Chapter 8 Flaunting It

As Jared spoke, memories from college came rushing back. Back then, my relationship with my family was difficult. My mom didn't want me to attend college and refused to give me any financial support. I had to earn every cent for tuition and living expenses on my own. I juggled multiple part-time jobs to get by, all while studying hard to qualify for scholarships. The only reason I helped Jared pay for lunch that time was because he was right there in front of me. I knew him from class, so I acted without a second thought. Besides, he paid me back later. "Jared," I said, "I only helped you because you were in my way. And you did pay me back afterward." Jared smiled. "I know. But that moment didn't make me fall for you. It just made me start noticing you. After that, I kept catching myself looking your way. That's when I realized I had feelings for you. "And, well… one of the reasons Micah and I had our fallout was because of you." I stared at him, completely taken aback. "Becaus