Page 36 of Between Hate and Desire

“Sounds all too familiar…” I groan. “What about getting your own place?”

“I can’t afford it right now or in the near future. Not when they’d want the first and last month’s rent along with the security deposit up front.” Her voice softens, and I know she’s defeated.

“Want me to come over? Brandon and I were going for an evening joyride, but I can have him drop me off instead. We can drink wine and eat ice cream.”

She releases a choked laugh, which makes me smile because I was hoping that suggestion might lift her spirits a bit. “I don’t want to ruin your date night.”

“No, it’s okay. We can do it another night. I’ll come over, and we can talk,” I insist, and she finally agrees. “I’ll be over in twenty.”

Once I explain the situation to Brandon, he’s understanding, as usual, and tells me it’s no problem. We hop on the bike, and he drives us to Sophie’s apartment. Once we’re there, I swing my leg over and get off the back. The engine continues to run as I take off my helmet, then strap it to the back and give him a big smile.

“Sophie will bring me back home. I have a feeling we’re going to be chatting for a while, so I might not be home until late.”

Brandon takes off his helmet and pulls me close, smiling against my lips. “You girls have fun. But not too much fun,” he says, giving me a wink.

Leaning forward, I steal another kiss. “Don’t worry. I need to get her mind off potential asshole roommates, so romantic comedies and junk food it is since I might know something about that.”

When I give him a pointed look, he chuckles.

“I love you, baby. Have fun.” He wraps a hand around my neck and pulls me in for one last deep kiss.

“I love you, too.” I hum against his lips. “Be careful on that thing. I’ll see you when I get home.”

“Always am.” He winks, then replaces his helmet and revs the engine. I wave as he drives out of the parking lot and watch as he slowly turns back to the road.

I walk to Sophie’s apartment and knock. The defeated look on her face when she opens the door has me giving her a big hug.

Moments later, we’re on the couch watching10 Things I Hate About Youwith a bottle of Merlot and a pile of snacks.

“So things are still rough between you and Hunter?” Sophie asks after our second glass of wine.

I groan loudly to emphasize my point. “Yep. Every damn day. He’s a slob, disrespectful, arrogant, selfish, and rude. All of the above.”

Sophie chuckles, then sips her drink. “Still blows my mind, considering he was hitting on you that first night you guys met.” She waggles her brows, and I playfully shove her shoulder.

“Stop. It was nothing. He was hitting on half the bar. Brandon swept me off my feet, and I’m supposed to be with him, and I’m happy!” I reassure her.

“I know you’re happy, which makes me happy! I just can’t help wondering if you hadn’t dated that asshole who cheated on you in college, you would’ve pushed your insecurities aside and pursued Hunter?” she asks, and it takes me by surprise. “You told me all about spring break week afterward and mentioned him but then ended up dating his roommate. I mean, that’s why you chose Brandon, right? He was a nice guy and the safe choice?”

“What?” I furrow my brows. “No! I mean, yes, Brandon’s nice. But it wasn’t like that. Nothing happened between me and Hunter, so it’s not like I chose between the two. Hunter’s the total playboy cliché—panty-melting looks, knows exactly what to say to seduce you, and flirts like you’re the only woman in the world. He charms the panties off any woman to get them into his bed. He’s a player, and I think my heart knew that. It also knew Brandon was the one.”

Sophie laughs. “Always the hopeless romantic.”

“So even if my ex didn’t cheat on me, I wouldn’t have wanted to date a guy like that anyway. It had nothing to do with choosing between the two because the moment Brandon and I met, I was captivated. Yes, I was attracted to Hunter, and we had chemistry, but I’ve been attracted to other guys before. You know how Mom always said to find a guy you can see a future with? How we should datewithpurpose? That’s what I saw in Brandon.” My thoughts are all over the place, and I blame the wine for that but continue anyway. “His ridiculous pickup line had me cracking up, and it was easy to see he was a genuine guy. It made me feel like giving him my heart was right and that he’d take care of it and never break it, if that makes sense.” I take another drink to stop myself from rambling.

“I’m glad it worked out,” Sophie says with a dazed look in her eyes. “He looks at you like you’re his whole world,” she adds with a goofy grin. “Which is kind of sickening for us in the single girls’ club.”

“He really does,” I agree, smiling. “Even if I’d pursued Hunter, I can guarantee you it would’ve ended in heartbreak by now, considering the way he acts. I don’t think I could’ve handled his mood swings and attitude.”

“Well, when a guy like Hunter looks like he could barge through walls and lift anyone over his head, he’s bound to catch some attention,” Sophie says with a laugh.

“Yeah, playing football all those years and going to the gym religiously helped make him so muscular, and he knows it, too. I’m surprised his brain hasn’t exploded from how big his ego is.”

Sophie and I both giggle, and soon, we’re laughing so hard tears fall down our cheeks. We continue drinking and cracking jokes, and by our fourth glass of wine, I know she’s no longer worried about Maria’s boyfriend moving in. Though she can’t do much about it now, I’m glad I could offer some comfort and distract her, even if only temporarily.

I realize it’s getting late, and I should go home since I have to work in the morning. “My first spring concert is this Friday, so I need some sleep since it’s going to be another hectic day. We’re practicing in the auditorium tomorrow, and then Thursday is the stage rehearsal. I’m super nervous.”

“I’m so proud of you, Lennon. I’m positive it’ll run perfectly!” She smiles sincerely. “I wish I could come and watch it.”

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