Page 28 of One of Them Girls

“No, not like Mara. Someone more my type. More like you.”

I feel a little dizzy at how fast my heart is beating. “A good, southern girl?”

He hums, “Mmhmm.”

I let out the deep breath I was holding. “We like a little romance. Don’t get me wrong. We secretly love a little jealousy. Just a touch of possessiveness showing us you care, but we also want some sweet words and a tender touch. A genuine conversation, proving that we are more than our bodies to you. That you value our mind too.”

I can feel the tension through the phone. I feel raw. Exposed. Like I just gave him a hand-drawn map to me.

As if he can sense my panic, he clears his throat.

“Romance, huh? No wonder your single, Adra. Men aren’t romantic. That’s some pussy shit,” he teases.

I let out a short laugh, feeling that panic recede. “A girl can dream, right? I mean, is it too much to ask for a man to surprise a chick once in a while? Maybe some random flowers or a trip somewhere?”

“I think you’ve been watching too many romance movies. Don’t give us men too much credit. We don’t think that far ahead.”

I let out a playful sigh. “One day, maybe.”

“You hold out for it. You deserve only the best.”

My fingers reach up on their own to touch my lips as I feel a smile spread across them.

How did I go from a ball of fury to a smiling fool within minutes?

He does that to you.

“Thank you. That means a lot.”

“Good.” I hear a commotion in the background on his end of the phone. “Fuck, Jack. Chill out, man.”

I chuckle. “Tell Jack if he doesn’t chill I’ll come kick his ass.”

He repeats my words, causing Jack to grumble in the background.

“Listen, Jack is drunk as fuck at the moment. I don’t know what he was thinking drinking early, but I’m going to take care of him. I’ll text you tomorrow?”

I smile to myself. “Text me whenever you want. ‘Night Avi.”

“‘Night Adra.”

Hanging up the phone, I stare at the ceiling. I can’t help the lightness that fills me every time I talk to him. It’s like he’s breathing new life into me.

I can’t help but feel like if I’m not careful, I could get addicted to this feeling.

5

Cassi

Walkingout of my last class for the day, I head off toward my dorm.

“Ace.” I spin, smiling as Jack makes his way through people to get to me.

“Noob. How are you doing today?” I ask as he stops in front of me.

“I’m not a noob.” He glares, but the hint of a smile throws the look off. “You’re just an ace. Anyway, not why I’m here. What are you doing tonight, tomorrow, and well for the entire weekend?”

I narrow my eyes. “Why do I feel like I’m being conned into something?”

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