CHAPTER ELEVEN !
⤷ ❝ BUT IF YOU'RE HAPPY... ❞
family gc 🤓👆😻🙏😊
lovergirl rossi ─── zara
massive L rossi ─── lena
futbol rossi ─── xavi
nfl sturniolo ─── chris
nhl sturniolo ─── matt
camera sturniolo ─── nick
futbol rossi
I'M BORED
can we do something
alr this is fake
no one answering the gc
i just wanted to go to top golf
nhl sturniolo
it's a wednesday
futbol rossi
is it your booty call night 🥺🥺🥺🥺
nfl sturniolo
crazy
just unfortunate
massive L rossi
LMFAOOOOOOO
camera sturniolo
i think it is
why am i smelling that dior cologne
massive L rossi
NO WAY
MATT U USE DIOR SAUVAGE
nhl sturniolo
no nick is lying
i'm in bed doing hw
nfl sturniolo
*snapping the hoes back 😕😕
nhl sturniolo
k
camera sturniolo
matt the snapscore is getting dangerously close to a million
just start instagram dming them atp 😬
nhl sturniolo
no that's weird
why would we actively be sending photos back and forth on ig
there's no save in chat feature
futbol rossi
forgot that was your #1 rizz tactic 🤔
massive L rossi
just sick btw cause they eat it up everytime toooooo
nfl sturniolo
matt is the type of guy to make a gc when group snapping
camera sturniolo
type of guy to call a girl the wrong name
nhl sturniolo
type of guy to leave the gc because u guys are annoying
massive L rossi
tough guy matt 🥺🥺🥺
don't leave this isn't you
nhl sturniolo
alr bro
where's zar
massive L rossi
grayson is over
futbol rossi
that's why i'm bored
he and zara just sleep all day like can we go frolic or some shit
nfl sturniolo
why do i get it
i want to frolic
honestly top golf sounds like a good idea
camera sturniolo
i should probably stay home and edit but
i want jelly-filled donut holes
nhl sturniolo
i agree kinda
i'm down
massive L rossi
we are fully grown in college going to top golf instead of a party
futbol rossi
hey
we're saying no to drugs
nfl sturniolo
real
making good choices all 2023
nhl sturniolo
what time do u guys want to go
massive L rossi
come over in like an hour
i'm binging young sheldon rn and want to get to the end of the season so
u guys can watch an episode or two with me then we can go at like 6-7
futbol rossi
why the fuck are u watching young sheldon without me
massive L rossi
u were being rude earlier and ate the last fruit snack
futbol rossi
u r the worst big sister
this is why dad stopped loving u when u quit sports
massive L rossi
this is why u were unplanned
nhl sturniolo
oh wow
camera sturniolo
LMFAOOOOO
nfl sturniolo
were u silent or silenced ?
futbol rossi
blocked
ZARA'S FACE IS ILLUMINATED by the gentle light of her phone as she lies in bed, her phone cradled in her hands. beside her, grayson sits perched on the edge of the mattress, his own face illuminated too, but a lot more harshly by the glowing screen of his laptop.
when the two of them are together, it is usually calm and safe, but there's a tension in the room today. zara can feel it from the slight furrow of grayson's brow and the aggressive tapping of his fingers against the keyboard.
his eyes occasionally flicker up to meet hers, and a small smile graces his lips, melting away the tension in an instant. this specific time that he looks at her, the smile looks a bit more strained than usual.
unable to resist the pull of his gaze, zara sets her phone aside and turns to face him, her eyes softening with concern. "are you okay?" she asks, her voice gentle as she reaches out to place a comforting hand on his arm.
grayson's smile widens at her touch and it honestly makes zara feel a bit more okay because she can tell it's genuine. "i'm fine, just a little stressed with work i have to make up," he says, talking about all the classwork he doesn't do when he's away for soccer. "but having you next to me makes everything better."
"alright," zara replies simply, leaning closer to him to place a quick kiss on his lips. she wishes he wasn't so busy though because she really did want to do something with him today. since their dinner two weeks ago, they've only been taking naps or doing homework together.
not that zara is complaining though! anytime spent with him is good time spent with him.
zara gently climbs off the bed, deciding that she needs to go do something other than mind-numbing tiktok scrolling. "i'm going to go see what lena and xavi are doing," she announces softly, her voice carrying a hint of disappointment.
grayson nods, his attention already returning to his laptop screen. "okay," he replies, his tone distracted as he returns to typing. zara wants to sigh but decides against it. grayson doesn't have any spare attention to give her right now.
as she steps out of the room and into the hallway, she pulls out her phone once more. she swipes up on her screen, checking the notifications from the do not disturb tab.
