Page 75 of All Your Firsts

“You’ve had a lot of those lately. I’m feeling neglected,” Axl murmurs with a pout.

“You’re with someone new every night,” Trey says.

“Not every night,” he says defensively.

I give Axl a pointed stare, calling out his blatant lie. He’s been as busy with someone as I have been with Rosie. I just hope he’s pulled his head out, and it’s Jess who occupies his time.

“He only has a new hole every night because he can’t have who he really wants,” Trey says from the chair.

“I don’t want anyone, dick,” Axl seethes at Trey.

“Well, I guess you won’t mind me going to the coffee shop and getting a drink. I’m quite parched after the tattoo. I’m starving, too. Maybe I’ll have a little taste,” he says with a devious smirk.

“Stay the fuck away from Jess, or I’ll make a mess of your pretty face you love so much.”

“He’s quite testy for someone who doesn’t want anyone, wouldn’t you say, Vic?” Trey says.

“I’m staying out of your bullshit.” I hold my hands up.

“Go fuck yourself, Trey.”

“Don’t be like that, bro. We can share.”

“I’m not your bro. Our parents dated for five seconds.”

“We share a half brother, brother.” Trey points over at Samuel, who’s trying hard to avoid their shit. You’d think this rivalry would be over by now.

“Still doesn’t count.”

“Okay, it’s been fun. I’m out,” I say with a salute before walking out the door.

“Wait up,” Axl calls to me as I’m getting on my bike.

“Where are you going?”

“Bike ride. It’s supposed to be a clear night.”

“With Rosie?”

“Yeah,” I say with a smile. Just the mention of her name lifts my mood.

“Care for two more to join?”

“You and Trey...? No thanks.”

A look of disgust crosses his face as if he’s caught a whiff of something foul. “Nah, Jess and me, dick.”

“How do you plan on getting her to agree? Last I checked, she still hated you.”

“I’ll take her love, her hate, and everything in between. One day, she’ll wake up and realize I’m the only one for her.”

“The best thing you can do is to settle the fuck down. Jess needs someone stable. You’re all she has left. Don’t fuck it up, Ax,” I say.

He’s going to lose the best thing that ever happened to him if he doesn’t pull his head out of his ass.

He laughs. “When did you become so knowledgeable, oh wise one? Was it before or after you fell for Rosie?”

“I didn’t fall for her.”

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