Page 21 of His Shy Girl

“Yes, ma’am. My phone will stay locked in my bag.” I’ll kiss her ass for now, but I’m still plotting my revenge.

“You’re free to go.”

I hightail it out of her room, pulling out my phone as soon as I’m outside the building.

“Hey, babe!” I say, smiling when she picks up.

“H-h-hi…”

The minute I hear her stuttering, I’m on alert. She only struggles with her speech when she’s nervous, which means something’s wrong.

“What’s wrong, baby?”

“N-n-nothing. C-c-can I t-t-text y-y-you?”

She’s obviously having a hard time getting her words out and that has me on edge.

“Sure. But I’m worried something’s wrong. Do you want me to come over?”

“N-n-no. I-I-I’m…”

Her voice halts before she finishes her thought. She’s getting frustrated that she can’t get her words out. She told me the other night how she’s been inhibited her entire life. Missing out on so many things. But surprisingly, she doesn’t struggle when it’s just the two of us. She says I have this calming effect on her, which made me feel like I’m the king of the world. But for some reason she’s nervous talking with me now. And the last time that happened, I almost lost her.

“Text me as soon as you hang up.”

I climb into my truck and wait for her message to come through. I’m not going anywhere until I have confirmation that she’s okay. And that we’re okay. Otherwise, I’m driving straight to her house and kissing her calm again.

My girl:Sorry. My aunt and cousin are here and it’s hard to talk in front of them. My mom told them I have a boyfriend and now they’re drilling me for details. I think my nerves are on overdrive. Is it okay if I call you tonight after they leave?

Me:Yeah, babe. No problem. I’m going to my buddy Rye’s house to study for my exam. You’ll get to meet him at the party on Friday. I think you’ll like him. He loves talking football.

My girl:About that. I’m not sure I can go Friday.

Me:How come?

My girl:Parties really aren’t my scene, Bren. I get so nervous.

I know she does. But it’s not like I’m trying to pressure her into drinking or dancing or doing anything crazy. I just wanther to come and meet my friends. This will be the first time I’m bringing a girlfriend to a social event. I’m usually on the sidelines with Rye, watching all the couples make out around us.

Me:I know, babe. I just really want all my friends to meet you. What if we just went for a little bit?

Just long enough for me to introduce her to everyone. I think she’ll realize how chill they are and will want to stay longer.

My girl:Can we talk about it later? I really have to go. My mom is giving me a look like I’m being rude because I’m on my phone.

I toss my phone aside, frustrated. I know she’s going to bail on me. Look, I get that she struggles with her nerves, but I want her to be a part of my life. I want her to get to know me and my crew. The people who’ve known me since I was a kid. Plus, all the other guys will have their girlfriends there. I want mine there too.

If she’s worried about anyone judging her for her speech, she shouldn’t be. My friends aren’t like those assholes she goes to school with. They’ll hear right past her voice and think she’s cool as shit. And if she wants to win them over, all she has to do is talk football, and they’ll think she’s a goddess. I know Baylor will be jealous. Taya doesn’t even like football.

I pull up to Rye’s house and park.

Me:I know you’re nervous about going, but it would mean a lot to me, babe. Just think on it.

I don’t get a response back, but she did say her mom was getting frustrated with her for being on her phone, so I’ll leave it alone. It’s time for me to go study anyway. This chem test is going to kiss my ass if I don’t. All of my concentration has been on my girl as of late. And I’ve been letting everything else slip.

I ring Rye’s doorbell three times without an answer. I know he’s here. His truck is parked out front. And Baylor’s truck ishere too. A groaned cuss comes from around the back, so I call out for him.

“Rye! You back there?” I walk toward his backyard, unable to see over the stone wall. It sounds like they’re in the pool, but it’s fucking January. Heated or not, it’s cold as shit outside.

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