled out from the poorly taped bottom, standing next to a moving truck. a container fell from the box, rolling until it stopped at her feet.
her hair was pulled back messily, loose hairs sticking to her sweaty skin that glowed under the sunlight. she wore a tank top that clung to her frame and plain sweatpants that sat low at her hips. she looked frustrated... tired.
she also looked pretty.
real pretty.
i paused with my hand on the entrance door handle, suddenly forgetting about the fact that i was probably risking third degree sunburn. i watched for another second too long, not sure if i should help her instead of standing there like an idiot.
but before i could do anything, another woman came around from the other side of the moving truck to scoop the box from her arms.
the second time i saw her was the next day, just after midnight.
and if there was one thing that i loved on this earth, it was my sleep.
i groaned into my pillow as another bass drop reverberated through my room. at first, i tried to ignore it with the hopes that it wouldn't last too long. but after the fourth song started, i'd had enough.
i couldn't afford to show up to training camp half asleep and pissed off.
i sat up, reaching for a tee to throw over my sports bra and practically stomped out of my apartment in the first pair of slides that i found. i knew that i probably had bed hair, but i didn't care.
as i reached the hallway, just barely awake, the bright lights hit my face like a truck. i squinted, adjusting to the glare as the music grew louder out here. it didn’t take much to figure out that it was coming from the apartment directly across from mine.
of course.
i knocked hard with three sharp hits to the door. the music stopped mid-beat, and then followed a sudden silence that somehow felt louder than the music itself. i could make out faint footsteps approaching before the door unlocked.
the door opened wide, revealing the same woman from earlier, this time in a black satin pajama set with her hair wrapped in a roller set. it looked like she was fresh out the shower, brown skin glistening with body oil and a fresh strawberry scent that engulfed my nasal cavity.
i blinked, forgetting the words of profanity that i had practiced in my head on the way over here.
she tilted her head slightly, "can i help you?"
"yeah, uh," my hands blindly fixed my hair, trying to make it seem like i didn't just literally roll out of bed. "your music... it's too loud."
a pang of guilt flashed across her face as she frowned. "shit, i'm sorry. i could have sworn i saw sound proof walls in the pamphlet."
suddenly, i didn't give a shit about my sleep at all. if being awake right now meant standing here in front of her, taking in her soft features, then i wouldn't mind missing all my shots during training camp.
"it's all good," i reassured her truthfully. a beat of silence passed between us and i itched to say something else before it got awkward. "i'm paige, by the way. i live across the hall."
i offered my hand and she took it without hesitation, a soft smile tugging at her lips. her touch was warm and welcoming.
"yeah, i know. you're kind of hard to miss here in dallas."
i let out a short laugh, half embarrassed. "was it the bus stop posters?"
she nodded, her bottom lip caught between her teeth like she was trying not to laugh. i swear my heart nearly fluttered out of my chest from the sight of her.
"i'm sevyn," she leaned against the doorway. "i just moved in today actually. i'm sorry about the awful first impression."
i opened my mouth to speak, but another voice from inside her apartment spoke first.
"bae, who's at the door?"
i just barely caught how sevyn’s smile dimmed. her gaze quietly rolled toward the sound that came from behind her.
“it’s just our neighbor,” she called back. “i’ll be back in a minute.”
i cleared my throat, trying to ignore the way my stomach twisted at the word 'bae'. sevyn met my gaze again.
"anyways, i should get going."
i offered a quick nod and took a short step back, "yeah, of course. have a good night."
"you too, paige."
she closed the door with a click, leaving me staring at her door for a few moments. i turned, heading into my own apartment. as i walked back into my room, i caught a glimpse of my alarm clock.
12:47 am
great. just about seven more hours until i had to be up and ready. i wasn't even sure i could sleep now.
if having to deal with a new city and starting my professional career wasn't already enough to keep me up at night, adding a new stunning neighbor to the mix isn't making it any better.
SEVYN → DALLAS, TX
the last person i expected to see when i opened my door was paige bueckers, nonetheless be neighbors with her.
not only was she plastered across billboards and every third screen in texas, she was the talk of the town. and in my case, especially talked about in a family full of women's basketball fanatics.
and to make things even more complicated, i had just joined the dance team for the dallas wings last week.
i almost didn't recognize her at first. she looked different— half sleep, hair messy, tired eyes— and her skin looked shiny as if she had did a skincare routine not too long ago. but it didn't take long for it to click.
elisha's voice broke through my thoughts again as i leaned against the door. "yo? you coming to bed?"
she emerged from my bedroom, phone in hand as she barely even glanced my way, too busy typing on her phone.
i watched at her, silently for a second. all i could think about was, when did things get so different? she was here physically, shoes by the door, boxes of her clothing still half unpacked in the bedroom, and the cologne she wore stuck on the sheets. but somewhere down the line, she became less like the woman i met back in mobile. dallas was supposed to be a reset. new city. new job. new apartment.
not… whatever this is.
"yeah."
by the time i woke up the next morning elisha was gone. the spot next to me was cold, which meant she'd been gone for a while.
i checked my phone, looking to see if she sent me a text to let me know where she'd gone, but there was nothing. i ignored the way my heart sank.
instead, i laid there for a couple more minutes, letting the weight of the morning settle over me before i finally got up. i had rehearsals in the next three hours, then a dance class to teach later in the day.
part of the reason i moved to dallas a teaching opportunity that opened up at a dance studio downtown. so i started leading classes a few times a week, and on the weekends, i’d rent out studio space to work one on one.
breakfast was simple, just a couple pieces of toast and an omelet with whatever i could find in the barely stocked fridge. most of the apartment was still in boxes anyway, so groceries and a bed were really the only thing i had at the moment.
i made a mental note: put elisha on unpacking duty.
i could have sworn i carried more boxes inside than she did. she needed to pull more weight than just contributing to half the rent.
i'd finished eating and was halfway dressed when i heard the front door open from my room. keys jangled against the wood followed the crinkle of paper bags brushing together.
"yo, sev!" i could hear her drop her items on the kitchen before her footsteps began approaching the room. "i bought some more groceries."
i felt relief wash over my face.
"thank god," i just finished pulling my shirt over my head by the time she reached the threshold. "i'm definitely wasn't gonna have time for that today."
elisha leaned against the bathroom door frame, arms crossed against her chest, with her locs pulled were back into a low ponytail. she wore a graphic tee that fit loosely around her body and a pair of jorts that complimented her tone legs.
"you look good," i said, quieter than i meant to. i could see her lips curve up into a smirk before i turned my head back towards the mirror. i reached for the rollers in my hair to undo them. "i'm mad at you though."
i watched her reflection as she fully stepped into the bathroom, arms snaking around my waist to pull me back against her.
"what i do now? i can't leave to buy groceries?" her voice tickled against my neck. i felt her hands creeping down to the front of my pants.
i turned, lightly pushing her off to put distance between us. "don't just up and leave. i don't care if it's just to get groceries or if you’re going to the shop. we need to communicate with each other."
"aight."
i narrowed my eyes at her, cocking my head. "i'm serious, elisha."
