Page 104 of One of Them Girls

“Okay, but hurry back. Mama says dinner’s done.”

I rush up to my room, placing the gift on the dresser. Part of me is curious what he might have bought me. What does Xavier think I want for Christmas? I could find out now, but that’s not me. I’m not the one who opens gifts early and begs to know what I got. I love the spirit of Christmas. I love giving gifts more than receiving, but even then, I like being surprised by what someone might think I want.

Smiling, I rub my hand across the perfectly wrapped present. I can’t wait to find out what he thought I would want.

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Xavier

“You sure you are good? I can take you to the airport,” Jack says as he zips up his last bag.

“Yep. My flight’s not for a while. I’ll get a cab there or something.”

“Alright, man. If you change your mind or come home early, call me. Ma would love to have you.”

“I know. If Tinsley lets me come home early, I’ll call you.”

“Alright. See you after winter break. Have a great holiday.”

“You too.”

As soon as the door shuts, I let my smile fall. It’s exhausting faking a smile all the time.

After my trip out to Cassi’s house, I tried to play it off like it didn’t hurt me as badly as it did.

Truth is, seeing her, but not being with her hurt me worse than the truck that hit me did. My chest has felt tight ever since.

Jack could tell I’d been off, but thankfully he let me alone.

He invited me home with him for Christmas, but I couldn’t stomach the thought of being social.

It’s the same reason I told Tinsley I was going home with Jack when she asked me to come home. She misses me, but I can’t imagine being around her right now.

Not because I still have feelings for her, but because my misplaced feelings for her are part of the reason, I lost Cassi. It’s not her fault, but I can’t bear being around her and Finley.

Rubbing my hand down my face, I shake off my thoughts.

Pulling out my laptop, I put a movie on.

Hours later, a knock at the door wakes me.

Answering the door, I find a short, pudgy man on the other side.

“You’re supposed to be gone. You can’t stay here.”

“It’s my dorm. Why can’t I stay?”

“School rules. Students have to vacate during break. It’s my job to make sure everyone’s left.”

“Come on, man. I have nowhere to go.”

He shrugs. “Nothing I can do.”

Sighing, I pull out my wallet. “Would a couple hundred dollars change your mind?”

He looks down at the five hundred-dollar bills. “It might make me turn a blind eye, but if anyone catches you, I know nothing.”

“Deal.” I hand him the cash.

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