The Love Triangle

Chapter 19

Tina's POV

The sound inside the bar was deafening. Even in the VIP lounge, we had to shout to hear each other. Trisha plopped onto the plush couch, her drink precariously sloshing over the edge of her glass.

"Why do you girls look so bored? Remember, we came here to get wasted!" she bellowed, raising her drink.

Veronica and I exchanged amused glances. Trisha's boyfriend, Edam, had spared no expense, and here we were, looking like three wallflowers at a gala.

I leaned back into the couch and closed my eyes, letting the thrum of the music fade into the background. That's when Joe's face appeared in my mind. His dark eyes locking onto mine, his lips brushing against mine as we kissed on my couch in my fantasy. The memory of his touch made my skin tingle.

"Earth to Tina!" Veronica's voice snapped me back to reality. She grinned, her sharp eyes catching my dreamy expression.

"Someone looks so relaxed and happy today. Spill it, darling. What's the story?"

I tried to play it cool, but my grin betrayed me. "Fine, I'll tell you," I said, pretending to sip my drink for dramatic effect.

When I told them about Joe. How we kissed, how it felt electric, and how I stopped it before things went further Trisha nearly spat out her drink.

"Wait, wait, wait!" she interrupted, holding up a hand like a traffic cop. "You stopped? Why?" Her face was a picture of pure disbelief.

I sighed. "Because, Trisha, I want to know if this is real. I don't want to rush into something just because it feels good at the moment."

"Pfft," Trisha waved me off. "Girl, you're overthinking it. Just dive in! Trust me, guys like Joe don't stay single for long."

Veronica chimed in, "She's right, you know. Joe is hot. Like, stupidly hot. Don't let him slip away."

I groaned. "Enough about me! What about you two? Anything exciting happening in your lives?"

Veronica shrugged. "Same old, same old. Work, home, repeat. Although," she added with a smirk, "I did make some new friends at work. They're part-timers like me, and one of them is this super-cute guy"

Trisha cut her off with a dramatic gasp. "Wait. Stop everything. Tina, look!" She gestured wildly at the faint hickey peeking out from her cleavage.

"Oh my God, Trisha!" Veronica shrieked. "Spill it. Are you and Edam"

"Yes, yes, we are," Trisha admitted, clearly flustered. "And before you ask, yes, we've done it. A lot."

"Wow," I said, raising an eyebrow. "You've certainly been busy."

Trisha leaned forward conspiratorially. "What can I say? I'm going to be stuck in this city for three years. A girl's gotta have some fun."

"But...are you sure about all this?" Veronica asked cautiously. "Like, you and Edam it sounds...casual?"

"It is casual!" Trisha said defensively. "We're just having fun. No strings, no drama."

"Except the hickey," I pointed out, and all three of us burst into laughter.

The night wore on, and after a few rounds of dancing, Veronica called it quits. "I have to work tomorrow," she said, yawning.

We made our way to the car park, laughing and stumbling over inside jokes. Edam's driver dropped Veronica off first, then me.

When I opened the door to my apartment, a familiar scent hit me. Joe's cologne. My heart fluttered, and memories from the afternoon flooded back. I saw the couch where we'd kissed, his muscular arms holding me, his lips igniting sparks.

I sank onto the couch, clutching a cushion that still carried his scent. For a moment, I let myself indulge in the memory, butterflies fluttering in my stomach. But when I picked up my phone, my heart sank.

There it was a Facebook memory from three years ago. Steve and me. Our anniversary. The day he proposed. My hands trembled as I stared at the photo. We looked so happy, so in love.

"Why today?" I whispered. My chest felt tight, a lump forming in my throat. The image brought back everything His lies, the betrayal, the way my world had shattered when I found out.

Suddenly, Joe's face appeared in my mind, and I felt a pang of guilt. Was I about to repeat the same mistake? Was this a sign, a warning?

Stop it, Tina, I told myself, standing abruptly. But the doubts wouldn't leave me alone.

"Steve was a liar," I muttered, pacing the room. "But Joe's different. He's...different. Right?"

The past and present clashed violently in my mind, dragging me into an emotional tug-of-war. I slumped back onto the couch, gripping the cushion like a lifeline.

"Should I call him?" I wondered aloud. My finger hovered over Joe's name on my contact list. No. That's desperate.

I threw the phone onto the coffee table, burying my face in my hands. "Why does love have to be so damn complicated?" I groaned.

Then, like a bolt of lightning, Trisha's voice echoed in my mind: "Girl, you're overthinking it."

I laughed bitterly. Maybe she was right. Maybe I needed to stop second-guessing everything. Joe wasn't Steve. And I wasn't the same woman I was three years ago.

I took a deep breath, standing once more. "Okay, Tina," I said to my reflection in the window. "You've got this. You deserve happiness. You just have to fight for it."

With that, I grabbed my phone and texted Joe:

"Hey, are you free tomorrow? I think we need to talk."

My heart pounded as I hit send. Whatever happened next, I was ready to face it.