"and i said aight," she huffed, stepping back defensively. "fuck else you want me to say?"
"how about a fucking apology? maybe sorry i disappeared without saying anything even though i promised you no bullshit?" i shot back.
her expression shifted at the mention of what we discussed back in alabama. the silence between us was thick and bitter.
"i told you i was done with that shit."
"okay, so prove it," my voice softened. i didn't want to argue. "i don't ask for a lot, elisha. i only want you to be honest with me from here on out. because if you're just going to rope me back into the same shit, then what the fuck are we doing here?"
"i'm sorry, okay?" she rubbed her eyes, letting a deep sigh pass through her lips. "i meant what i said. no funny shit. clean money."
i didn't say anything right away. i folded my arms around my chest, eyes falling to the cold tile floor beneath my feet as her words settled.
i could see her feet move towards me before a hand met my face, guiding my eyes back to her. she placed a light kiss on my lips and i let her. "i'll do better."
i tried reading her, tried to see if the part of me that wanted to believe her— needed to believe her— was right. but if there was one thing i knew about elisha, it's that it didn't matter if she meant it or how much she did. only how long it would take before she stopped.
"i need to finish getting ready. i have rehearsal and class today," i changed the subject before i started another argument. she held my gaze for a moment, then nodded. i turned away, focusing my attention on the last few rollers in my hair. "i need at least half of our shit unpacked by the time i get back."
"what time you think you coming back? i could make dinner?" she suggested.
shit. dinner.
in the middle of unpacking and trying to figure shit out with elisha, i’d completely forgotten that dijonai invited me out to eat tonight.
“i dunno,” i said with a shrug, pulling the last roller from my hair. “probably around ten.”
i caught her eyes in the mirror as i added, “plus, dijonai hit me up yesterday about going out for dinner tonight, so… if you do cook, don’t save me a plate.”
elisha only quietly hummed in acknowledgment before stepping out of the bathroom, leaving me to finish up my hair. i checked the time on my phone, only twenty minutes before i needed to head out. my thumb hovered over the imessage icon.
sevyn:
morning nai <3 we still on for dinner tonight?
i hit send and moved to the bedroom, digging through one of the half-unpacked boxes for a decent pair of sneakers.
my phone dinged.
dijonai:
good morning sevy🫶 and yesss we are
dijonai:
also i know i told you it was only me and lyss, but some of my nosy ass friends wanna come too. is that okay?
i chuckled, finding a pair of my favorite sneakers to put on.
sevyn:
lmao yeah ofc !!
it wasn't long before i finished getting ready. i made a mental checklist to make sure i didn't forget anything as i passed the living room on my way to the front door.
bags. keys. charger...
i peeped elisha kneeling as she sorted through boxes, her fingers tangled in random cords. her gaze met mines and she paused as if she wanted to say something.
"i'll see you later tonight," i said, quick and short. i let the door shut behind me, leaving her to sit with her own thoughts.
paring: paige bueckers x black fem!oc
synopsis: when sevyn moves to dallas, she's only focused on two things— her career and leaving the past behind. but she's unprepared when temptation comes knocking at her door.
warning(s): cheating, losts of angst, toxicity and manipulation, smut eventually, more tba
a/n: i’m so excited abt this book oh em geeee. it’s been so long since i’ve written an actual book and not just long ass oneshots😭🙏 i already have a few chapters of this written but it still needs to be edited so this story is still a work in progress lol but trust it’s coming soon. (shoutout to my insta spam moots yall will be getting sneak peeks)
paring: paige x black fem!reader
synopsis: after being drafted number one pick, paige is under pressure to prove herself and save a failing relationship. then, she sees you.
warning(s): fingering (r!receiving), spit play, cunnilingus (r!receiving) and (p!receiving), face riding, overstimulation, squirting
word count: 4.4k
a/n: i started writing this after i watched sinners if you couldn’t tell
PART ONE | PART TWO
paige didn't touch you again for the rest of the ride. it felt like she was actually trying to drive you insane.
your thighs were still squeezed together when she pulled into a private garage that was tucked underneath a high-rise apartment. she rolled her window down to tap a key fob against a sensor, and smoothly driving through once the gate opened for her. she parked near the elevator and turned off the engine.
she seemed calm. patient.
like she didn't just have you on the brink of an orgasm with just two fingers.
your head was spinning as you thought back to just exactly how you ended up in this situation tonight. when you first found her looking at you like you were the only woman in the room, to her following you to the bar and undressing you with just her eyes alone. you blinked, watching as she got out and circled around to your door, opening it.
everything was quiet, surprisingly. just your heels echoing sharply against the pavement as you stepped out and followed behind the blonde to the elevator. it wasn't until you stepped inside that it hit you. it was the first time tonight that you guys were truly alone. no other people. no music. no crowd.
just you and her.
she leaned against the elevator wall on the opposite side as it ascended. your eyes dragged over her slowly, her lips, the chain that decorated her neck, her tight crop top that exposed her abs, her veiny hands that were clasped together in front of her.
you wondered how her lips would feel—pressed to yours, dragging down your neck, buried between your thighs. how that cold gold chain would feel pressed against your cheek, against your chest. how her abs would tense beneath your tongue. how three of her fingers would feel inside of you instead of two.
you looked back up to find her watching you.
she wasn't smiling. didn't have that stupid smirk on her face. it was like you were back in the club with her in the next section over, yet this time the tension was stronger.
you wanted her. badly.
you took a step towards her, and another. you didn't stop until you were inches away, close enough to wrap your arms around her neck.
she let out a breath. "once these doors open, ain't no going back."
"shut up and kiss me."
the elevator door dinged.
her hand gripped your jaw, much firmer this time, and pulled your mouth to hers like it was magnetic.
nothing was gentle.
your lips crashed against hers in a messy kiss. she pressed into you, hips flush, hands instantly dragging down your sides like she couldn’t figure out what part of you she wanted to grab first.
your head was spinning. you barely registered anything, only that she was already walking you backwards, still kissing you like she was starving. her grip stayed tight, one hand wrapped around your waist, the other grabbing a fistful of your ass as she walked you out of the elevator like she owned your body now.
you stumbled, nearly losing your balance on your heels, but her grip on you didn’t loosen.
“i got you,” she mumbled against your lips, her teeth dragging your bottom lip before biting down, hard enough to make you shiver.
you weren’t even sure where you were anymore— somewhere between the entrance and losing your mind— but your back hit a cold wall, your hands clinging around paige’s neck like she was the only thing keeping you upright.
all you could do was moan breathlessly against her lips. the same hot ache from the car crept back up in the pit of your stomach, but worse now. ten times as needy.
her tongue slipped past your lips, licking into you slowly. your hands dragged down the length of her arms until they found the collar of her jacket. you tugged impatiently, needing less between you.
without missing a beat, paige shrugged it off without breaking the kiss.
your palms landed flat on her stomach, pressing against smooth, firm skin, your fingers splaying over her abs. her body tensed beneath your touch.
you slightly pulled back, panting, lips swollen, a burn in your lungs from the lack of oxygen. a thin string of spit hung between your mouths, stretching then snapping as you licked your lips.
paige looked wrecked in the prettiest way.
her blue eyes low. lips wet. chest rising slow.
