Page 25 of One of Them Girls

Why does the thought of Xavier being jealous heat my blood?

Me: Don’t worry, Avi, You’re still my number one boo. *Blowing kiss emoji.*

For the first time in a long time, my chest feels light. I almost feel like the old Cassi. Leaning against the wall, I wait for his text back.

Avi: Good. I’d hate to have to take out a friend for poaching on my territory.

The way he flirts with me brings back those butterflies in my stomach. I know it’s just innocent flirting, but I can’t help but wonder what it would be like if its real.

Me: Territory? You’re such a caveman.

Avi: Damn right. You woman. Me Man. Get in my cave.

I burst out laughing, looking around to make sure no one noticed.

Me: Sure. Right after I club your ass over the head. That’s not the way to get a woman.

Avi: Well, wise one. What is the way to get a woman?

My heart stutters. Is he asking how to get me or another woman?

Red hot fury fills my veins at the thought.

Fuck, this is worse than I thought. I shouldn’t have slept in his bed last night.

Shoving the phone in my pocket, I make my way out of the building, trying to calm down.

The light feeling from before flees, letting a panic set in. For a moment, I was actually happy. I was focused on something other than Ryan.

I don’t know which caused me more anxiety at the moment. The thought that I could forget Ryan for even a second or that the happiness I had found could be ripped away.

“Cass.” I hear in the distance.

I glance back and offer a small smile as Mara jogs over to me.

“Hey, Mara. What’s up?”

“What’s up with me? No. What’s up with you? I haven’t seen much of you lately. I thought we were best friends.” Her pout isn’t lost on me.

This is how Mara is. Everything has to be centered around her. I know it killed her to be out of the spotlight when Ryan died.

Ryan.

“Yeah, I’ve been going to class and stuff,” I murmur, looking around for an escape.

I really am not in the mood for the Mara show.

“Or is it that new hottie you’re banging? Jared told everyone about him. The East Coast newbie that came in and swept you off your feet. Stole you right from under Jared’s nose.”

I scoff. “Seriously? I was never Jared’s to begin with. He was a mistake. I’m going to have to have a talk with him.”

“You’re not denying it, though. Is Xavier your new boyfriend for real? I thought it was fake.”

My eyes narrow on hers. “What? Are you jealous? Do you have a thing for him?”

She holds her hands up. “If he’s yours, then he’s off-limits, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested.”

Shaking my head, I turn and walk away,

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