Jos POV

The text buzzed on my phone at almost midnight:

"We have to talk."

That's it. Four words. The kind that sends your heart into a free fall. I stared at the screen, my mind racing in a hundred directions.

What does she mean by "we have to talk"? Is it bad? Good? Neutral?

I typed back a quick, "Okay," because what else can you say to that? She reacted with a heart emoji. A freaking heart and then went radio silent, leaving me dangling over a pit of anxiety like some contestant in a reality show elimination round.

I tossed and turned all night, running through every possible scenario.

She's breaking up with me.

No, wait. We're not even officially together yet. So, what's she breaking up from?

Maybe she wants to define the relationship? Or...maybe she regrets the kiss.

Oh, God. What if she regrets the kiss?

By the time dawn broke, I looked like I'd done an all-night Netflix binge of horror movies.

Just as I started spiraling again, Herbert walked into the office.

"Hey, think you could help out at the counter?" he asked, completely oblivious to my existential crisis.

I sighed, shaking off my thoughts. Focus, Joe. You've got a business to run.

The café was buzzing with people. Summer was madness. Milkshakes for the kids, smoothies for the health nuts. It was like an unspoken ritual: caffeine in winter, ice-cold drinks in summer. No in-between.

"Why do I feel like we need three extra staff members?" I muttered, taking over the counter while Herbert went to manage orders.

Hours passed in a blur of noise, orders, and frothy drinks. At one point, I ducked back into the office to post an ad for a part-timer. As I hit submit, my phone buzzed again. A text from Calvin.

"We're on a two-week break. I'll be there soon."

"Yes!" I practically leapt out of my chair. Calvin was coming to town. Finally, someone to unload all this drama onto. Plus, it was the perfect opportunity to introduce him to Tina.

Another text appeared, this time from Justine:

"Pool party tomorrow night! Hope to see everyone there."

I opened the group chat and froze.

Tamara's profile pic stared back at me.

Why the hell is she in this group?

The timing couldn't be worse. Just yesterday, I turned her down, and tomorrow, I was planning to take Tina to this party as my plus one. What kind of soap opera was my life turning into?

Okay, Joe. Think. Tamara was bound to see us together eventually. Maybe it's better to rip the Band-Aid off now.

With that thought, I shot Tina a quick text:

"Be ready by eleven tomorrow. I'll pick you up for the party."

By the end of the day, the café was packed again. Familiar faces filled the tables-regulars, uni students, and the occasional clueless tourist. I ducked into the back to check on some paperwork, but my mind wandered back to Tina.

Should I surprise her tonight? Take some food over and show up at her door?

No. I'd done that yesterday. Besides, her text- "we have to talk"-lingered like a dark cloud.

What if she's planning to end this?

My throat went dry at the thought.

Stop it, Joe. You're being ridiculous.

But the anxiety wouldn't quit. I replayed everything in my head: the kiss, her smile, the way her cheeks flushed as I dropped her off at the pub.

She was happy then. So, what changed?

Unable to hold back, I grabbed my phone and texted her.

"Are you free?"

I watched the message status change to "seen." My heart raced.

And then-nothing.

Why isn't she replying? Is she ignoring me?

I started pacing the office like a madman. The room felt smaller with every step. My head was spinning, and I couldn't stop the avalanche of worst-case scenarios.

Finally, my phone buzzed. Her reply was short and to the point:

"Sorry, little busy. Chat later."

I slumped into my chair, letting out a deep breath. It wasn't much, but it wasn't the end either.

There's still a chance, I told myself. Tomorrow, I'll tell her everything. I'll tell her I'm in love with her.

But even as I tried to calm down, the weight of her words lingered. What if this talk changed everything?

Tamara's POV

Maybe tonight was another chance to prove to Joe that I'm the one he should be in love with. The one who truly understands him, who'll always be by his side. Sure, he rejected me, but that doesn't mean I'll back down. I'll respect his decision and pretend nothing ever happened between us. Cool, collected, just friends. Tonight is about showing him who I really am.

When I got the invitation to Justin's party, I was actually surprised. I mean, I'd been to his parties before but only as Joe's plus-one. Being personally invited made me feel... noticed. At least someone thought I was worth including.

I slipped into my white ruffle cami mini dress and tied my hair into a high ponytail, leaving a few loose strands to frame my face. The reflection staring back at me in the mirror looked stunning. Why couldn't Joe see it? How couldn't he realize we were perfect for each other? Just a hint of makeup tonight. I didn't want to cover myself up. If Joe was going to fall for me, he had to love me just as I am. With a final glance, I grabbed my phone and headed out.

The party was already buzzing by the time I arrived, the bass from the speakers reverberating through the warm evening air. People were scattered around the pool, lounging, chatting, and a few bold ones were already in the water. Just as I was scanning the crowd, Justin tapped my shoulder, grinning.

"Hey, I'm glad you came," he said, his eyes lighting up as he looked at me.