she catches a glimpse of some jokes and plans for upcoming hangouts, and it piques her interest. after being inside all day, only having an asynchronous class, she wants to go outside. as xavier would say, she wants to frolic.
tucking her phone into her pocket, she continues down the hallway toward the living room. the sound of laughter filters through the air, drawing zara closer to the living room. she feels a little left out honestly.
she could've been watching tv with them the entire time.
just from the country accents she can hear, she knows they're watching young sheldon. "oh so it's just forget me then?" zara greets them with a playful pout, crossing her arms across her chest.
xavier glances over at her, smirking. "oh, look who decided to join the land of the living," he quips, his grin widening as he kicks lena, who chuckles in response. "it's not what it looks like."
zara narrows her eyes. she looks between her siblings cozied up on the couch, the tv with young sheldon (many episodes past when she last watched), and lena's phone propped up with a timer on it.
"just say you don't fuck with me me," she teases, though there's a hint of mock offense in her voice. she points at them taking up the majority of the couches with just the two of them alone. "didn't even save me a spot on the couch."
lena smirks, patting the cushion beside her. "there's always room for you," she reassures, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "we just didn't want to get in between your grayson time you know."
xavier nods in agreement, his expression exaggeratedly serious. "yeah, we were just waiting for you to grace us with your presence," he adds, not even taking his eyes off the tv. "we know how you get when you haven't been with him in a few minutes."
zara rolls her eyes playfully. "shut the fuck up." she knows they're just joking, but there's a small part of her that feels guilty for neglecting her siblings lately. she realizes that she may have ever been neglecting some of her friends too. she's been so caught up in spending time with grayson that she's unintentionally distanced herself from them.
"i spend like every second of every day with you two," she protests, though her tone is more apologetic than defensive. "and grayson's not even here right now."
lena raises an eyebrow, her smirk softening into a sympathetic smile. "he's in your room right now and besides, we're just messing with you," she reassures, patting the empty space on the couch beside her once more. "come on, sit with us."
zara hesitates for a moment, torn between staying with grayson and spending time with her siblings. she really does see her siblings everyday and grayson is going on yet another trip soon. but then she remembers that she and grayson won't be doing anything but sitting in silence.
siblings it is!
she doesn't bother walking around the couch. she just jumps over the back of it and plops herself down next to lena. "i saw you guys are going to top golf later?" zara starts, pulling out her phone to check the group chat once more.
xavier and lena exchange a knowing glance before lena nods. "yeah, we were bored and thought it would be fun to go like we always do. you should come with?" she suggests.
zara's stomach churns with uncertainty at the mention of top golf. she knows it would be fun. it always is. just the thought of seeing matt again makes her uneasy. ever since he texted her, she's been avoiding him at all costs, unsure of how to handle the situation.
part of her wants to decline, to avoid any potential awkwardness with matt, but another part of her doesn't really care about matt. he doesn't get to control her life anymore.
xavier nudges her. "come on, z. you know you haven't been out without grayson in ages."
"okay, fine," she agrees, forcing a smile. "i'll come with you guys to top golf."
zara stands in front of her bedroom mirror, adjusting her glasses with a satisfied smile. she's finally done getting ready for top golf, opting for a comfortable outfit. she's chosen a pair of low-waisted jeans that hug her curves just right, their ends slightly baggy for a relaxed look. paired with a simple long-sleeve ribbed tee, and her trusty black campus adidas sneakers.
it's basic, but it is also a wednesday night. she does not care!
she turns to see grayson packing up his laptop and other belongings, preparing to head home. "are you sure you don't want to come with?" she asks, her tone hopeful as she approaches him. she wants him to come so that he can distract matt.
grayson looks up, offering her a warm smile. "thanks for the offer, but i've got some things i need to take care of at home," he replies, his expression apologetic. "have fun with your friends."
zara nods, trying to hide her disappointment behind a smile. she understands that grayson has his own responsibilities and commitments, but she can't help feeling a twinge of loneliness at the thought of going out without him.
grayson notices the hint of sadness in zara's eyes, and he puts down his bag and walks over to her. wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulls her into a warm embrace. zara practically melts in his touch, this being the first time all day he's shown any kind of affection.
"i'll make it up to you," he says softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "how about i come see you tomorrow?"
zara's heart flutters at his words, feeling a rush of warmth spread through her chest. she looks up at him, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "that sounds like a good idea," she replies.
with another quick kiss, grayson releases her from the embrace, giving her a reassuring smile before picking up his bag once more. "then i'll come see you tomorrow."
zara walks grayson out of her room and to the front door. as they make their way to the front door, his warmth envelopes her, his arms encircling her waist.
