"You and he are in different fields—design and computer science—what could you possibly discuss?" Joel noticed something was off, just like in the past when I questioned him.
I mimicked Joel's previous behavior, feigning annoyance. "If you don't trust me, maybe we shouldn't be together."
Back then, Joel was the one cheating and getting defensive. This time, he was the one desperately trying to hold on.
Joel's face softened immediately. "Go ahead with your discussion. Call me when you're done, and I'll come pick you up."
Not wanting to push too hard, I nodded.
Joel reluctantly left. The scene was identical to my previous life, except the roles were reversed. It was oddly satisfying!
As soon as Joel was out of sight, Duncan leaned in and whispered with a chuckle, "Using me as a decoy, huh?"
I looked at Duncan and said apologetically, "Sorry about that. I won't do it again."
Duncan's eyes sparkled with a smile. "I'm not sure what you're up to, but if you need my help, I'm more than willing to assist."
Shortly after, another piece of gossip spread through the school.
Everyone was talking about how Erica Contreras had supposedly lost her mind and bought a plot of land in the middle of nowhere.