Page 28 of Necessary Roughness
“No.”
“You look like you’re going on a date.”
“Why do you say that?”
“You’re wearing way too much makeup,” she casually replied. “I won’t say what you look like. But it’s alot.”
Groaning, I went to the bathroom and reexamined myself. I’d put on atouchmore blush than normal, but I didn’t think it was too much.
When I returned to the living room, Morgan said, “I hope you haven’t forgotten our rules about visitors.”
“Yourrules,” I corrected. “I don’t care what visitors you have over.”
She went on like she hadn’t heard me. “All visitors need to be added to the spreadsheet prior to a visit. I care about my safety.”
“I’m not bringing anyone over tonight,” I insisted.
Morgan clicked her tongue. “You say that now…”
I was already an anxious mess, but my roommate’s comments were the last straw. I wasn’t going to survive another ten minutes of anticipation, let alone another hour before I was supposed to leave.
Class. Exams. Papers. Hooking up with two new guys. Despite my excitement, it was all too much, so I did what felt easiest: I pulled out my phone and hit the metaphorical eject button.
Me:Sorry for the last-minute text, but I need to cancel tonight. I’m not feeling good. I think I’m getting sick.
Knox:Are you sure you’re not just nervous? Because you can tell us if so. No shame.
There was my opening. They were inviting me to be completely honest with them. I could bluntly admit I was getting cold feet. It would be easy.
But the thought of being that vulnerable with two guys I barely knew was too much. So I lied.
Me:I’m definitely sick. Thanks though. Rain check for next week, maybe?
Logan:Yeah, no worries.
Knox:We understand.
Logan:I’m kind of shocked that your janky-ass phone can send a group text.
Me:It has all the functionality of a phone. Texts and calls. Now, all that other smartphone bullshit? That’s what it cuts out.
Knox:I have a magic rectangle in my hand that can instantly summon an infinite amount of cat photos on demand, and you think that’s bullshit?
Me:Yes. That’s definitely bullshit.
Logan:Don’t forget porn! Infinite boobs at our fingertips!
Logan:I love my magic rectangle.
Knox:Hope you’re feeling better, Sloane. If you can’t make it to class tomorrow, I’ll send you the notes.
Me:Thanks. Hopefully it’s just a 24-hour bug.
I sighed with relief once that was done. One less expectation to worry about. Now I could relax and focus on the first paper I needed to write.
But I did feel sad about canceling. Like I was missing out on a new experience. Because even though I had asked for a rain check, my cancellation felt like it was more permanent.
I was able to sit down and outline my paper for the next hour. When I took a break, I decided to call Jayden.
