Drive / Nick Leister

Chapter 2

Jay woke up to find herself being crushed by Noah's hug, the girl's arms wrapped tight around her neck.

"Babe, I can't breathe," Jay forced out, voice muffled against Noah's shoulder.

Noah immediately pulled back, teary eyed and sniffling. Jay sat up before hugging her again, gentler this time.

"Aww, Noah, it's okay," Jay comforted, rubbing her back. "Nothing happened last night. Nick and I got you home safe. Guess he isn't that bad." She added a grin, playfully rolling her eyes, deliberately emphasizing the word.

Noah let out a watery laugh and wiped her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Jay. I should've listened to you and not drunk that beer."

Jay smiled faintly, taking her hand. "Don't worry about it. I punched Tom on the way out and so did Nick."

That made Noah's eyes widen. "I'm not surprised you did, but Nick too?"

Jay nodded, repeating the details and repeating what Tom had said before the punches. Noah's expression shifted into something mischievous, and Jay immediately grew suspicious.

"What?" Jay asked, narrowing her eyes. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Noah grinned. "He punched Tom for you! For you, Jay!"

Jay complained, covering her face with a hand. "Noah, babe, please, don't start this so early in the morning."

"No, seriously! Nick did that for—"

"I did what?" Nick's voice cut in smoothly from the doorway.

Both girls froze. Jay's head whipped around, meeting his raised brow. "Nothing, nothing," she said too quickly.

Nick's mouth curved in a faint smirk, but he didn't press. "Right. Anyway, breakfast is ready. Come down when you're done, yeah?"

Jay gave a small nod, but Noah was already grinning behind her.

Once Nick was gone, Noah leaned close and whispered, "He totally has eyes for you."

Jay shot her a look. "You're impossible."

Noah just laughed. "Come on, I'll give you a spare toothbrush."

Before Jay could protest, Noah dragged her out of bed and into the bathroom. She handed her a toothbrush and set out some skincare products. Jay went through the routine, brushing, washing up, before grabbing one of Noah's hair clips and pulling her hair into a messy ponytail.

When she glanced up at her reflection, a small smirk tugged at her lips. Messy but cute enough, she thought.

And ready to face whatever smug look Nick Leister had waiting downstairs.

They went downstairs together; Jay nudged Noah forward, whispering that she wanted to surprise her mom. Noah walked into the kitchen and distracted her, while Nick watched with curiosity, and William smiled, already knowing what was coming.

"Surprise!" Jay wrapped her arms around the woman from behind. The older woman squealed, hand flying to her chest, then spun to face Jay, her expression going from fearful to delighted.

"Oh, my dear Jay! Oh honey, it's been so long." She hugged Jay tight, and for a second, Jay felt something she didn't get often, the warmth of a mother's hug.

They caught up for a few minutes before everyone sat at the table. Jay ended up across from Nick, with Noah to her right, tucked between Jay and her mom. Jay sipped coffee while conversation flowed around them. Halfway through a bite of toast, Nick gave her a soft kick under the table.