Blair's P. O. V.
"Alright boys, I've asked you all here because I have some exciting news. And I thought we all needed to get together so I could share it. Blair, would you come up here please?"
I stand up and walk to the front of the room, standing with Hoppo. He starts again, "I have offered Blair a full time lifeguardship here. And she has accepted"
The boys all cheer and clap but Hoppo isn't finished. He wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me close to him, "Also, Blair and I are together, romantically"
I look at everyone and they look quite shocked. I see Jake in the back of the group, looking at me. I sigh and plaster a smile on my face, looking up at Hoppo. Finally, once the guys get over the shock, they start to congratulate us.
"Congrats Hop, you're a really lucky guy"
"Yeah man, wow, you've got yourself a real stunner"
"Blair! What do you see in this old man?"
I laugh, looking up at Hoppo. He grabs my waist and leans down, pecking my lips. I smile as a lot of the guys laugh and clap.
We're all at Hoppo's house having a grill out after a long days work for the boys. The announcement is over and everyone goes back to their conversations and eating their food.
I walk into the kitchen, grabbing another beer. Then I hear someone say, "Can I get one?"
I turn around and see Jake standing there. I smile and open the fridge, handing him a beer. Jake opens in and throws away the cap. I expect him to leave because i'm sure he's furious with me. But instead, he leans against the counter, looking at me.
I take a deep breath, "How have you been?"
Jake looks down, "Uh, yeah. I've been okay. I've been having nightmares, but i'm sure it'll stop soon"
I walk over so i'm leaning against the counter next to him. I reach down and grab his hand in mine. He entwines our fingers, squeezing my hand tight.
I lean my head against his shoulder, "I know things are complicated right now. But seriously, just call me if you ever need anything. And tomorrow I move into my apartment. So you can stop by whenever you need to talk or just be with someone"
I feel him press a kiss against my head as he says, "Thank you. "
Then we just stand there together in silence for a bit. I'm glad the kitchen is closed off from the rest of the house. But suddenly I hear, "Hey, grab me a beer too please!"
I shoot to the other side of the kitchen, away from Jake, right as Hoppo walks into the kitchen. He smiles when he sees me, walking straight over and pulling me into a passionate kiss.
I quickly pull away and motion to Jake. Jake was standing by the entrance so Hoppo mustn't have seen him. Hoppo turns and looks at Jake, "Oh Jake, i'm sorry. I didn't see you there!"
Jake manages a chuckle, "No worries. I'm gonna go back out there"
He walks out and Hoppo grabs me again, kissing me. I laugh and pull away, "Hopp, we have a house full of people"
He groans, "I know. You're just so irresistible."
I smile and peck his lips one more time before grabbing my beer and going back out with everyone. I walk over to Maxi and Jesse, sitting down.
Jesse looks at me, "Well Blair, you and Hoppo, what a surprise!"
Maxi starts laughing, "I actually knew already. I heard from Hop's friend Adam"
I look in shock, "And you never said anything?"
Maxi shrugs, "It wasn't my place to say anything. "
I smile, "That's really sweet of you, Maxi"
He sighs, "I also heard what he said to you," He looks at Jesse, "He accuses Blair of sleeping with Hoppo just to get a job," He looks back at me, "He feels terrible. He wants to apologize to you soon. But wow, I can't believe he said that. I gave him a ripping for it"
Jesse says, "Adam said that? Wow. Don't worry Blair, none of us think that"
I laugh, "Thanks guys"
I feel a hand on my shoulder so I look up and see Hoppo standing there. I smile as he leans down, pecking my lips, "Hey boys"
"Hey Hopp. How has life as a roommate been?"
I laugh as he says, "It's been great. She has dinner ready for me most days and is just so helpful. Unfortunately, she moves out tomorrow into her own apartment"
I smile, "Yepp, finally getting my own place"
Maxi says, "And how long will it be before you just move back in with each other?"
I laugh as Hoppo says, "Ya never know"
We all talk and have a great time until the boys all leave. Hoppo is busy talking to Kerrbox when Jake goes to leave. I walk outside with Jake, walking him to the end of the driveway.
Jake stops and looks at me, "I hope you know i'm not mad at you. About Hoppo. He's a great guy. And you deserve to be happy and with a guy that treats you like a queen. And if that guy isn't me, then I'm happy it's him"
I bite my lip, "Jake, I-," I pause, trying to collect my thoughts. I don't know what to say. I have feelings for him. But I don't know what to say. I continue, "I don't know how to put into words what I want to say to you. "
Jake tilts his head in confusion. I start to feel frustrated and upset, a few tears slipping out of my eyes. Jake grabs my arm, "Blair"
I take a deep breath, "I can't make myself say it out loud. But what I can say is that I want you to be happy. And if you find someone that makes you happy, that's so great. But, if i'm honest, the selfish part of me doesn't want you to find anyone else"
He squeezes my arm, "What are you saying?"
"I still have feelings for you. And I have feelings for Hoppo. I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm so confused"
More tears fall down my cheeks as Jake pulls me into a hug, rubbing my back, "Blair, I understand. This stuff happens. And I know you're going to figure it out eventually. It's going to be okay. I still have feelings for you. And that won't change anytime soon. But if you just need me to be your friend right now, then that's what i'll be"
I pull away, glancing back at the house to make sure Hoppo isn't looking. I look back at Jake, tucking hair behind my ear, "You mean everything to me"
He cups my face, running his thumb across my cheek, "So do you"
He leans forward and kisses my forehead before saying bye and walking away.
I walk back inside the house to see everyone else gone. Hoppo is cleaning up. I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around him, resting on his chest.
He stop what he's doing and turns around, picking me up. He sits down on the couch and i'm in his lap, straddling him.
I wrap my arms around his neck, "I think that went well"
He grins, "I think so too. Probably just because they all love you so much"
I grin and shrug, "What can I say, i'm lovable"
"You are, definitely"
I smile and press my lips against his. Hoppo says into the kiss, "I don't want you to leave."
I pull away and smile at him, "I know. But living together permanently this early in our relationship wouldn't be the best decision"
He nods, "I know. But i'm still going to miss you"
I smile, reaching up and running my hands through his hair, "Will you take me to your bed?"
A wide smile spreads on his face as he picks me up and basically jogs into the bedroom, laying me down. He takes his shirt off and climbs on top of me. I run my hands up his chest and down his arms, "I gotta say, dating a lifeguard is the absolute best. I mean, you're 48 and look at your body. It's amazing"
Hoppo starts laughing, "If anyone's body needs to be praised here, it's you"