"No, I'm glad you invited me," I replied with a little smirk. I felt a rush of satisfaction. Finally, someone was noticing me without Joe attached to my side.

"You look gorgeous," he said, his gaze lingering.

"Thanks for the compliment." I flashed him a sweet smile, inwardly thinking, Take notes, Joe. This is how you appreciate a girl.

Justin leaned closer. "So, you alone tonight?"

Oh, I wanted to say yes, but instead, I replied with a playful, "Not as long as I'm with you." The words surprised even me. Flirting? With Justin? But tonight, I felt like a whole new Tamara. No more wallflowers-tonight, I was a girl on a mission.

Justin laughed, and with a wink, he offered to get me a drink. As he walked off toward the bar, I caught myself admiring him. What is going on with me? I thought, biting my lip. He seemed different tonight. No usual entourage of girls hanging on him, no swagger, just a guy who'd made me feel special, even for a moment.

But before I could ponder too long, there they were. Joe and Tina, hands entwined, big grins plastered across their faces as they greeted everyone like the perfect little couple. Joe spotted me and gave me a stiff, almost awkward smile, while Tina's eyes met mine, her lips curving in a faint, forced smile. Was that... jealousy? Well, she should be jealous. If anyone deserves Joe's attention, it's me.

Justin returned with my drink, and with a mischievous smile, I decided to turn up the charm, gently touching his arm as I laughed at something he said. I snuck a look at Joe and saw him glancing our way. Ha! Got him. There was a flicker in his eyes, something that told me he wasn't as cool with this as he pretended to be.

I started dancing with random people, laughing louder, letting loose. I wanted Joe to see that I didn't need him to have fun. I could be the life of the party without him. Besides, this party was perfect. Lit up by a string of lights around the pool, a bar set up at one end, and lounge chairs filled with people chatting and laughing. The smell of barbecue lingered in the air, mixing with the scent of pool chlorine and summer night.

As I moved, I caught sight of Tina, clearly uncomfortable as she clung to Joe's side. She looked a little lost without her two "bodyguards," Trisha and Veronica. I could see Joe trying to soothe her, his hand resting casually on her bare waist, just above her exposed belly. It made my blood simmer. How could he touch her so freely?

Relax, Tamara, I told myself, gritting my teeth. One thing at a time.

An idea sparked in my mind. With a sly grin, I slipped out of my dress, revealing the sky-blue bikini underneath. This wasn't just any bikini. This was a color I knew would grab attention, an outfit carefully planned to stand out. I took a deep breath, feeling a thrill at the hushed gasps and murmurs around me. I glanced over and saw Joe's eyes widen, his jaw clenching slightly as he tried to pretend he wasn't staring. There you go, Joe. Take a good look at what you're missing.

I struck a playful pose, then dove into the pool, letting the cool water wash over me. The crowd cheered, and I felt a rush of exhilaration. One by one, Justin and his friends jumped in too, splashing around and turning the pool into a mini dance floor as the music pumped louder. I looked back at the crowd and saw that Joe and Tina had disappeared. Probably off to some corner where she could cling to him without feeling insecure. Good riddance, I thought, and a wicked smile crossed my face.

Meanwhile, I joined Justin's group, enjoying the attention of a bunch of guys who were clearly charmed. Justin, though, seemed intent on keeping the others at bay, hovering protectively beside me. Was Joe behind this? Did he ask Justin to watch out for me? Either way, I was loving every second of it.

After a while, I saw Tina reappear, looking visibly rattled, her cheeks flushed, probably from all the jealousy she'd been swallowing tonight. For a moment, I felt a twinge of guilt, but I quickly brushed it aside. She'll survive. This is my night.

I noticed the glances she was throwing my way, almost like she was trying to figure out how to be more like me. With a smug smile, I decided to up the ante. "Alright, guys, watch this!" I announced, then pulled myself up onto the edge of the pool and struck a dramatic pose. Laughter erupted as I shimmied for the crowd, blowing a playful kiss in Joe's general direction, though he was nowhere to be seen.

One of Justin's friends whistled, and Justin laughed, putting an arm around my shoulders. "You're trouble, Tamara," he said, shaking his head, but I could see the admiration in his eyes.

"Maybe a little," I replied, with a wink, before diving back into the pool.

The night wore on in a blur of laughter, dancing, and splashing around. At some point, Tina and Joe reappeared, and I felt a surge of triumph as I saw the look on Joe's face when he spotted me laughing and soaking wet, with Justin's arm around me. For once, I felt like I was the one in control.

As the night wound down, I noticed Justin draping his oversized T-shirt over my shoulders and offering to have his driver drop me home. I took him up on the offer, feeling unexpectedly warm from his kindness.

Mission accomplished, I thought as I leaned back in the car, watching the city lights blur by. Tonight, I'd shown Joe exactly what he was missing. Now, all I had to do was wait.

________________________________

"Love isn't about rushing in, it's about waiting for the right moment to let your heart speak."