Page 14 of Lodged

Ruin: You’re only five minutes older than me. *eye roll emoji*

Rain: Still. I’m older.

Rain: So what’s up?

Ruin: I need your advice on something. But you have to promise me you’ll keep this between us.

Rain: Hmmm, why do I have the feeling I know where this is going?

Ruin: Ugh. Promise me!

Rain: Fine, I promise not to tell anyone. So long as it’s not something that can harm you.

I love how protective my sister is.

Ruin: I promise there’s nothing bad. At least not too bad.

Rain: Spill!

I bark out a laugh. I can picture her forming a tight line with her lips as she widens her eyes, her nostrils flaring as she starts to get frustrated.

Ruin: So, remember I went home in that fancy car?

Rain: Yes…

Ruin: Well, it turns out I’ve not only had dinner with my teacher, but now he just paid for my coffee and muffin.

Rain: Yuck, are you dating an old, creepy dude?

My phone falls from my hands as I bend in laughter. I guess I haven’t given her enough info, and she’s stereotyping Gio.

Rain: Gross. I mean, it’s your call. But gross.

Ruin: First off, he’s not old.

I find myself replying immediately, defending Gio.

Ruin: I think he’s only a couple of years older than us.

Rain: Okay… *eyes emoji*

Ruin: Yeah, he’s a teaching assistant. He’s finishing his PhD.

Rain: Ohhhhhh. Ohhhhhh. Tell me more.

Ruin: Well, I don’t know.

Rain: What do you mean you don’t know. Why are we talking about him then?

I bite my nail as I ponder Rain’s question. Why am I making a big deal about this? I cannot lie, I enjoy chatting with him. He’s not only hot, but he’s damn smart and sexy. But the way he treats me—he’s attentive and kind. He’s the whole package.

Rain: Hello?

Ruin: I like him.

Sigh, it feels good to admit it.

Rain: And? What are you going to do about it?

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