Page 35 of Press Play

What if she’s right, though?What if wearegood for each other? It’s not like I haven’t thought about it. Theo has always been there for me, and I’ve become dependent on his kindness. But is that enough?

Could I really be enough for him?

I shake the thought away as quickly as it comes. No. If it was meant to happen, it would have happened already. We’re friends. That’s all this is, and that’s all it’ll ever be.

Chapter Fourteen

Theo

2013- Freshman Year of College

The background chatterin the cafeteria goes in one ear and out the other. A gorgeous blonde with long hair is sitting across from me. I think her name is Amanda, but I can’t be sure. We met a few days ago. She approached me because she wanted to make a video with me, and how could I say no? She has the body of a model with great tits. We agreed to meet today to figure out logistics, but I can’t focus. My mind is consumed with my phone, or rather, with someone who isn’t answering my texts.

Me:What do you mean you watch that as a comfort show? I haven’t seen it in ages! How can you watch a show about a family who cooks burgers for a living 24-7?

Me:We may need to have your brain evaluated lol.

Ten minutes later.

Me:Wren, are you still there?

Me:I was kidding. I think it’s cute that you watch that show all the time.

Twenty minutes later.

Me:Are you okay?

It’s been over ten hours now, and I couldn’t sleep. Wren and I haven’t seen one another in a few weeks. With her going to a local community college and working part-time and me hating life in a university that’s far too big, we’re like ships in the night, and I didn’t realize how much I relied on her until I didn’t have her around the corner.

I miss her.

I know her like the back of my hand. Years of friendship will do that to you. I can read her like an open book. So, I give into my instincts.

“I was thinking we could title the video ‘Petite Teen Gets Her Fill.’ What do you think?”

Me:I don’t know what’s wrong, but I know your home. Stay there. I’m coming over.

“Theo?” Amanda leans toward me and tries to catch my eye.

Shoving my phone in my back pocket, I stand and look at her. “Yeah, whatever.” I have no idea what she said, and frankly, I don’t care at the moment. “I have to run. I’ll text you later so we can reconvene.”

Without waiting for a response, I weave through others until the exit comes into view. Once it does, I burst through and run down the path toward the parking lot.

Screeching to a stop, I turn off the ignition, unbuckle my seat belt, and nearly fly out of the car. Moving boxes are piled high near the trash cans. Wren and her family had to moveagain.Her parents can’t budget to save their damn lives. Walking up the unfamiliar path, I knock on the door and force myself to take calming breaths.

Wren’s mom, Marilyn, and I are never on good terms. But the last thing Wren needs is additional stress because I couldn’t keep my mouth shut. So, I force it closed and plaster a fake smile across my face when the door opens. My stomach convulses, and my nostrils flare when she’s the one who opens the door. The scent of freshly burned weed assaults my nose. I waft it away without thinking.

“Oh, Theo, how are you?” She greets me with a faux smile, flashing her yellow teeth.

“Fantastic, where’s Wren?” I aim to walk past her, but she steps to the side to block me from entering.

“Now isn’t a good time.”

“Why not?” I ask, not holding back my irritation.

“She’s decided her stomach hurts today.”

“She’s decided her stomach hurts today,” I repeat and click my tongue. “I didn’t know you could choose when that happens.”

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