“i’ve been thinking about this since the bar,” she whispered against your lips, dragging her hand under the cup of your ass, squeezing hard. “how badly you wanted me to fuck you but still tried to play it cute.”
you let out a breath that caught halfway.
“i did n—"
“don’t lie to me,” she cut in, her hand cupping your pussy through your panties, palm pressing hard. “you’re still dripping, mama.”
she was right.
your knees buckled slightly, a quiet gasp escaping your throat before you could catch it.
you knew she could feel it. the shake in your thighs, the way your breath hitched, the way your hips rolled forward into her touch.
she leaned forward, her mouth brushing against the shell of your ear.
“you feel that shit?” she whispered, pressing her palm firmer against your center, her thumb sliding in slow, deliberate circles over the soaked fabric.
you whimpered in response. your hand clutched her bicep for balance, nails digging into her skin, your other hand balling into the fabric of her shirt. her tongue licked over your ear lobe, warm and soft.
“i could make you cum just like this,” she murmured, using her knee to spread your legs even further. “right here. up against this wall. panties still on. my fingers rubbing on this pretty pussy.”
your head tipped back against the wall with a soft thud, breath stuttering as her teeth grazed your earlobe, not hard enough for discomfort but enough to send another wave of pleasure between your legs.
you groaned, hand sliding up to her face to grip her jaw, thumb brushing the edge of her bottom lip. you pulled her back in front of you, eyes locked.
“paige, i need your mouth,” you pleaded as her thumb still rubbed dangerously slow.
her lips parted slightly, tongue swiping across the bottom one like she could still taste you from earlier.
“where?” she asked, like she wanted to hear you say it just to break you down with it.
you huffed, jaw clenched. “don’t be a fucking dick.”
paige bit back a grin, the corner of her mouth twitching, but she didn’t argue.
instead she slipped both hands under your dress, palms dragging up your thighs until her fingers hooked the thin string of your thong.
she tugged it down slowly, watching the fabric peel off your skin like a reward she earned. you didn’t breathe until she dropped to her knees in front of you.
“this what you want?” she murmured, staring up at you, eyes locked as your panties pooled at your ankles.
she helped you step out, even reached to slide your heels off your feet, tossing them to the side like it was nothing.
"i think you want this more than me." you said, voice still shaky, but clear.
she just stayed there— on her knees, her hands sliding up your bare calves, thumbs brushing along the backs of your thighs. her eyes never left yours.
"you might be right," paige said as her hand gripped your thigh and hiked your leg over her shoulder, fingers bunching the fabric of your dress high on your hips. her mouth was just inches away, her breath hot against your skin. "you want me to prove it?"
she didn’t wait for your answer— just pressed a slow, open-mouthed kiss to your inner thigh.
then another, closer to your cunt. soft and teasing, grazing her teeth against your skin.
your hands dove into her hair, fingers tangled in the bun at the back of her head as you tugged hard, trying to pull her mouth where it mattered.
“fuck me,” you gritted your teeth, “or on my life i’m leaving and slashing your tires on the way out.”
paige’s eyes flicked up, filled with half-amusement and half-lust.
“so dramatic,” she murmured, lips brushing your inner thigh again. “you coulda just said please.”
but she complied.
without another word, she gripped your ass with both hands, pulled your hips closer to her face, and devoured you. she used her tongue, dragging it through your folds deliberately slow, then flattened it against your clit.
"fuck!" you cried out, loudly.
your back arched against the wall, hands gripping her head, pulling her deeper. she groaned into your pussy, deep and guttural, sending vibrations through your core as her tongue circled your clit with filthy precision.
then she sucked.
your knees buckled. you nearly collapsed on her, leg shaking around her shoulder, hips jerking into her mouth like your body was acting on instinct alone. she held you still. moving one hand around your thigh, the other pressing against your stomach to keep you from running.
"you taste so good, baby," she rasped against your pussy.
you barely had time to breathe before her lips were back on you, latching onto your clit. the one hand that she had on your thigh traveled down between your legs. she used two fingers to spread apart your folds, running her tongue from your hole to your clitoral hood, lapping up all the juices you gushed out for her.
she slowed her pace just a bit, tracing every crevice with her tongue before returning back to your swollen clit. she alternated between flicking her tongue and licking over your bud, shaking her head slightly, making you dig your fingers even further into her hair, pushing her face deeper.
"oh my god, paige-" you gasped, the rest of your words getting caught in a high pitched moan.
maybe it was the overwhelming tension that had been building between you two all night, or the fact that she had been edging you for the past twenty minutes, but you swear nothing has ever felt this good.
you didn’t know how your legs were still holding you up. your knees were jelly. your thighs were twitching. your head kept falling back against the wall, unable to stay still.
you haven't even known her for half a day, yet she's fucking you like she's known you for years. her fingers curled inside you at a rhythmic pace, hitting your spot so precisely. over and over again.
your back arches off the wall, riding her face, hard and messy. your hand flew to your chest, tugging your dress down without a second thought. your breasts spilled free into the cool air, nipples already hard. you grabbed at one, squeezing, rolling your fingers over it until you moaned again, louder this time.
"don't stop," you were barely coherent. each word and moan that came from your mouth was closer and closer to sounding like a sob.
paige hummed again against your cunt. her lips created a tight suction around your puffy clit, using her tongue to flick erratically.
and just like that, your body jerks.
the pressure that had been coiled in your gut snapped, exploding out in waves that knocked the breath out of you. literally.
you couldn't think. couldn't breathe.
you felt like you were being held hostage to your own pleasure. you couldn't do anything but wildly buck your hips into her face as she continued lapping up everything you had her before it even had time to leak. your mouth was open— no sound, just gasps of air— cheeks hot and wet from the tears that slipped from your eyes.
finally feeling your arm again, you muster up as much energy as you could to push at her shoulder. paige pulled back breathlessly, lips and chin drenched in your juices. her hair was messy, most of her bun undone from the grip you had on it.
your legs were trembling, and paige— sensing that you were struggling— stood up to her feet to hold onto you. she caressed your face with her other hand, bringing you in for a quick kiss.
when she pulled back, she rested her forehead against yours. "you okay?"
you nodded, still dazed from your orgasm. your hand reached for her chain, looping a finger under it to pull her back in. your lips met hers again, hungrier this time. you sucked on her bottom lip, moaning softly into her mouth, then kissed your way down to her chin, licking your own slick from her skin like you were claiming it back.
paige moaned, gripping your sides tighter. "shit..."
"bed," you muttered against her jawline, breath hot against her skin. "now."
paige didn't hesitate. her hands grabbed onto the back of your thighs and lifted you up, your legs instantly wrapped around her waist, leaving messy open mouthed kisses at her neck as she maneuvered through her apartment. you bit down, sucking hard enough to bruise.
"you're killing me," paige said, her voice strained and needy.
