Page 92 of Drop Three

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BODHI

Black or dark gray?

They’re similar but different.

Ah, fuck it. Black it is.

Full of dread, I get ready for Cal and Kodi’s housewarming party. I’m not dreading it because it’s their party, I’m actually looking forward to it.

What I am dreading is meeting the fabledPoppy.

I know nothing about the woman other than she decorated the inside of Cal and Kodi’s home, and Kodi seems to be fond of her.

That could mean anything coming from her—Kodi’s a magic eight ball—you never know what you’re gonna get.

I agreed to this date for Cal.

He’s been insistent that I meet her, and to me, this felt like a secure way of making sure the question marks around my behavior with Navy the other night have vanished from his thoughts.

At least I hope so.

He’d kill me if he knew why I truly reacted the way I did to her outfit.

My phone beeps, signaling a text.

Gus:Let’s roll out.

Bodhi:Give me a sec.

Gus:Hurry up. King is worried about the icing on his cake melting. I can’t handle his whining for much longer.

Bodhi:Omw down.

I take one last look in the mirror and decide this is as good as it’s gonna get. I look tired and stressed. I am, but I refuse to ruin this night for my boy.

I can make tonight a good one.

After brushing my teeth and spritzing on some cologne, I head downstairs to load up in Mack’s car quicker than I would usually move.

Wouldn’t want King’s cake to melt.

“Let’s party up,” Gus chants from the backseat.

Sure, sounds fun.

* * *

“So how long have youbeen playing for the Strikers?”

“Oh. About six years. Since I was drafted.”

“Wow, what an accomplishment.”

Is it, though?

I met Poppy. Cal was correct about one thing: she’s a knockout. But it’s gonna be a no for me, dawg. I’m not interested.

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