Page 37 of One of Them Girls

Walking into the kitchen, I see Rebecca and Jack set out chips and sandwich stuff.

“This looks good,” Cassi tells them as she grabs what she wants.

“I figured this would be easiest for now and then later order some pizza before we have a bonfire.” Jack shrugs.

“Makes sense.” I nod as I grab a plate, helping myself.

The three of them fall into easy conversation while I eat in peace. My phone rings on the counter.

Finley.

“Hey, I have to take this,” I tell them as I grab my phone.

“Hello?” I answer as I walk up the stairs.

“Hey man, how are you?” Fin asks.

“I’m good? Everything okay?”

“What a guy can’t call another guy for the hell of it?” he jokes.

“Sure, you can call one of the Yates or even Sterling. Last I checked, we weren’t close enough to be phone buddies,” I say honestly as I shut the bedroom door.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” He sighs. “Look, I have a favor.”

“Okay, name it,” I tell him as I lean against the window frame, staring at the waves.

“You know I was into some shit last year,” he breaks off, gathering his thoughts. “I was wondering how you would feel about Tins coming and visiting sometime.”

“She’s always welcome.” I frown. “That bad?”

“Nah, everything’s good. But I know if she was here while I do what I need to do, all she will do is worry.”

“She likes to worry.” I laugh. “Look, you know she’s always welcome to visit. We’re good.”

“As long as you know she’s mine,” he jokes, lightening the mood, making us both laugh.

“Yeah, you have nothing to worry about there.”

“Oh, does Xavier have a girlfriend?” he sing-songs.

“We’re not having this conversation Fin.”

“Oh, come on, give me something!”

“Goodbye, Fin.” I laugh as I hang up.

I leave the room, walking down the stairs, making my way back outside.

“Hey, where are the girls?” I ask Jack.

“They wanted to hit the shops down the street.” He shrugs, eyes closed as he chills in a deck chair.

“Ah.” I nod.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, why?”

---