"good," you whispered, rolling your hips against her bare stomach.
paige pushed open a door with her foot and crossed the threshold, tossing you onto her bed. you bounced once, dress hiked around your hips, tits fully out and glistening in the soft light from your body oil. you propped yourself up on your elbows, watching her with parted lips.
she reached forward, tugging at the hem of your dress until it reached your hips. you lifted yourself up, helping her completely pull it off of you.
she then grabbed the ends of her shirt and pulled it over her head, revealing a fitted black sports bra that hugged her just enough to make you throb all over again. she let it drop to the floor behind her, eyes still locked on yours as she started to crawl over the bed.
but you stopped her, foot planted against her abdomen.
she froze and arched an eyebrow at you, curious, breath catching just slightly.
you didn’t say anything right away, dragging your foot slowly down her torso, tracing every muscle, until your toes found the zipper of her shorts and rested there.
"these too."
paige's mouth curled into the faintest smirk, "yes, ma'am."
she pulled back to undo the zipper on her shorts slowly, hooking her thumbs into the waistband before dragging them down her legs. her boxers were black, snug against her thighs. she was lean, defined in all the right places. the rough kisses you left on her neck were already forming into hickeys. you felt your mouth water at the sight of her in front of you.
"i wanna taste you."
you rose up to sit on your knees, eyes never leaving hers. paige stayed standing, watching you with a heat in her gaze that made your pulse spike.
“i won’t stop you,” she murmured, her fingers slipped into your hair, gentle but possessive, dragging her nails lightly along your scalp as if guiding you without force.
your hands slid up the side of her thighs, letting your nails drag against her skin, before they curled around the waistband of her briefs.
you tugged them down slowly, watching the way her body responded. you could see her hips jerk forward, just once, small but noticeable.
they slipped halfway down her thighs with ease, revealing her slick, glistening cunt already dripping for you.
your hands gripped her thighs for stability as you got closer, lips inches away from her. "i should make your ass beg."
“yeah fucking right,” she fired back, letting out a shaky laugh.
"what?" you pulled back slightly, dragging your lips upward to lick up her thigh, along her pelvis bone. "you had so much to say about this mouth... now you don't want it?"
"i do want it."
you could see her patience thinning, but you didn't care. she was stubborn, but so were you. she didn't get to toy with you all night and not get a taste of her own medicine.
your thumb brushed over her clit just barely and she tensed again. you kissed back down her thighs. "beg."
for a second, she didn’t move.
her jaw clenched, eyes closing briefly. but you stayed there, still quietly placing kisses on her skin, waiting for her next move.
then she finally spoke.
“please, baby,” paige rasped, opening her eyes to meet yours. "i need your mouth— fuck, i need it.”
you let her feel your smile against her skin. within seconds, you leaned in, kissing her clit once. then again, longer, deeper, lips sucking around it with purpose. you felt her fingers tighten in your hair as she let her head fall back with a soft moan. you licked between her folds, tongue flattening to push deep and taste everything she had waiting for you.
“shit—" paige choked out, tugging you back suddenly, her breath shallow. "lay on your back. now.”
you moved quick, eyes hungry as you laid flat against her sheets, mouth still wet with the taste of her. paige climbed over you, the mattress dipping beneath her weight, and positioned herself above your face, her pussy just inches from your mouth.
“this okay?” she asked, voice quieter now.
you didn’t answer with words.
your tongue met her center again, licking up her slit before you sucked her clit into your mouth with a moan. paige groaned, deep from her throat. her thighs tensed beside your head, her fingers finding your hair again, tighter now.
“oh shit…”
she rolled her hips once, careful and experimental, then again, rougher, grinding down into your face like she needed it.
you held yourself still with your tongue flat out as she rode your face, watching her through your eyelashes. her eyes were closed, eyebrows slightly furrowed, with her lips parted. her moans were quieter, but raw and vulnerable. you clenched your own thighs together at the sight.
you flicked your tongue up at just the right angle, hitting her clit mid-grind, earning another praise from her.
"just like that."
you could feel her starting to shake above you, her wetness coating your chin, dripping down your jaw. she continued rhythmic strokes that got messier with every pass. you didn’t move even as your jaw began to ache. you kept your tongue out, let her use you as she pleased, hands resting on her thighs as she rode your mouth harder.
paige tugged at your hair tighter, making you moan against her. you pressed your tongue even further into her, feeling her hips stutter.
“oh—” she gasps, moments before she reaches her orgasm. a heavy groan escapes her and her entire body shudders, her thighs clenching tight around your head.
paige didn’t say a word for a moment.
just hovered there, breathless, trying to collect herself. it wasn't long before she removed herself off of you to sit in the empty space next to you, back rested against her headboard.
you sat up slowly. paige was watching you—head tilted back slightly, eyes hooded and dark.
“come here."
you crawled toward her, and as soon as you were within reach, her hands found your waist, dragging you forward until you were straddling her lap.
her eyes dropped, trailing down your chest, over your pierced navel, past the mess she’d made between your thighs, and back up like she was trying to memorize you all over again.
your tongue slid across your bottom lip, licking away the taste she left on your face.
she didn’t look away.
“wanna taste it?” you asked.
paige nodded slowly before you reached out, cupping her chin between your fingers. her lips parted easily for you.
you leaned forward, mouth hovering just above hers, letting a mix of your saliva and her juices fall into her mouth. it dripped slow, stretched, then broke against her tongue.
she chased after your lips hungrily, like she needed more of you. her hands found the curve of your ass and gripped firmly, thumbs digging into the flesh before she let one cheek go and landed a sharp slap that echoed through the room. you gasped, body jolting, but the sting only made you want her more.
"turn around," paige ordered, murmuring against your lips.
you hesitated, confused, but could feel the delicious anticipation curling in your stomach. still, you let her guide you, limbs pliant under her touch.
your back was now pressed flush to her front.
her arms wrapped around your thighs, yanking them up, spreading them wide until your wet cunt was fully exposed on display for both of you.
“look at that pussy,” paige whispered against your ear. “so fucking pretty.”
your head dropped back into the crook of her neck, lips parted, chest heaving. she kept one arm locked under your left thigh while her leg held your right leg in place, holding them up and apart so you wouldn't be able to close them. her other hand slid up your front, warm and delicate, until it found your breasts.
she cupped them softly at first, then squeezed. her thumbs brushed over your nipples, rolling them between her fingers until you whined from how sensitive you still were.
"paige..." you half-whined, half-pleaded, feeling yourself clench around air desperately.
her hand left your breast, holding two fingers up to your mouth. "suck."
and you did.
your lips wrapped around her fingers, warm and wet, tongue swirling around them as you kept her gaze.
paige’s eyes darkened, her breath hitched just slightly as you hollowed your cheeks, sucking her fingers deeper. when she finally pulled them free, they left your lips with a slick pop.
you didn’t even have time to blink. her hand was already between your thighs, and those same soaked fingers slipped into you to the hilt without warning.
your walls clenched around her immediately, a broken gasp ripping out of your throat.
at first, she moved slow, making your stomach tighten and your hips lift off the bed. she let you sit in it, let you feel every inch of her fingers dragging against your walls. until she shifted. her pace snapped faster, rougher, fucking into you without mercy.
your back arched hard, hands scrambled up her arms, gripping her flexed biceps so tight your nails dug into her skin. you let out a soft cry, voice cracking as her name fell from lips.
her hand slid off your thigh, moving up to your throat— wrapping around it, squeezing just enough to make your breath hitch. "so wet for me. bet you’d let me keep you like this all night.”
