Page 31 of Triple Play

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Sarah: What’s the strategy?

Me: Make them uncomfortable. See who cracks first.

Sarah: My money’s on the golden retriever.

Me: Same.

I set my phone down and pull out my organic chemistry textbook.

But I can’t focus.

I can’t stop replaying the look on Grant’s face when he saw my vibrator, the way Wyatt couldn’t get comfortable on the couch, and Jordie’s strangled smile.

They wanted to make this difficult?

Challenge accepted.

I study until ten, until I can recite molecular structures in my sleep.

Then I get ready for bed, brushing my teeth in the bathroom where my vibrator still sits on the counter.

Nobody’s moved it.

Nobody’s said anything.

But I can feel the shift.

I can feel that I’m not just the unwanted roommate anymore.

I’m the problem they can’t ignore.

And I’m just getting started.

Back in my room, I lie in bed staring at the ceiling.

Through the wall, Grant is moving around, more restless than usual.

I wonder if he’s thinking about me.

I wonder if any of them are.

Probably.

Definitely.

I smile in the dark.

Tomorrow, I’ll escalate. Tomorrow, I’ll push a little harder.

But tonight, I let myself enjoy the win.

Small victories matter when you’re fighting a war.

And I intend to win this one.

CHAPTER SIX

SERVICES RENDERED

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