"you look pretty by the way," grayson murmurs softly, his breath tickling her ear as he speaks.
zara's heart skips a beat at the compliment, a smile spreading across her lips as she looks up at him. "thank you."
with a tender kiss, grayson releases her from his embrace, a reassuring smile gracing his features once more. "always," he reaffirms, his tone filled with sincerity.
as grayson opens the door, a cool breeze sweeps through the open doorway, carrying with it the scent of freshly cut grass and the distant hum of evening traffic. zara stands beside him, her gaze fixed on grayson.
she's confused when grayson's eyes snap off her and when she realizes why, she's instantly ill.
"hey, guys!" grayson exclaims, his voice filled with genuine excitement as he steps out onto the porch, nick, chris, and matt returning his enthusiasm with wide grins.
"yo gray!" chris exclaims back as he daps grayson up, clapping him on the back. nick follows suit and zara honestly chuckles a little at him.
zara's gaze shifts to matt, her curiosity piqued as she observes his interactions with grayson. despite her apprehension about his presence, she can't deny the casual ease in matt's demeanor as he exchanges greetings with grayson.
matt turns to grayson with a casual grin. "you coming with us?" he asks, his tone actually light and inviting. as if he actually wants grayson to come with.
grayson shakes his head, pointing to the backpack on his back. "nah, i've got some stuff to take care of," he replies, his tone apologetic but firm. "but you guys have fun."
matt nods and looks away as if he's sad. zara doesn't know if she should be grateful he's acting normal or concerned. "next time though, right?"
"yeah, for sure," grayson assures him, offering a small smile as he steps back from the doorway. "anyway, i have to go." turning to zara, he leans in to press a quick kiss to her lips. "later babe."
"bye gray," zara responds softly, trying to mask the shock. she definitely was not expecting grayson to kiss her in front of them like that.
as they part, chris teases them with a playful groan. "ugh, you guys are so gross," he says, rolling his eyes in mock disgust.
nick rolls his eyes, kicking chris playfully. "grow up chris," he jokes, his grin widening as grayson begins walking off the porch.
zara laughs along with them, feeling a flush of warmth spread through her cheeks. she watches as matt, seemingly unfazed by the display of affection, simply nods in acknowledgment before making his way into the house.
turning back to grayson, zara catches his eye and gives him a final wave. with a determined smile, she turns and heads back into the house, following chris and nick as they trail after matt.
inside, matt is already engaged in conversation with xavier, discussing their plans, and zara can't help but notice his gaze flicker in her direction as she enters. however, to her relief, he doesn't make any overt gestures or attempts to engage her like he usually does.
zara chooses to ignore the strange shift in matt's behavior, chalking it up to her finally being free from his shackles!
or so she thinks.
the evening sky above los angeles is painted in hues of pink and orange as the group arrives at topgolf, greeted by the warm glow of twinkling lights and the sound of upbeat music drifting through the air.
topgolf is active for a wednesday afternoon. people are laughing and getting all competitive. groups of friends gather around the colorful bays, each one illuminated by vibrant neon lights, as they take turns swinging clubs and aiming for the targets downrange.
zara joins lena, xavier, matt, chris, and nick at their designated bay and the shit talk is already underway. matt, usually one to come for her the most, seems surprisingly subdued, but zara can't help but notice the effort he's making to be civil and friendly.
zara knows it's killing him to not be absolutely feral at all times. that text she sent to him must of really got to him.
as the night wears on, zara finds herself caught up in the atmosphere of topgolf, her worries and tensions fading into the background as she embraces the joy of the present moment. so caught up to the point where she's actually speaking to matt.
it almost feels like old times.
xavier and matt, in particular, are neck and neck as they compete for the highest score, their banter becoming increasingly playful with each swing of the club.
"you think you can beat me, xavi? not a chance," matt taunts, a mischievous glint in his eye as he sizes up the target.
xavier grins. "we'll see about that, matty poo," he retorts, his confidence unwavering as he takes his stance. zara honestly chuckles at the way matt is actually slightly annoyed by the use of the nickname.
"shit after that," chris puts his hands up in the air. "i have my money on xavi not gonna lie."
nick nods in agreement as he takes a sip of his dr pepper. "i wholeheartedly agree."
"not rooting for your own brother is kind of crazy..." lena teases with a shake of her head. "with that being said, i'm team matt." zara chuckles at this but decides against choosing a "team" of her own.
as the final few rounds unfold, the tension between the two friends mounts, each determined to outdo the other. with each swing, the ball sails through the air, eliciting cheers and groans from the group as they eagerly watch the outcome.
in a particularly close round, xavier manages to hit an impressive shot, sending the ball soaring through the air and landing in the blue one. he turns to matt with a triumphant grin, confident in his victory.
he pumps the air with his fist and sticks his tongue out. "you fucking wishhhh matthew."
with a playful grin, matt begins moving around the table. "you played it safe," matt clicks his tongue and shakes his head. "never would've expected that from you." matt reaches his hand up to zara's waist as he gently brushes past her. "excuse me sweetheart. i have to go humble your brother really quick."
matt removes his hand from zara's waist and the heat is honestly still there from where his hand once was. there's a fleeting moment of familiarity as their eyes meet, a silent acknowledgment passing between them before matt looks away.