"yes," you mewled softly, nodding your head repeatedly against her as your legs shook.
her thumb pressed against the side of your throat, feeling your pulse hammering against her skin.
“yeah?” she taunted, grinding her fingers deeper into you. “you’d let me fuck you stupid, baby? keep you creaming on my hand ‘til you can't take it?"
“i—” you gasped, a ragged moan ripping out of your mouth as she curled her fingers against your spot. “oh, fuck—”
your legs fell even wider, hips rolling down into her hand.
“…i can take it,” you panted, words slurring.
she kept fucking into you, her strokes rough, anything but gentle. you could feel her breath against your ear, speaking to you— but it was all gibberish to you. she kept her pace the same, grinding her palm against your clit with every thrust, making your vision blur and your whole body shake against her.
"yes, yes, yes," you cried, your nails dug into her arms, chasing the orgasm she was dragging out of you. half the words coming from your mouth didn't even make sense anymore.
“that’s it,” she muttered against your ear, breathing you in. she used one of the fingers that sprawled over your throat to turn your head back towards her, claiming your mouth with a messy kiss.
you whimpered into her mouth, fingers tangling in the back of her neck, yanking her impossibly closer like you needed her more than you needed to breathe.
maybe you did.
the heat in your gut was back, hotter, heavier, burning low and brutal.
you pulled back from her kiss, panting against her lips, your chest heaving against hers.
your teeth caught your bottom lip, biting down hard as another sharp pulse rolled through you, your toes curling tight into the sheets.
"oh my god— i'm cumming—" you somehow managed to cry out in between moans.
your body locked up, thighs snapping tight around her hand as fucked you through another orgasm. her hand slipped from your throat to yank your thighs back open, locking her arm underneath your leg.
"take it, baby," she said, against your lips, eyes locked on you.
you gasped sharply, head dropping forward. paige didn’t slow, her fingers fucked into you ruthlessly, letting you ruin her sheets, soaking them underneath your spasming body.
another orgasm tore through you, violent and raw. gushes of your arousal squirting through her fingers and dripped down your ass, soaking her wrist. you sobbed against her arm, whole body trembling uncontrollably from the sheer overstimulation.
“fuck,” paige groaned as she kept going. she retracted her fingers from inside of you, rubbing sharp, quick circles against your clit.
she coaxed you through it, forcing more from you, dragging every last drop out until you were whimpering broken sounds into her skin.
“mm, there you go,” she murmured, half praising, half growling, feeling you shudder beneath her. “so fuckin' perfect.”
your legs twitched helplessly as her movements eventually came to a halt. your body immediately slumped back against her chest, feeling boneless and utterly fucked out. your chest rose and fell in quick bursts, trying to catch your breath.
"breathe, mama."
paige shifted behind you carefully, easing you off her lap and onto the mattress, laying you down gently beside her. her hands lingering a second longer than necessary, like she didn't want the night to end.
"how you feelin'?" her fingers skimmed lazily over your stomach, light, barely there.
your chest rose and fell in sharp, shaky breaths, skin burning everywhere she touched you. paige leaned over, brushing curls from your forehead with the back of her knuckles.
"good," you whispered, voice hoarse. "i think..."
paige smirked, "you tapping out?"
"fuck, no," you let out a breathless laugh, "i'm just... recuperating."
"good," she leaned down, pressing a light kiss to your lips. "cause we still got all night."
paring: paige x black fem!reader
synopsis: after being drafted number one pick, paige is under pressure to prove herself and save a failing relationship. then, she sees you.
warning(s): cheating (sorta kinda), angst, fingering, edging
word count: 5.1k
a/n: i absolutely hate ts im only posting cause i promised my oomfs that i would post this tonight 😭 it’s supposed to be inspired by wicked games by the weeknd but i feel like i started losing the plot… also lets pretend that paige isn’t a lightweight cause i know her ass would be gone off the shots she took in this LMAOOO
PART ONE | PART TWO
paige wasn't quite sure how she ended up downtown in dallas. one second she was staring up at the ceiling in her silent apartment, the next she was behind the wheel driving down the highway. the city lights illuminated the road, blurring past almost as if she was running from something. but maybe she was.
she should've been in the gym, putting up shots until her arms gave out, trying to excuse the mess of a game she had last night. or maybe she should've been at home, working through the silence with her girlfriend— if you could even still call her that. it used to be sweet late-night texts and dinner dates. now it was just unanswered texts and empty kisses.
paige wasn't oblivious. she knew she hasn't been the easiest to love during her transition from college basketball to the league. but being a rookie meant pressure she couldn't explain and expectations that she was dying to reach. she was either too focused or not focused enough. too distant or too clingy.
a text lit up on her car screen as she rolled to a slow stop at the red light.
lys: yooo. you still pulling up?
paige let out a quiet breath, one hand on the wheel, the other raking through her hair. she didn’t even know why she said yes to nalyssa inviting her out tonight. maybe because it was easier than explaining why she didn’t feel like being around anyone.
she turned down a narrow side street and spotted the club her teammate had mentioned. its neon sign was buzzing, half the letters flickering on and off like they couldn’t commit either.
p: yeah im bout to park
she hit send without thinking, backing into one of the last open spots in the lot. the engine cut off and everything got quiet. too quiet.
she sat there for a second, staring out the windshield, watching a group of girls laugh their way out of an uber, heels clicking against the concrete. smiling like they didn't have the weight of a record-breaking season or a deteriorating relationship on their shoulders.
then paige opened the door and stepped out.
she kept her head down and eyes on the cracked pavement. she kept it moving until she reached the bouncer who stood outside the door.
the bouncer nodded his head, signaling for her to go ahead inside. it wasn't too crowded inside, so she was able to spot nalyssa near the back, already with a drink in her hand.
“took you long enough,” nalyssa called over the music, reaching for her hand.
paige shrugged, letting herself be pulled in. she wasn’t here to catch up or make friends.
she needed a drink.
and if she was being honest with herself— she probably needed to get laid.
but she shoved the thought down as she trailed behind nalyssa, weaving through bodies until they reached the section tucked near the back. vip, of course, but not too flashy. just enough to feel separate from the ongoing chaos.
everyone in the section was already settled in laughing, posted up with half-empty glasses, even a joint being passed between a few people. as nalyssa introduced her to the table, paige offered a lazy nod and a half-assed smile but didn’t stop moving until she dropped into the open seat beside the low table.
nalysssa settled next to dijonai, getting back into a previous conversation, but paige tuned them out.
instead, she reached for the closest shot without even knowing what was in it and drank it.
tequila.
she welcomed the burn in her chest.
a second shot followed, much smoother this time. the edges around her thoughts began to blur by the time she took a third one. one of nalyssa's friends, who she had fallen into an easy conversation with since she arrived nudged her hand in her face, offering the half-finished blunt. paige declined with a shake of her head.
