Page 29 of Player
"Everything's going very well for me, Dixie Dix, don't worry."
"Saying that kind of thing is the best way to make me worry, you know?"
Bradley laughs even harder. "You're still as stubborn as ever, sis."
"And you're still as secretive."
No one is more discreet than Bradley. If I hadn't always been on his case when we lived with our parents, I would never have known what he was up to.
"To live happily, live hidden," he replies.
His enigmatic tone intrigues me, but I'm distracted by my bedroom door opening. Keri appears in the doorway, and I'm surprised to see she's alone. This is the moment I've been waiting for!
"I have to go, Bradley."
We exchange a few more words before hanging up, and I immediately turn my attention to my roommate, who's settling at her desk.
I observe for a moment her raven-black hair, the corset hugging her torso, and her ruffled skirt. Right now, she's sporting a decidedly gothic look. Since Saphya's party, we haven't crossed paths. It seems that Keri and I have verydifferent lifestyles, and it wasn't during the night when she was in full action with her various conquests that we had the opportunity to talk.
"Keri, we need to talk."
She gives me a sidelong glance with a closed expression, without responding.
OK, this isn't going to be easy...
I notice that I'm fidgeting with my nails, and I let my hands drop. I'm not quite sure how to approach the subject, but I finally dive in:
"You know, I'm not really a heavy sleeper, but I still need to get some rest." This time, Keri turns her head toward me to study my face, which I take as an encouraging sign, so I continue, "And... um... I've been having a hard time lately."
I fall silent, hoping she'll grab the opening I'm offering her. My roommate considers me for a moment before responding, "Are you looking to get some weed? They say it works well for falling asleep. You know, the anti-anxiety effect of cannabis fades over time, so if you want to use it occasionally, it might help. But I don't recommend prolonged use."
I frown, surprised by the turn this conversation is taking. Keri continues her "clinical" explanations. "Not to mention you have to mix it with tobacco, and you risk becoming dependent."
I finally collect myself and interrupt her, "No, that's not what I meant."
Keri slightly furrows her brow:
"Are you looking for something stronger? In that case, I should warn you that you might be heading down a slippery slope."
"No, no! I don't want to use drugs!" I exclaim.
Keri shakes her head, looking perplexed, and I take a deep breath before explaining my actual thoughts, "It's your nighttime activities that are keeping me from sleeping."
I blurted that out very quickly, as if I had trouble talking about sex. I can't help but notice that I have less difficulty when it comes to Player, and yet, he takes malicious pleasure in pushing my buttons.
"I see," Keri simply responds. She doesn't add anything else, and I start to doubt whether my message actually got through.
"I don't want to intrude on your... intimate life, Keri. But I need a little peace and quiet."
"That's how I find sleep," she finally replies. "You should try it."
I shake my head, feeling like communication is definitely not my strong suit lately.
"Maybe we could find some kind of arrangement?" I suggest.
Keri remains impassive before replying in a neutral tone, "You want to join in? I don't mind. I like women too, and you're pretty cute."
I blink several times. How can this discussion go so far off the rails?
