Page 57 of Tricky Girls

‘Sausage roll or pork pie?’

‘Sausage roll, I think.’

I rip one from the packet, raising it up to her lips. She gives it a nibble, holding her hand over her mouth demurely. It makes me smile. Like a little mouse.

As the sun dips lower, darkening the tower room, she begins to relax, leaning against me heavier. Not like I can’t take it. I feed her more food, enchanted by the way the sunset reflects in her eyes, turning them the weirdest colour.

‘The princess treatment Haz wasn’t able to give you.’

‘She let me feel her dick,’ Tilda counters.

‘She fucking what?’ I laugh.

Tilda shrugs with a grin. ‘Guess I was missing it.’

‘Dick?!’

‘Yeah. Was on the vodka too.’

‘So that’s all it takes?’

‘Yep. Now you have that info, what are you gonna do with it?’

‘Suppose I’m going out to buy some vodka. Wish you’d told me before tonight.’

‘Can’t make it too easy for you.’

She’s good at this flirting stuff. The girls on campus, the ones at the gym or Vipers, have a way of being as predatory as Haz in their advances, as purposely subtle as they might be with them.

But then, I suppose that’s the difference between girls who actually want you and one who’s straight and indulging you. A thought that’s a little deflating.

I bring my arms fully around her. ‘Nothing easy about you, Tilda.’

‘Others would say otherwise.’

‘Others are dicks.’ I shake my head, glowing with the privilege of just having this girl close. ‘Bet that asshole boyfriend of yours never took the time to know you, did he? The real you. What makes you tick, your traumas and your fears.’

Tilda gives a small shake of her head.

‘Mm, I can tell. Surface level worm. You’re more than just a pretty face, Tilds. Though you’re definitely that too. Fucks me off he doesn’t see that.’

‘Well,’ she murmurs after a moment, ‘not with him anymore, am I?’

‘Nope. You’re onto better things.’

‘You mean like you?’

‘I mean anyone who’ll treat you the way you deserve.’ I quirk a smile. ‘But I wouldn’t be mad if it’s me.’

Tilda laughs quietly. ‘Well, you’re doing a good job of twisting my arm right now. Any girl would be lucky to have you.’

‘Don’t make this ginger blush.’

She turns halfway to face me, making me feel suddenly shy in my glasses. I’ve not been sleeping well lately, making my eyes more blurry than usual. Just thinking about it makes me yawn and I duck my head so Tilda doesn’t have to see.

‘Am I keeping you up?’

I dredge up a smile. She’s made that joke before. Truth is, I’m knackered. Nan’s been out of hospital a few days, which makes things both easier and harder. Easier because Grandad doesn’t have to split his time between home and the ward, but harder because three kiddos, a mentally ill mother and five animals is the last thing you want around a convalescing granny.

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