"you good?" nalyssa cuts in as dijonai orders more drinks for the table. "over there looking all mean n'shit."
paige cracked a smile, the liquor finally starting to settle in her system. her shoulders were eased and her jaw was unclenched for the first time tonight. she wasn't drunk, just tipsy enough to relax. "i'm chillin'."
nalyssa gave her a look, half amused, half knowing. "didn't you say things were fucked up with you and your girl? i was wondering why you ain't bring her."
she leaned back, her eyes scanning the room instead as she responded passively.
"yeah, i'm not dealing with her bullshit tonight."
and truth was, part of paige did want to work it out with cassidy.
deep, deep down, the part that still lived off of the memories of them cuddled up on the bed watching the white lotus and the late-night sex still kept her hoping for a change.
but the other part? it was tired. tired of the bending and explanations. tired of feeling like she had to choose between being great and being enough for someone else.
cassidy never understood. she said she did, but her actions spoke otherwise. every time paige missed a call, came home late, or chose the gym over a dinner date, it became another argument.
you've changed.
you never make time for me anymore.
but maybe cassidy was the one who changed. she loved the idea of paige but not the reality of what it took to be her.
paige blinked, suddenly aware of the drink in her hand again. nalyssa was rambling on about the tough patch she and dijonai went through, trying to offer some advice. paige nodded here and there, more so focused on her own surroundings than her friend's words.
someone was dancing on the table across the room. another girl was crying in the corner, visibly arguing with a man who was too drunk to care. and as nalyssa made another comment, paige couldn't help but completely drown it out as she laid eyes on another woman who was walking past the table.
paige couldn't see her face. she didn't need to.
she walked with confidence and a sight sway to her hips, immediately captivating the blonde.
she wore a black lace dress that left little to the imagination. it was thin and sheer, clinging to her body like it was made for it. underneath, paige could see the outline of her black thong through the see-through floral lace, every detail intentional.
she walked to the section beside them with her back still facing paige as excitedly hugging a few people who were already seated as if she hadn't seen them in years. her dress fit around her curves deliciously and paige caught herself staring a bit too long at the woman's ass as she bent over.
nalyssa couldn't help but notice the lack of attention from paige at this point and she caught on immediately, following paige's gaze until her own eyes landed on the woman.
nalyssa leaned in, nudging paige's arm. "damn, paige. you all in her shit."
paige rolled her eyes as she reached for her glass again, trying to shake it off.
"shut up." paige took a sip of her drink, swallowing it down hard.
paige always considered herself a loyal person, especially when it came to romantic relationships. she didn’t entertain attention she didn’t plan to return.
but then again…
were she and cassidy even in a relationship anymore?
the last time they spoke face to face, it ended in a slammed door and another argument that started over nothing. cassidy stormed off after mentioning staying with her friends for a while. and that was five days ago. neither of them had called. neither of them had tried.
so what did that say?
but all that blurred the second she laid eyes on her, the woman now sitting just a few feet away like temptation itself dressed in all black lace.
her head tilted back mid-laugh, hand resting effortlessly at her waist, the other flicking a cascade of curls over her shoulder. even from the side, she looked unreal.
that small gesture exposed the curve of her neck, a sharp jawline, and a tattoo that started at the base of her neck and disappeared beneath thin black straps. she could make out some writing and a few flowers with leaves, and lines trailing down into the fabric.
she shifted in her seat, jaw tightening, trying not to stare, but failing miserably. she was definitely the most beautiful woman she's ever seen.
“listen, man,” nalyssa said, setting her drink down and turning to face paige fully. “i’m not tryna be the villain here, but let’s stop pretending. from everything you’ve been tellin’ me these past few weeks… you and cassidy ain’t had nothing going on for a minute.”
paige didn’t say anything. just stared down at the melting ice in her glass.
nalyssa kept going, softer now. “this is exactly why i dragged your stubborn ass out tonight. you need to stop holding on to something that’s not holding you back. cassidy doesn’t get it, and to be honest? i’m not even sure she’s trying to.”
paige sighed through her nose, the weight of it all pressing against her ribs. part of her wanted to argue and defend the pieces of the relationship that still felt familiar. but the words never came.
because nalyssa was right and that realization sat heavy in her chest.
“i just…” paige started. “i don’t know how to let go without feeling guilty.”
“nah,” nalyssa said quickly. “you're staying in something that ain’t feeding you and you need to let that shit go. don't feel guilty for choosing yourself for once."
paige leaned back, her hand rubbing over her face as she took in nalyssa's words, internalizing them.
she peeked over again, searching for the now familiar head of curls. she was still there. talking with another woman who held a phone to her face.
then, finally, the woman glanced over. almost as if something in the air had shifted, like she felt the weight of paige watching her.
her eyes landed on paige instantly and she felt it in her chest. her face was stunning in a way paige couldn't even describe.
her eyes were dark, almond-shaped, framed by baby doll lashes that fluttered softly.
her curls spilled down the sides of her face perfectly like they knew exactly where to fall. it framed her like a portrait in a gallery. like something you weren’t supposed to touch, only admire. the lights hit her just right, casting a warm glow over her skin. rich. soft. paige wondered what that skin would feel like under her fingertips.
paige didn't want to look away, but the woman had broke eye contact first.
she watched as the woman leaned over, saying a few words to the person next to her before she stood up, making her way toward the bar.
paige dragged her fingers across the rim of her glass, still watching.
then she stood up, slowly.
nalyssa raised an eyebrow. “oh shit.”
“i’m just saying hi,” paige said, but the smirk pulling at her lips betrayed her.
nalyssa leaned back with a knowing grin. “uh huh. you better hi the hell outta her.”
paige didn’t look back as she stepped out of their section.
—
“yo,” zoe leaned in and nudged your arm, eyes glinting with curiosity. “that white girl been starin’ at you all night.”
you raised an eyebrow, unfazed but intrigued. “who?”
zoe gave a slight tilt of her head, chin pointed toward the section next to yours.
you turned, eyes scanning the group who were all laughing and drinking, tucked comfortably into their booth. then her eyes locked onto her.
a blonde woman, legs slightly spread, sipping slowly from a glass like she had nowhere to be. she was talking to the light brown-haired girl next to her, nodding along, but her focus wasn’t all the way there. you could tell.
you eyed the white cropped jacket hugging her frame, the black fitted shirt underneath that exposed her abs. her hair was slicked back into a clean, low bun. the studs in her ears caught the glow from the club lights every time she shifted.
you wouldn't deny the fact that she was attractive, or your exact type. but you didn't come here tonight to get laid, so you turned away and towards zoe with a dismissive shrug.
yet, zoe was still squinting her eyes at her. "she don't look familiar to you?"
you shook her head before taking a sip of your drink. "nah, not really. but it's dallas, everybody know everybody here."
zoe clapped her hands together and pointed to you in sudden realization. "dallas! she plays for the dallas wings. that's paige bueckers."
your expression didn't shift. "who?"
zoe rolled her eyes and reached for her phone, opening up instagram and typing in paige's name in the search. she practically shoved the phone in your face. “girl, what? she plays ball. in the league. she's a rookie but been hyped up since high school. she got mad game, i’ll give her that.”
tapping zoe’s screen, your eyes narrowing slightly at the profile pulled up in front of you. paige had it all: blue check, millions of followers, highlight reels, magazine features, the whole deal.
you blinked, a little caught off guard by the level of attention the girl commanded. you expected maybe a couple hundred thousand followers, not a whole fanbase.
