Page 38 of One of Them Girls

“You were frowning when you saw who was calling you.”

“Nah, it was Fin. We’re not exactly friends, so it was a little random. Everything is good though.”

“Good.” Jack nods. “So, you and Ace looked pretty cozy in the water.” He teases, making me laugh.

“It’s nothing.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” He shrugs. “Just make sure you cover her face with a pillow when you fuck her.” He shivers. “I really don’t want to hear her moaning,” he says making me laugh.

6

Cassi

I flickbetween the hangers on the rack, checking out different graphic t-shirts.

“So,” Rebecca drawls, peeking between the clothes and myself.

“Spit it out,” she says, making me sigh.

“What do you want me to say?”

“I want you to tell me you’re into Xavier and won’t go back to dipshit.”

“I was never with Jared.”

“Might as well have been with the way he acts,” she scoffs. “Look, I just want you to be happy and healthy. Jared doesn’t make you happy and is toxic.”

“You just don’t understand our relationship.”

“See, that’s where you’re wrong,” she says, giving up on looking at the clothes. “I grew up with those guys too. I know your dynamic. You and Jared only hooked up out of grief. And Xavier? He could bring you back to the land of living. He could help you move on.”

“He makes me smile,” I mumble.

“See!”

“Mara put the moves on him and he turned her down.” I smile, thinking about when he met her at the bar.

“Fuck Mara,” Rebecca spits out.

“Rebecca,” I sigh.

“No, seriously, I’m so glad you finally saw her for who she really is. Between her and Jared, I don’t know who’s worse for you,” she says, angrily searching the clothing rack again.

“You know, I don’t like walking away from people. Especially now.”

“Because your loyalty knows no bounds. You can’t keep holding onto the old because of sentimentality. It’s okay to remember the good times fondly, but you don’t need to keep giving them your everything when all they do is take.” She sighs. “Look, why don’t you just give whatever it is between you and Xavier a chance. It doesn’t have to be forever but, I think it could be if you guys give it a chance.”

She’s my best friend, but I haven’t told her I’ve already been feeling that way. Our texts are daily. Our phone calls almost as frequent. When we aren’t calling or texting, it’s usually because we are hanging out together. Sometimes it’s alone, while other times it’s with Jack and some other guys.

“I’ll think about it okay?” I tell her. “Now, what do you think of this?”

“I think it will make Xavier lose his mind and you should wear it tonight.” She deviously smirks.

I look down at the dark green lace bralette that ties between the breasts. Typically, it’s something I would never wear but when at the beach.

“Pair it with a pair of white shorts,” Rebecca encourages.

“I do have a pair,” I murmur, thinking about how the top would look with the shorts.

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