"that's crazy," she says simply with a laugh, trying to ignore the way that touch made her feel.
as he positions himself at the tee, matt's focus sharpens, his eyes locked on the target ahead. with a confident grip on the club, he takes a deep breath, channeling all of his concentration into the upcoming shot.
with a smooth swing, matt sends the ball soaring through the air, the group's eyes following the ball's path until it finally lands in the white shaded area.
matt turns to zara with a grin, a sense of accomplishment evident in his expression. "looks like i've still got it," he quips, a playful twinkle in his eye as he relishes in the moment. he turns to lena and shrugs. "thanks for being team matt. my only true day 1 supporter."
"chris, i'm gonna need the snaps for all your fine football friends now," lena says, pulling out her and genuinely opening snapchat. chris' jaw drops. "a bet is a bet."
a few more bets ensue when they go into another 35-minute game. the competition is serious between them and zara is sure that over $500 in bets were placed. as long as the money isn't coming out of her account, she doesn't care though.
after these games though, zara and matt find themselves seated together on a couch in the lobby. they wait patiently for their siblings to return from the bar, since they insisted on getting one more soda because it "tastes better from the pump."
suddenly, matt clears his throat, breaking the quietude that enveloped them. zara turns to look at him, surprised by the sudden interruption. matt meets her gaze, his expression serious.. yet apologetic.
"so... i'm sorry," matt begins, struggling to meet zara's eyes. "i know i've been a little..." matt is struggling to find a word.
"a little more matt than usual?" zara finishes for him. "yeah, i know."
matt laughs as he toys with the rings on his hand. "i've been weird since you and grayson started dating." zara's heart drops at the mention of grayson from matt. his name sounds almost like a bad word from matt. "i haven't exactly been handling it well."
zara's eyebrows furrow in confusion, taken aback by matt's words. she doesn't exactly know what he means by that. she searches his eyes, trying to gauge the sincerity behind his words. there's a vulnerability in his gaze that she hasn't seen in a while, and it catches her off guard.
"oh," zara says, not really knowing what else to say.
matt takes a deep breath and continues. "i wasn't expecting it and as both of your friends, i guess i didn't see you two as a good match." matt shrugs. "and i still don't really see the attraction to him," matt continues, his voice trailing off slightly. "but if you're happy... i guess that's all that matters."
zara takes a moment to process matt's words, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside her. she appreciates his honesty but also feels a pang of... something at the thought of matt struggling with her relationship.
"matt," she begins, her voice gentle yet firm. "you're going to have to acknowledge grayson as my boyfriend and not just some guy." nothing about their situation is normal. matt doesn't even like her like that, he's just selfish about her. she knows this.
matt nods slowly. "yeah, yeah. whatever. i know," he replies quietly. "and i will." he shrugs and scratches the back of his head. "even if i know he's not the one i'll keep my mouth shut on my opinions."
zara rolls her eyes at matt's response, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. even though she didn't want to. "i don't need any drama in my life this year."
matt chuckles, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "hey, i make no promises," he jokes, his tone lightening as he nudges her back. "but i'll try to stop myself from being so hard to resist. wouldn't want you cheating on your boyfriend or anything..." matt looks away then back at her. "unless..."
"matt seriously," zara says, being stern with him. matt puts his hands up in surrender. she doesn't matt to think there's even the slightest chance of that happening. she would never. "you can't make jokes like that anymore. it's not respectful to him."
matt sighs and throws his head back against the chair. "okay..." matt says in a defeated tone. zara just shakes her head at his stupidity.
"thank you," she says sincerely, giving him a grateful smile. "and who knows, maybe one day you'll actually like him."
matt raises an eyebrow in mock skepticism. "let's not get ahead of ourselves. i like him as a friend, i don't like him for you," he quips, a playful smirk gracing his lips. "but i'll do my best to make it easy for you to keep me as a friend."
zara chuckles, shaking her head at his antics. "i appreciate that."
as they sit together on the couch, their laughter blending with the chatter of the bustling lobby, zara can't help but feel a sense of hope for the future. with matt's assurance and their shared understanding.
maybe she won't have to feel like walking on eggshells with matt all the time. maybe things can be normal again.
VAL SPEAKS
wait until u guys see matt's POV i'm chuckling he's so evil
also,
happy ramadan to those who celebrate!!