Page 45 of Vying Girls
Tilda’s fucking great, don’t regret bringing her onboard for a second, but I’m missing my girl. She’s been distant ever since, always with those accusing eyes like I’ve deliberately gone out my way to betray her.
I spread my palms in frustration. ‘Don’t you ever wonder?’
‘About her and Nic? Used to. But she won’t tell us, so.’
They’re back to ignoring each other now. Nic’s taken possession of a treadmill whilst Tilda’s on a rower. Not rowing though, just sat there looking lost.
‘Do you think they’ve fucked?’
Elly laughs. ‘No, pal. I don’t.’
‘Something could have happened the other night.’ Because it’s the only thing that makes any fucking sense.
‘Anarchy night?’
‘Yeah. Afterwards. Pretty sure they shared a bed.’
‘Bet that was cosy.’
‘That’s what I mean.’
‘Haz, this has all been going on a lot longer than that.’
Slamming back against the wall, I fold my arms. ‘Well, I don’t know then.’
‘That’s fine,’ Elly says serenely. ‘It’s between them, isn’t it?’
I narrow my eyes at her. ‘Thought Tilda was your girl? You’re fine with someone upsetting her?’
‘It’s not just someone, though, is it? It’s Nic. Nic’s got issues, but she’s cool. I trust her not to take it too far.’
‘Wouldn’t be saying that if you knew her for as long as I have.’ I watch her move those skinny legs on the treadmill. ‘She’s gota real self-destructive streak. Leaks to other people sometimes. Thought we’d put it to bed for a bit, but I dunno.’
‘That’s what I worry about more than this thing with Tilda. The drugs. The beating up trees until she’s legit bleeding.’
‘But that’s all because of Tilda though.’
Elly hums, conceding my point.
‘We’ll keep an eye on it,’ she says, slapping me on the leg. She keeps her hand there until I look at her. ‘Kind of wanted to talk to you about something.’
‘Ah.’ I shift away from her touch. ‘So that’s your agenda for coming here.’
She grins unrepentantly. ‘Maybe.’
‘What’s up?’
‘You. Tilda. Why won’t you fuck her?’
I sigh, briefly closing my eyes. ‘She come crying to you?’
‘She’s just confused. And frankly, so am I. I mean, it’s totally cool if you don’t want sex. No one should be pushed into sex. It’s just—well, shit—up until now, it’s beenyoudoing the pushing. You gone off her or something?’
‘No.’I hit my head on the wall, damning this whole thing. Literally feel my skin crawling talking about it. And here I thought Nic was the shit communicator.
‘What’s up? Talk to me, bro. Don’t be a Nic.’
I half smile at our similar thoughts. ‘It’s just—it’s Tilda, man.’ I spread my hands to emphasise. ‘FuckingTilda.’
