Page 112 of All Your Firsts

Running to Alexa and away from Vic triggered a pang of sadness in me. A reminder of the void created each time I part ways with him.

Despite the anger running through my veins all week, the touch of his body against mine triggered a rush of memories, as if we were long-lost lovers finding each other again.

I needed to keep it together; he lied to me and betrayed me. But my traitorous body has a mind of its own. It wasn’t on the same playing field as my mind, which is idiotic after he crushed my soul.

“Will someone please tell me what the fuck is going on?” Poison Ivy asks from behind the wheel.

“Jenna, Rosie. Rosie, Jenna,” Alexa says while breathing in and out heavily. Her light blue eyes are wild, and her dark brown hair is a complete mess, adorned with leaves and branches. “Back there... well, that was Gage. Oh my God, that was Gage,” she saysbefore putting her head in her hands and continuing to say, “Oh my God.”

Gage’s stupid devil costume and the need to keep her in the dark makes a lot more sense. I feel pretty stupid for not thinking he’d keep tabs on her, too. He seems to be quite the puppeteer in both of our lives as of late.

“Nice to finally meet you, Rosie,” Jenna says while still driving like a bat out of hell.

“Nice to meet you, too,” I say as I rub Alexa’s back.

Jenna and I engage in small talk as we keep a watchful eye on Alexa as she runs through twenty different emotions. I’ve learned to let her purge, as she likes to call it. She needs this moment of vulnerability to herself without questions. But best believe I will hit her with them once she’s ready.

“So, when are we going back? That place is insane, and those guys in masks were intense. I’m surprised my panties didn’t disintegrate from how wet I was and probably still am,” Jenna says, wagging her brows.

Alexa whips her head toward Jenna before shoving her arm. “Are you seriously thinking about going back while I’m in crisis mode?”

“Hey, I’m driving here, and yes, I want to see those three again. I’m just pissed I didn’t get one of their numbers. You think Gage knows?”

I can tell by the grin on her face she’s attempting to ease Alexa’s tension. I can’t help but appreciate her for being a good friend.

“You’re contemplating being with all three?” Alexa says with wide eyes at Jenna.

“There's no contemplating. I’m totally into it. You thinkhe knows them?”

“I don’t care who he knows. No way in hell will I ever see or speak to him again.”

“Not even for me?”

“Nope.”

“Come on.”

“I can barely handle one guy, and you’re trying to go for all three... You’re crazy.”

“I take that as a compliment.”

“You shouldn’t. But I still love you.”

I’m thankful Alexa could find a friend who’s had her back since she left. It makes me think of Jess. She would’ve thought tonight was wild. I make a mental note to text her and plan something for us soon.

As we walk into an apartment, Jenna yells something about wine before walking away. I take a seat on the couch as Alexa comes out in pajamas with a bundle of clothes in her hands.

“Thought you might want to get comfy.”

I grab them and then wrap my arms around her, squeezing her tightly. “I’m sorry for whatever my brother did. I had no idea he even knew where you were.”

“Me neither. I’m such a fool,” she says with a sniffle.

Jenna saunters in carrying three bottles of wine, a box of chocolate under her arm, and wearing superhero-themed pajamas, which I find hysterical.

We sit cross-legged on Alexa’s bed, a bottle of wine in our laps and a takeout container between our fingers. We listen to “Bad at Love” per Jenna’s demands on repeat until we’re truly drunk off the wine.

“Okay, spill. Who was that guy earlier? He looked upset when you left,” Alexa says.

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