Page 11 of Praise You

When I first met Carter and West, they were only best friends. Actually, West thought he was straight and didn’t even know about Carter’s feelings for him. As someone on the outside looking in, I could see they both had feelings for each other; they just needed a little push. While they somehow figured out their shit on their own, I like to think my little push for both of them was what they needed at the time. I wanted to help them both realize each other’s affections.

Noah cackles next to me and I playfully shove him in the shoulder.

"At this point, we should always assume Noah is going to kick everyone's ass," Asher cuts in, looking at Noah with love in his eyes. Noah and Asher were a couple who everyone saw coming from a mile away, but no one knew when it would actually happen. They haven't been together very long, but I can tell my best friend is the happiest he's ever been. I'm glad they finally figured their shit out, too.

Everyone in this damn house is coupled up except for me. And honestly? I'm completely fine with that. After being cheated on or left by my last three boyfriends, I have no time in my life for relationships and the stress that comes with it. Hooking up? I can do that, but even then, it’s rare. Relationships? No thanks, not happening.

Glancing across the room, I can't help but smile, seeing us all together in one room again. Being gone for the summer wasn't hard, but I truly missed them more than I thought I would.

West giggles and I glance over to see Carter whispering something in his ear. Rolling my eyes, I look toward Noah to say something to him, but he's already looking at me.

"I guess I should get used to this, huh?" I tell him, feeling like a third wheel.

Noah gives Asher a quick kiss on the cheek before coming over and sitting next to me.

"I don't know if any of us will ever get used to that." We both laugh before Noah hands me the controller. "Wanna play another round?"

"Let's do it."

Restarting the game, Noah, Asher, and I play another round before West comes back over and demands a rematch. He ends up losing again, but he beats me and Asher so he gloats nonstop about it.

A short while later, we all head to our rooms for the night. Wired from playing games all night, I grab my camera and tripod from my closet and set it up to make a new video. I have no direction for this video, so I do what comes naturally. I praise the camera, offering winks and smiles.

Once I finish the video, I clean myself up first, then clean up the bed, putting the rest of my things away. Moving to my desk, I power up my computer to upload the video onto the site. I try to make a video at least twice a week. Even though I don't show my face, I have a steady stream of followers who subscribe to my account, so I make sure to keep up to date with videos.

Once the video is uploaded, I reach into my backpack and pull out the notes I took from earlier with Professor Carson. We're going to have another research paper due in a couple weeks, so I want to run through these again, taking note of what I know will help me on my next paper.

Professor Carson’s ass flashes in my mind, and my dick twitches in my sweatpants. There's still something about him that draws me in.

Chapter Five

Oliver

Since I didn’t want to be locked up in my apartment, I spent the weekend touring the town, seeing what else is out there to do, and it went by entirely too fast. I went down to the beach and laid out in the sun. People milled all around me while I laid out and enjoyed the heat. After spending all day in the sand, I found a seafood restaurant right by the shore.

Some people probably think going out to a restaurant by yourself is strange, but I truly enjoy it sometimes. Being able to sit and simply enjoy the food. It's nice. Sometimes. However, at times, I find myself wishing there was someone else with me.

On Sunday, I reached out to Nate, and we went to the sports bar again. I can easily see us being friends with how well we get along.

He told me all about his break-up with his ex-boyfriend and how he's been trying to get out of the house more to get his mind off things. So, I told him about my breakup with Alison, and how I ended up moving across the country to start over. We realized we had a lot more in common than we originally thought.

Mondays are one of my easiest days of the week. I only have three classes, so I'm able to lock myself in my office for a little bit and get some grading done. While Ty does most of the daily grading, I do like to check out the student’s work myself sometimes. I'm marking up another paper with my red pen when my phone vibrates next to me. Looking at the screen, I smile, seeing Alexander's name pop up.

"Hey man," I answer, bringing the phone up to my ear and tossing my pen onto my desk.

"Hey. I haven't talked to you in a couple weeks. How's everything been going?"

"It's good." Blowing out a breath, I lean back in my chair, lifting my legs up and propping them on my desk. "Work has been busy, but it's been amazing being able to do what I love. There's something exhilarating about being able to teach others the things I love about literature."

"I know exactly what you mean. Whenever we have interns at Hayes Advertising, it's great to be able to share your passion with others."

"Exactly. You get it." I smile, knowing he understands how I’m feeling. The passion I love sharing with others.

"Outside of work, how has everything been?"

"Great. I made a new friend, which makes me sound like I'm five years old, but it's been good for me."

"A friend-friend or a friiiienddd?" he says, emphasizing the word.

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