Page 22 of Tricky Girls

Elly gave me your number. Hope that’s cool but too bad if not.

Ah. Not them then.

Me: Haz?

Haz: Yeah. Some other fucker texting you or something?

A laugh escapes me as I lean more heavily on the counter, taking my phone into both hands. The arrogance of this girl. Texting her will provide a welcome distraction if nothing else.

Me: Delete it.

No chance, princess,she replies immediately.Now send me a nude.

I shake my head despite the smile on my lips.

Me: Dream on, buddy.

Haz: Oh, I am. What you doing?

Releasing a breath, I opt for the truth.

Me: Gathering the courage to get my stuff back from Ryan.

Haz: Defo done with him then?

Me: Definitely. Just sucks he lives next door.

Haz: Ouch.

And then,I’ll suck you if you want.

Me: You’d probably do a better job, tbh

Haz: Damn right I would. I have a rep for it.

Me: Ah, maybe not then. I need to be someone’s #1 girl.

Haz: You’re already #1, baby

It makes me smile even though she doesn’t mean it.

I’m doing the storyboard rn,she goes on.Making your little witch super hot.

Me: You better.

Haz: Go get your shit.

I tut at the reminder, adrenaline pooling in my gut. Might as well get it over with. Can do with watching a film tonight, and Netflix just isn’t cutting it.

Dumping the rest of the Pot Noodle, I scoop up my phone and exit into the corridor.

It’s always creepy when it’s empty, long and white and stark beneath fluorescent lights. Brings to mind those liminal spaces. Always wonder what’s up with that. Why is everything so much creepier in its transitional state, why does the human body balk at the sensation of emptiness? Just seems wrong here without the hubbub of my flatmates, all sixteen of them.

Outside his door, I pause to draw in a breath. I hear music from beyond but nothing else. God, I really hope Natasha isn’t in there.

Lifting a fist, I reluctantly knock.

It opens after a moment, his tall body lounging against the frame so there’s no telling if anyone else is with him.

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