Page 1 of Primal God

1

5 YEARS AGO

Lilith

I touch João’s hand as the credits play on the large TV in his living room.

“I should go. I have class tomorrow…”

He whines, “But I haven’t seen you all week…”

João and I have been dating since our senior year of high school. Before that, he was my best friend. My only friend. Since starting college, we’ve grown apart.

I roll my bottom lip between my teeth as I look him over.

It was bound to happen. We’re just too different. He was born with a golden spoon in his mouth while I…

I wasn’t.

Take tonight, for example. I rushed over after my double shift at the movie theatre so I could spend time with him. But he wasn’t even here. No, he was at some kind of club meeting with his dad. His mom invited me in, even though I know she had her hands full with the twins. She happily let me take little Clara while she fed Diego. When we put the twins down, I helped her fix dinner, mostly in silence. It was awkward, to say the least.I don’t think Mrs. Santos likes me. João says I’m wrong, but I just get this weird vibe from her. I’ve caught her looking at me like she hates me. And I’m not sure why. She’s everything I’m not. Thin. A stunning beauty. Wealthy. And married to the most wonderful man I’ve ever met.

João finally showed up just when I was about to leave and suggested watching a movie. It took everything in my power not to groan, because I’m around movies all day. I’d much rather sit and talk or even read a book. But João whined until I relented. So, we watched a movie. And then another. And now I just want to go back to the dorms and go to bed. Because, unlike João, Idohave class in the morning.

“I know we haven’t seen each other,” I say. “But I have a test tomorrow…”

João sighs. “Babe, it’s still early.”

It’s nearly midnight.

Mrs. Santos overhears and says, “You’re more than welcome to stay, Lili.”

This gets Dr. Santos’ attention, who frowns.

He’s always frowning when I’m around. I don’t think he likes me very much, either, which is why I try to stay out of his hair. His beautiful, sexy, salt and pepper hair. My cheeks warm. You’d think I’d get over this crush I have on him by now, but nope. Still hasn’t happened. He’s still on a pedestal and I am more than willing to worship him…

He meets my gaze, and I glance away.

How does he make his readers look so sexy?

João takes my hand and begs, “Come on, babe. We can go swimming.”

Oh, well, that’s just a low blow because he knows how much I love his pool.

“I’ll even let you pick the music.”

I sigh. “Fine.”

João doesn’t waste a moment pulling me to my feet. Mrs. Santos smiles as we pass, and Dr. Santos scowls.

Outside, I exhale as I look up at the night sky. João and his family live outside of the DFW metroplex on a large acreage. Being out here feels like being on a different planet. You don’t hear cars passing or planes flying overhead and, when you look up, you can actually see the stars. It’s pretty amazing.

Water splashes on me as João does a cannonball into the pool. He laughs when he emerges.

“Sorry. Didn’t know I’d get you.”

I brush water from my face and say, “Sure you didn’t.”

He laughs again. “Go change. I’m sure there’s a suit in there that will fit you.” He waggles his eyebrows at me. “Or you could go skinny-dipping.”

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