"that woman is fine as fuck," zoe said, pulling her phone back down to her side and locking the screen. "if you don't get you some of that... i will."
you knew zoe was joking, but part of you was curious. curious enough to wonder what exactly it was that pulled a basketball star’s attention your way.
you took another slow sip of your drink, then glanced back toward paige, expecting her to still be deep in conversation with her friend.
but she wasn’t.
no thoughts.
just eyes.
locked directly on you.
you froze for half a second, not visibly, but enough to feel it.
zoe was right— paige was insanely gorgeous. her gaze felt like she wasn't just looking, but studying you.
you tried to play it cool, kept your posture relaxed, head slightly tilted like you weren't phased. but with every second paige kept that gaze locked, you felt something shift.
a slow heat settling low in your stomach, crawling up your spine.
you needed another fucking drink.
you turned away from paige's table, nudging zoe, who was deep in conversation with one of your friends, laughing like she didn’t have a care in the world.
“imma hit the bar. you want anything?”
zoe shook her head, barely missing a beat. “nah, i’m good.”
you slid out of your seat and excused yourself to the rest of the group before heading toward the bar. you didn’t bother looking back, but you felt paige looking at you still.
you walked a little slower than usual, with just enough sway in your hips to make it worth watching. if paige wanted a show, you were more than happy to give her one.
once you reached the bar, one of the bartenders gave you a quick nod, mouthing 'give me a sec' as he tended to a row of customers.
fine. you had time.
you slipped onto one of the empty stools, crossing your legs, letting your fingers trail along the edge of the bar. you took a slow breath, just settling into the wait.
then, you felt it.
a presence right next to you. you didn’t even have to look to know who occupied the space.
but you did anyway. and you didn't wait for her to speak first.
"you gon' keep staring at me all night or what?"
you turned your head, chin tilted up due to the height difference. there she stood with her mouth curved into an easy smile and one elbow resting on the edge of the bar. you noticed a chain that hung from her neck in the process.
she looked good. as hell.
but you wouldn't verbally admit that. you weren't going to stroke her ego.
“i’m just tryna figure out how to say hi without gettin’ curved.”
your head titled slightly, eyes skating across paige’s face, still deciding if she was worth the time.
“so this is you being shy?”
“nah,” paige said, shaking her head once. “this is me being respectful. you had a whole section, friends, vibe going on. i wasn’t tryna interrupt all that.”
"what changed?"
paige licked her lips, her eyes drifting for a second, just enough time to gather the words. then they locked back onto yours, more focused now.
“i did,” she said simply, offering no explanation.
you didn’t respond right away. just let the silence breathe as you thought to yourself.
you weren't naïve, you knew paige wanted you. had known from the second your eyes met. but what surprised you was how paige wanted you.
there was no flash. no ego. no embarrassing attempt to impress you. she didn’t lead with status or money or weak one liners. she came over with intention and left her pride at the door.
and that made you slightly more interested than you already were.
paige, sensing the silence stretching just a little too long, leaned forward slightly, her voice warm.
“i’m paige, by the way.”
she extended her hand steadily, no pressure behind it. you looked at it for a second, then took it, her fingers cool against your palm.
you introduced yourself, but before either of you could say anything else, the bartender stepped in.
“i apologize about the wait. you ladies need anything?”
you turned slightly, letting your hand fall from paige's loose grip before reaching for your purse. “yeah, i’ll take a paloma.”
your fingers were halfway to your wallet when paige quietly pulled a card from the back of her phone case and handed it over without hesitation.
“i got it,” she said, eyes still on you. her gaze drifted, lingering on the swell of your chest. the way your top exposed just enough to tempt.
she let her eyes trace every curve like she was memorizing it. and when her eyes finally came back up to yours, there was no apology in them.
you swallowed hard, muttering out a 'thank you'.
being this close to paige was fucking with your head. you hadn’t even planned on leaving with anyone tonight, but the way paige looked at you had you feeling something you had been neglected of for a long time.
not just lust, but craved. wanted. seen.
you liked it.
but then reality creeped in. you thought back to your conversation with zoe: paige bueckers, money, wealth, headlines, women.
you had her fair share of one night stands in the past, but never with a celebrity, a basketball star at that.
and that was the problem.
you didn’t want to be a quick fuck in some sweaty club bathroom that got sent off with a quick nod and a 'take care', or worse, plastered on some messy instagram page that lived off exposing celebrity's private shit.
if you were gonna give paige your time— your body, it had to mean something.
paige leaned in slightly, her voice low and teasing. "and don't think i didn't notice that shit you pulled when you walked over here either."
you didn't flinch, but shifted your body toward paige, your knees brushing. the contact sent a spark up your spine.
your lips curled into a knowing smile.
“well... it worked, didn’t it?”
she let a beat of silence pass between the two of you, her eyes never shying away from yours.
"how long you wanna play this game?"
“depends,” you said with a shrug.
“i’m not tryna be just some quick fuck to you,” you said bluntly. “i'm not like these other groupies in dallas, and i’m definitely not easy.”
paige nodded, slow and sure. "good. i don't want easy."
"what? got bored of fucking every girl who threw themselves at you since you got to dallas?" you retorted.
paige didn't say anything, only chuckling in response. she
the bartender placed your drink on the bar with a clink, but it barely registered. your focus stayed locked on paige, who took a step closer. close enough for her body to brush yours, close enough for her scent to trickle into your throat.
her hand moved up without warning, thumb and index finger catching your chin, tilting your head up. not rough, but firm.
your body tensed on instinct, not in fear, but from how fast the atmosphere shifted around you.
“you think i came over here just to fuck you and dip?” she asked. “if that was all i wanted, i’d be long gone by now.”
your breath caught, chest rising slower. everything around you— the people laughing and conversing, the bass thumping through the floor— blurred into noise.
your voice came quieter than intended. “so you’re saying you don’t wanna fuck me?”
paige’s jaw flexed at that. she let out a slow breath, something close to a laugh, but nothing was humorous.
"oh, i definitely want to," paige confessed. her fingers moved just barely. the edge of her thumb brushed along your jaw like she was trying to memorize it. "you've been driving me fucking insane since i saw you and you know that shit."
you did.
and you definitely lied to her earlier. you were easy as fuck... at least when it came to her.
your thighs squeezed together under the bar in a weak attempt to calm the pressure building between them. it was borderline unbearable and you wondered if she could tell. if she knew how deep she had you already with one simple touch.
but before you could speak, she continued on.
