Mixed Signals

The apartment was alive with laughter and the sounds of a friendly argument over what movie to watch. Jess sat on the couch, wedged between Olivia and Leanna, as Kevin scrolled through their streaming options with exaggerated frustration.

"I'm just saying, Die Hard is a Christmas movie," Kevin declared, waving the remote like a gavel.

"It's February," Olivia countered. "Pick something else."

"Fine, The Princess Bride it is."

Before the debate could continue, there was a knock at the door. Jess got up to answer it, already knowing who it was.

Ryan stood there, his bass slung over his back, a charming smirk on his face. "Hey, thought I'd bring some music to the party."

"Ryan!" Olivia greeted him with a warm smile. "Come in."

Kevin, however, barely acknowledged him. He leaned back against the couch, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Jess noticed immediately and felt tension creep into her shoulders.

Ryan sat down, casually resting his bass case beside him. "What’s up, Kev?" he asked, clearly trying to extend an olive branch.

Kevin barely looked at him. "Not much."

The room felt heavier, the usual ease of their group dynamic thrown off balance. Jess shot Kevin a look, but he ignored it. Instead, he turned his attention back to the screen, pretending to be invested in the movie selection.

Leanna, ever perceptive, cleared her throat. "Jess, didn’t you say you wanted Ryan to show you how to play bass?"

Jess blinked, catching the hint. "Uh, yeah! Ryan, you up for it?"

Ryan grinned. "Always."

In her room, Jess sat cross-legged on the bed as Ryan handed her his bass. It was heavier than she expected, and the smooth wooden surface was cool beneath her fingertips. He sat beside her, close enough that she could feel his warmth.

"Alright, so first, let’s get you used to holding it right," Ryan said, adjusting her grip. His hands moved over hers, guiding her fingers to the correct position on the fretboard.

Jess swallowed. She could feel his breath on her cheek, his closeness making her hyper-aware of everything—his scent, the warmth of his skin, the way his voice dropped slightly when he was focused.

"Now try plucking the string."

She did, and the bass let out a deep, resonant note. She smiled despite herself. "That actually sounds kinda cool."

Ryan chuckled. "You’ve got potential."

Their eyes met, and suddenly, the air shifted. His hand was still resting lightly on hers, and his gaze softened. For a moment, Jess thought he might lean in. And for an even briefer moment, she thought she might let him.

But something inside her pushed back. A flicker of uncertainty, of fear. She pulled away slightly, placing the bass down between them as if it could serve as a barrier.

Ryan’s expression faltered for just a second before he masked it with a casual smile. "Sorry—too close?"

Jess hesitated, then nodded. "I just… I’m still figuring things out."

Ryan nodded, leaning back slightly to give her space. "I get it. No pressure."

The warmth between them cooled just a bit, but Ryan didn’t push. Instead, he picked up the bass and started playing a soft, slow tune, letting the music fill the silence.

Jess exhaled, listening. Maybe she wasn’t ready for this yet. Maybe she wasn’t sure what this even was. But for now, she could just sit here, with the music, and figure it out one note at a time.