Brie answered the video call, her thumb moving swiftly.
Libby's face filled the screen — glossy lips, high ponytail, and a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Hey, babe," she said sweetly. "I just wanted to clear the air. Jeff's really upset. He said you misunderstood everything, and now he's angry at me and stressed." She pouted dramatically.
Brie blinked. "Oh."
Libby pouted again. "I mean, I was just being playful. That's how, and Jeff knows that. You know how gym banter goes."
"Enlighten me then," Brie replied. Her tone was sarcastic as she casually stared into the screen.
Amber, seated beside Brie, narrowed her eyes. "Playful doesn't sound like moaning into someone's voicemail."
Libby's smile twitched. She had heard Amber's remark from beside Brie. "Well, I didn't mean it like that. It was just a joke, and I'm sorry if it came off wrong."
Brie hesitated. Something about Libby's tone felt rehearsed. But she didn't want drama and wasn't ready to push further.
"Whatever—I guess it's fine," Brie said quietly. "I trust Jeff, and I guess I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."
Amber's head snapped toward her. "Seriously?"
Libby beamed. Her smug look returned as she eyed Brie on screen. "Good. I knew you'd understand. I told Jeff this, but he insisted I call you. He really cares about you."
"Hmm," Brie answered, nodding slightly with her lips pursed.
"So, I was thinking Jeff's birthday is coming up, and I was wondering if you had something planned? We have something at the gym in the works, so—don't want to coincide with yours and get you all worried all over again." She laughed again.
Brie frowned.
Libby's question sounded genuine, but there was a glint in her eyes and a quiet smirk in the way she spoke about Jeff's upcoming birthday, but she couldn't place it.
Brie shrugged slightly. "I don't think whatever you do would coincide with what Jeff and I have planned. You guys have your hours to do whatever you've got planned, and I've got the rest of the day, so—"
She added with a smile that showed Libby she knew what she was playing, even though she had no clue.
Libby smirked. "Okay,"
Brie nodded, ignoring Amber's glare. "Thanks for calling."
Libby winked. "Anytime, hun."
The call ended.
Amber scoffed. "She's faker than a knockoff Birkin."
"You can say that again—I mean, all that fake show of what do you have planned for Jeff's birthday, like she was trying to rile me up in between her supposed apology. She sure knows how to stir the pots."
"You can say that again."
"Sometimes, it beats me. I cannot understand how Jeff finds her comments funny or harmless. He keeps saying to be friendly with her, but all she does is poke me time and time again."
"That's because she is perfect at disguise. She shows him what she wants him to see and shows you what she wants you to see."
Brie turned to face Amber. "I know she has a crush on Jeff. The signs are as clear as day, but you know Jeff. He would never believe me when I bring it up. It's always you know how playful Libby can be." Brie added in the usual Jeff's tone for effect, and Amber laughed.
She joined in and they both laughed heartily.
Brie's phone buzzed again — a WhatsApp group chat reminder. "I need to head to the library. Group session."
Amber stood. "It's fine. I've got an errand, and there is this client I've got. She needs a classy makeup look for her birthday. I'll see you at home."
They both said their goodbyes with a quick hug and walked towards opposite ends of the campus.
—
The group session ran smoothly. Brie's teammates were sharp, focused, and surprisingly funny. As they wrapped up, one of them — Tasha — stretched and groaned.
"Guys, we haven't eaten all day. Let's grab dunch and go over our notes."
Brie smiled. "I'm in."
They picked a cozy restaurant near campus, the kind with warm lighting and soft jazz playing in the background. Brie was mid-bite into her grilled chicken wrap when the door swung open.
Gasps echoed.
"Oh my God," someone whispered. "Is that Jeff Reed?"
Brie turned.
Jeff stood at the entrance, arm wrapped around Libby's waist. She clung to him like a designer purse, laughing loudly. Cameras flashed and girls swooned as they took pictures of the duo.
Libby leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder. Jeff's hand slid down her back — intimate and familiar.
And Brie's heart dropped at the sight.
Jeff's gaze quickly swept across the room, and then he saw her. Immediately, his body stiffened, and he gently peeled Libby off and walked toward Brie's table.
"Hey," he said, voice low.
Brie forced a tight-lipped smile. "Hi."
Her teammates exchanged glances, eyes wide with envy as Jeff spoke with Brie.
"You know Jeff Reed?" one whispered.
Brie nodded, standing abruptly. "I need to head out. Got something to finish."
They looked disappointed that she was leaving early and wouldn't get to know the scoop between her and Jeff. "Girl, you're living the dream."
Brie smiled faintly, grabbed her bag, and walked out with her unfinished snack in its wrap.
Her heart was anything but dreamy.
—
Outside, Jeff caught up with her. "Brie, wait." He called out. But Brie was livid. She turned, eyes blazing. "What was that?"
Jeff looked flustered. "It's not what it looked like."
Libby appeared behind him, heels clicking like daggers. "Brie, don't be so insecure. Jeff's a public figure. People cling to him all the time. It's normal."
Brie stepped forward. "You don't get to tell me how to feel."
Libby smirked. "Maybe if you were more confident, you wouldn't jump at shadows."
Brie's voice sharpened. "Maybe when you have your own man, you can be whatever you want to be. But until then, stay out of mine."
Libby's eyes narrowed. "Maybe you're just not good enough. He probably needs a woman who can show him he is desired and not some college girl who barely has time for herself."
"Libby –," Jeff interjected. His voice was furious as he gave Libby a sharp look.
Brie laughed coldly. "Oh, please. You're not even in my league, but you wish you were."
Libby's face flushed red, her mouth opening and closing like she couldn't decide whether to scream or cry.
Jeff tried again, reaching for Brie's hand. "Brie, let's talk. Please."
She yanked her hand away. "I've heard enough."
A taxi pulled up as soon as she flagged it down, and she slid in, slammed the door, and didn't look back.
As the car pulled away, Jeff stood frozen on the sidewalk, then spun and faced Libby.
"What the hell was that about? How dare you spew such nonsense?" He walked away quickly. Forgetting about his early dinner as he walked over to where his car was parked.
Libby turned to him, voice trembling. "You're really going after her?"
Jeff didn't answer.
But his eyes never left the taxi.