Page 107 of We Can't Be Friends

I’m wearing stockings, not even tights. Does Cal not understand how turned on he should be by that?

It’s turning every head in this bar. Why didn’t it turn his head?

Cal has my head spiraling. A kaleidoscope of emotions.

There is a subtle buzz against my thigh where my purse hangs. My phone ringing with a notification.

PRETTY BOY: Your outfit isn’t nice

Then what is it?

PRETTY BOY: It’s killing me

Killing you?

PRETTY BOY: You know what I mean

Maybe I want to hear you say it

I’m stupidly biting my lip when another text comes through.

PRETTY BOY: Can you do me a favor?

Sounds needy

PRETTY BOY: I might be

Go on

PRETTY BOY: I changed my mind.

PRETTY BOY: Don’t go home with anyone else.

My eyes magnify his message. My heart patters and I wonder how much longer we are going to do this dance.

I wanted to respond okay, but that’s too easy. Too much. Cal is already dangerous for my heart; I can’t let him have it that easily.

Putting my phone away as we arrive at the next destination, I trail Audrey inside.

Dim lights. The entire place is moody, reminds me of the place I ran into Cal and he asked me to be his fakegirlfriend.

We’re sitting at a table toward the back. Audrey orders a dirty martini. I stick to my usual, a glass of red wine.

Audrey gets another drink, finishing her first one quickly.

On her third, my second and final, I decide to ask her about the impromptu visit. I checked in with Cal this morning, curious if she had said anything to him. He grunted and left for a run.

“Alright.” I set the glass down, it sloshes up the side. “I know break-up bangs when I see them.”

“They’re bad, aren’t they?” She winces, musing with the strawberry blonde fringe. “I also dyed my hair. Mum was properly pissed.”

“Truthfully, I like the color, and once the bangs grow out, it’ll give Sydney Sweeney’s curtain bangs.”

“I’d need your boobs for that.” She pulls an olive off the toothpick from her drink.

My head drops to my chest. The tight shirt does nothing to hide them.

“The bangs,” I repeat, not letting Audrey steer this conversation elsewhere. “Were you seeing someone?” She nods hesitantly. “Did he break up with you?”

---