Page 26 of One of Them Girls

“What the fuck, Cassi?” Mara grabs my arm, turning me back around.

“You believe Xavier is my boyfriend and you still have the balls to tell me you’re interested in him? What kind of friend does that?”

She sneers, “The same friend who sleeps with Jared knowing I had a crush on him throughout high school.”

I roll my eyes. “I’ve apologized to you countless times for that. It’s not like I purposely slept with him to hurt you. I honestly don’t know why I did it, but I know it was a mistake. Not only because it hurt you, but because it shouldn’t have happened.”

“Right. Ryan would be so disappointed in you.”

I surge forward, but stop when she smirks.

“You know what? Fuck you. Don’t bother calling me anymore. I’m tired of your petty shit.”

“Fine. Be that way,” she calls to my back as I walk away from her. “I’ll be sure to tell my mother what a whore you are so she can tell yours.”

“I’ll tell mine what a cunt you are, so we’re even,” I call back over my shoulder.

I make it back to my room, but my anger hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s more inflamed.

“Who pissed in your cereal this morning?” Rebecca asks as she puts on a pair of earrings.

“Mara’s such a cunt.”

Rebecca stops, turning to me, her mouth wide open.

“What?” I snap.

“I’m just surprised. What did Mara do?”

“She’s still pissed I slept with Jared. She doesn’t care why or that I was messed up then. Not saying that completely excuses my behavior, but that doesn’t mean she has the right to openly admit she wants Xavier. Well, she can’t have him.”

Rebecca’s smile flames the blood boiling beneath my skin. “You think this is funny?”

“No. Not at all. I’m proud of you. You’re finally seeing her true colors.”

Some of the anger slips out as she comes over and hugs me.

“Thanks. I guess I always knew she was nasty, but I didn’t realize until tonight.”

“Well, either way, I’m proud. Don’t worry about her interest in Xavier either. That boy is smart enough to avoid a snake and if he isn’t Jack sure as hell is.”

I take a deep breath, letting it whoosh from my mouth. “Thanks. I shouldn’t care if she gets with Xavier, but he deserves better.”

She winks at me. “He deserves a good girl like you.”

I chuckle. “He deserves better than me.”

“Whatever you say. I’m going out. Want to come? Or do you need me to stay in with you?”

“No. You go on. I’m going to decompress.”

“‘Kay. Let me know if you need me. I’ll have my cell on me.”

I give her a small smile, falling back on my bed as soon as she shuts the door.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, so I pull it out.

Six texts and one missed call.

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