"i just don't want to fuck you here. you're worth way more than some back of the club quickie." she said, her eyes flickering down to your plump lips. "besides, if im gonna fuck you, i need you stretched out somewhere clean and comfortable. preferably my bed."
the thought of paige having you stretched out made your mouth go dry. paige didn't move or touch you anywhere else, but it felt like she had you pinned. you absolutely hated it. you couldn't let her get you so easily.
"so what? you think 'cause you got money n'shit that i wanna fuck you too?" you said, gently pushing her hand away from your face.
"you talk a lot of shit, you know?" paige's lips curved into a smirk. "especially for someone who's been clenching their thighs every five seconds."
"oh, please," you scoffed, hating the fact that she was absolutely right. "fuck you."
you turned your body towards the bar and grabbed your drink, taking a much needed sip.
"tell me to leave and i will." paige said, her voice still sending shivers down your spine. "but don't sit here and act like you don't want me, ma."
you stared at the glass in front of you like it had answers. the buzz from the alcohol did nothing to help the burning desire for the woman next to you. you didn't want to give her the satisfaction, but you also didn't want her to leave either.
you turned, "if i didn't want you, you would know. trust."
paige paused. her mouth parted like she had something to say, but nothing came out.
instead, she bit her bottom lip like she needed to keep it together or else she'd end up dragging you out the club right then and there.
“finish your drink,” she said firmly. it looked like she was holding herself together by a thread.
you looked at her for a second, before obliging. you calmly took your glass and knocked it back with one clean sip, setting it back down without breaking eye contact.
"you drive here?" paige asked, pulling her keys from her pocket.
you shook your head.
"good. let's go." she didn't wait for a reply, just turned and started walking like she knew you'd follow.
and you did.
you glanced over to your friend's table to find zoe already looking at you with a knowing smirk. she made a humping gesture and you were quick to flip her off before catching up to the blonde woman in front of you.
it was about midnight now and the air was chillier than it was when you arrived. but you welcomed it, it relieved your flushed skin.
paige finally looked back once you were both out of the building, her eyes looking you over under the glowing neon club sign.
"you good?"
it was like she was asking if you were still in. wondering if you were going to start second guessing.
but you made up your mind.
"yeah," you said. "you?"
she nodded, biting her bottom lip before she started walking. "i'm parked around the corner."
it wasn't long before you two made it to her car. she led you to her passenger side, opening the door for you, and watched as you stepped in.
she then got in herself from the drivers side and started the car, driving off.
the ride was quiet. not in an awkward way, but dangerously quiet. the radio was a whisper and somehow during the first two minutes of the ride, paige's right hand had made its way to your thigh. you wanted to squirm. you knew she was doing it on purpose too.
but you tried to play it off anyway. your eyes stayed glued to the road, trying to distract yourself by reading random billboard signs that passed by. but your body betrayed you. again.
you leaned towards the window, quickly pressed the button down, and let the fresh cool air wash over your hot skin. but it wasn't enough to settle you.
paige glanced over, "you okay?"
"mhm," you hummed, shutting your eyes as your head rested against the door. "it's just really hot."
you could hear paige pause briefly before chuckling. "it's 65 degrees in here."
you didn't respond, just silently prayed for the ride to end before her hand slipped any further between your legs. but of course, paige, sensing your overwhelming discomfort, slipped her hand even further.
her movements were slow, tempting, almost as if she was waiting on you to stop her. but the slit in your dress and your slightly parted thighs gave her access to swipe her finger against your clothed clit.
“paige,” you warned, cracking your eyes open.
she wasn’t looking at you. her eyes locked on the road with her bottom lip caught between her teeth like she was holding back a laugh or a moan, you couldn’t tell which.
“hm?” she murmured lazily. her middle finger dragged along the edge of your thong, toying with the fabric like she had all the time in the world. “no more shit to say?”
and then she pushed it aside.
you were undeniably wet it was nearly humiliating. you had been since the moment she sized you up at the bar like she already had you bent over in her mind. but with the cold air kissing your exposed pussy, there was no more hiding it.
yet still, still, she refused to touch your clit. instead, she rested them on the inside of your thigh calmly. you couldn't help but notice she was driving slow as fuck too— at least ten under, like she wanted you to suffer.
you clenched your fists in frustration. "i'm not the only one who's running their mouth. you say you want me, but you haven't done shit to me all night."
she let out a short laugh, finally glancing over to you for a brief second. "yeah?"
her next move was sudden. before you could even process anything, you felt her slide her fingers inside of you, smooth and deep. your breath hitched as your thighs instantly widened to make more space for her.
a hand instantly flew to the passenger side door with a smack, blindly searching for anything solid to grip onto as she slowly curled her finger against your g-spot.
a sharp, helpless moan left your lips.
"say something else," paige said, her voice laced with grit.
you tried. you really did.
the beginning of a 'fuck you' was on the tip of your tongue, but the words died in your throat the second her middle finger circled your clit with precision, the pressure just right. you choked back a moan.
"drippin' all over my seat and i barely even touched you tonight," she murmured, almost mockingly, like she was pitying you. "look at you, ma."
you caught a glimpse of yourself in the blind spot mirror. the wind picked up, making your curls wildly stick to your face as your chest rose and fell in deep pulls. your lips were parted, legs trembling,
she kept her rhythm painfully slow. each time she pressed her knuckles deep inside you, she pulled back too soon, leaving you clenching around nothing but air. you were soaked. your arousal dripped down your thighs and coated her fingers.
"shhh... you hear that?" paige lowly, almost like she was holding back a moan. she dragged her fingers out slowly, making your pussy squelch shamefully.
you only nodded against the headrest. the feeling of an orgasm brewed deep in your gut as your hips moved on their own, chasing after the high she was refusing you.
"paige..." you gasped, voice cracking as your dragged out the last syllable.
then her palm brushed against your clit and you cried out, sharp and needy.
your hand shot down, fingers wrapping tight around her wrist, forcing her palm back onto your throbbing clit.
and she let you.
"you wanna cum for me, baby?"
you nodded your head, eyes fluttering shut. your legs were trembling against her leather seats as she slightly picked up her speed, curling her long fingers up into you
"shit, paige," your moan was desperate and breathless. "just like that."
your orgasm was right there, sitting heavy in your stomach, just a few seconds away.
until paige suddenly retracted her hand. completely.
your body jerked at the sudden loss, your orgasm snatched right from under you. you snapped open your eyes to catch paige licking the thick coat of slick that was on her fingers like it was left over candy residue.
you groaned in disbelief, reaching over to smack her arm. "are you fucking serious?"
she finished sucking the last of it off before plastering a lazy smile on her face. "deadass."
you stared at her, breath still ragged and your pussy still exposed, clenching around nothing yet again. you closed your legs together, cringing at the discomfort.
paige rolled to a complete stop at a red light before turning over to you, meeting your eyes. her hand found your thigh again, giving it a soft squeeze.
