Page 21 of Count On Me

Not that anyone would be able to see that from the press. They all think I took that girl home and fucked her last night. And I can’t blame them. Those pictures look pretty damning. Truth is, I got fucking drunk, she kissed my cheek, putting all her nasty pink lipstick on me, and walked out of the club with us. I could barely keep my head up, let alone any other part of my body, with the amount of alcohol I consumed. She jumped into the car that was waiting for us and went home with Jordan. But the press didn’t even notice he was in the car with us. All focus was on me, as usual.

“She wasn’t too busy to talk to me. Answered on the second ring and we spoke for an hour. Jaxson, you’re clueless. Did you see the video she made for her booktok? You’re missing out on a good thing, boy.” Mama tuts at me and shakes her head, but I can’t focus on anything apart from the fact Edie ignored me but had time for my mom. And then went out without me and had a shit-ton of fun.

I fucked up again, but this time I did nothing wrong. As my pops starts talking about how I’m ruining my life again I send Edie a text.

Me

How come you had time to talk to Mama but were too busy for me yesterday?

“Jaxson. I swear to God, your attention span is the same as a darn goldfish.” My head snaps up and I bring my gaze away from the phone.

“Huh?” I ask my pops, who just shakes his head in exasperation.

“Texting someone, Son?” Mama asks with a grin on her face. But as my phone vibrates against the table, I make my excuses and close the laptop lid—faster than was needed—to chuckles from them both. I grab my phone and let my leg bounce as I read her reply.

Eddie

I’m never too busy for Mama Brady.

Me

But you are for me? I’m hurt, Edie.

Eddie

You’ll get over it. Get Cindi to kiss your boo-boos away.

Me

Who’s Cindi?

Eddie

The doll you were out with the other night. I gave her the name Cindi lol

Me

I couldn’t even tell you if that was her name or not.

Eddie

That’s gross

Me

I didn’t know her name.

Eddie

If you can tell me what her tongue felt like on yours but not her name, it's gross, Jaxson.

Me

I couldn’t tell you either. She kissed my cheek and smeared lipstick all over it and then went home with Jordan. Hawaii, Edie.

Eddie

*Sigh*

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