Page 43 of Flag On The Play
I don’t even get changed all the way. I just throw on a hoodie over my leggings and top, shove my makeup wipes into my purse, and head out.
Roxy’s apartment is exactly what you’d expect from a woman like her. It’s chaotic, wild, colorful. String lights hang from the ceiling. Her couch is green velvet. There’s a neon sign above the kitchen window that says‘Fuck around and find out.’
“Wow, everything is lit up tonight,” I say when I walk in.
“Like you don’t need this exact vibe tonight,” Roxy grins, holding out a glass of red wine.
Delaney’s already curled up on the armchair, cardigan pulled over her knees, a bottle of water in her lap like she’s the designated voice of reason. Again.
I drop onto the couch, take a long sip, and groan. “Okay. I have to tell you both something, and I don’t want commentary until I’m done.”
“That’s ominous,” Roxy says, plopping beside me.
“Let her talk,” Delaney murmurs.
I stare at the glass for a second, then blurt it all out. “I slept with Finlay. At Jace’s party. We argued, drank too much, flirted, and then we ended up in one of the bedrooms.”
“Oh shit.” Roxy grins like she’s just been handed the season finale twist of a drama series.
“And then last night he came to my place. Said we needed to figure this out. We made out, it got heated, but I told him no sex until we figure it out.”
Delaney lifts a brow, impressed. “Look at you setting boundaries.”
“I know, right?” I say with a dry laugh. “But when we talked, he said I’m the only girl he’s never been able to forget. He said I’m his good luck charm and that he plays better when I’m around.”
“That’s kinda hot,” Roxy says, sipping her wine. “A man performing better because of you? Queen shit.”
“Yeah, or it’s pressure I didn’t ask for. What happens if I leave? He throws an interception and blames my vagina?”
Delaney actually chokes on her water.
I drop my head into my hands. “I’m so confused.”
Roxy nudges me. “Okay, real talk. Do you want to be with him?”
“I don’t know,” I admit. “He’s not who he used to be. Or maybe he is, and he’s just learned how to wear a better mask. Either way, he’s gotten under my skin.”
“Sounds like you’re scared,” Delaney says softly.
“I am,” I admit. “I’ve kept this wall up for years, and he’s breaking through it like it’s paper. It’s not just about sex, and that makes it scarier.”
Roxy leans in, her voice gentle for once. “So what would make you happy, Nova? Him? Or staying safe behind your walls?”
“I don’t know,” I whisper. “But I think I want to find out.”
“Then take your time,” Delaney says. “Set the pace. Make him prove it’s real.”
“Make him work for it,” Roxy adds. “And if you decide he’s still a fucking asshole, we’ll handle that.”
I laugh for the first time in hours and clink my glass against theirs. “You two are the worst influences.”
“And the best friends,” Delaney smirks.
“Cheers to figuring shit out,” Roxy grins.
We raise our glasses, and for the first time in days, the knot in my chest starts to loosen.
Maybe I don’t know what this thing with Finlay is, but I’m starting to believe it’s worth figuring out.
