Page 38 of Fighting

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Nessa

Group Chat: Bad Bitches [Stef Carter, Lily Long, Delia Shane, Nessa Rabin]

Lily:

Is it just me, or is it suddenly extremely hot in here?

Delia, send up some ice for the burn Mateo just gave Jim

Delia:

???

Lily:

Mateo just took Jim down about 8 pegs while defending Nessa.

I think someone is smitten.

Stef:

Oh, my brother is a smitten kitten, all right.

(Nessa has left the group chat)

(Delia has added Nessa to the group chat)

(Nessa has left the group chat)

Nope.I can’t do it.

When Caleb entered the small dining room, the scent of his cologne hit my nose, causing my body to go haywire.

First came the stomach cramps, a sweaty brow, and clammy skin. I tried to sip my cold water, forgetting it was bubbly. The fizz did not mix well with my situation, and I was about to regurgitate bile.

Somewhere, my rational brain identified the panic attack, but that didn’t stop me from feeling like I was dying. No, instead, I’m currently storming down the steps of The Featherweight, ignoring everyone. I slam the door to the sport car and begin to speed out of the parking lot. In the rearview, I see Mateo outside chasing after me.

Rather than wait for him, I toss up a peace sign and tear out of the lot.Sorry, I can’t handle anyone seeing me spiral.I’m winding my way through town when I decide I need to step away from this.

I need to get out of here. I need to be someone else for a night, someone who’s fun and carefree. Someone who isn’t stressed about her responsibilities. I know just the person. Using Bluetooth, I call Shae.

“You up for a drink tonight?” I ask when she answers. “I can pick you up in about an hour and a half.”

“I would, but tonight is not the night. My boss just gave me a lecture about taking my work more seriously, and you know how much I love this job. I can’t mess it up. What about Thursday?”

I hang up, there’s no point. Thirty seconds later, a text notification appears on the console, and a robotic voice reads the message aloud.

“Shae sent a text message that says, ‘Okay, bitch. Thanks for being proud of me for taking something seriously.’ Would you like to reply?”

“Nope. Thanks, robot,” I say.

The phone rings next, and I decline before even checking the display. I don’t want to discuss anything with anyone right now. As I come up to the sole traffic light in town and slow to a stop, I decline yet another call.

The light is still red when the passenger door flies open and Mateo hops in. Great.

“You can’t lose me that easily. Plus, I really can’t have you destroying this priceless gem.” He grins at me.

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