Page 43 of If You Give an Artist a Killer Muse

ME:

- Hey! No worries, I’m awake. You don’t have to join me for a run. You’re sweet and lovely, but I don’t think I’m ready for anything more. I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression.

There. I suck in a deep breath, seeing that Barbara quickly read the message. It’s a simple message, right? Nothing rude, yet straight to the point. Barbara seemed like the type of girl that would understand and —

BARBARA (TINDER):

- Seriously?? Wowww. Is it because of that girl we ran into?? Is she your girlfriend or something??? Plz, I’m better looking than her; she’s like a 5 when I’m a 10.

-But whatever, it’s your loss.

I blink. What the fuck? What does Briar have to do with this? What’s up with women comparing each other?

But I couldn’t help but feel the spark of annoyance when Barbara called herself better-looking. Why did she feel the need to insult her like that? Anyone with eyes can see that Briar is fucking beautiful.

Annoying and a crazy psycho, but beautiful.

Shit.

I shouldn’t be thinking of her like that.

Shaking my head, I get up and start my morning routine of coffee, showering, and then changing to go for my run. I know I won’t see Barbara today, but will Briar be there?

I hope not.

I hear my phone vibrating with a text notification and groan. What does Barbara want now? I put my workout clothes on before grabbing my phone and swiping it open. I suck in a breath at the text.

CRAZY MIGRAINE:

-Hi ;) Did you end things with Wannabe Barbie?

ME:

-Who?

CRAZY MIGRAINE:

-Dollar Store Barbie.

ME:

-What the actual fuck, Briar.

CRAZY MIGRAINE

-Knock-off Barbie?

ME:

-Stop being rude and delete my number, Briar. I’m serious.

-And stay away from my love life.

CRAZY MIGRAINE

-Impossible to do when I am the love of your life ;)

I scowl.

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