Page 5 of One of Them Girls

I let her name roll around in my head. Cassandra Davis. It suits her. I wonder how many Cassandra Davis’ there are on social media.

Shaking my head. “Yeah, I walked her home,” I say noncommittally as I continue reading my textbook.

“She’s been marked off-limits by Jared. You might have some issues there.”

I glance up at him. “I can handle myself. Besides, there’s nothing there.”

“Uh-huh. She’s not some smoking hot blonde with legs for days, an ass that you could live off of, and a chest that makes grown men weep.”

I chuckle. “She’s hot, but I don’t think any woman’s worth the drama.”

“No matter what you say, he thinks you’re hitting that. He was beyond pissed after you left with her.”

I shrug. “Not my problem what he believes.”

“Right,” he says. “We’re going to Saddle Up Saloon tonight. You in?”

“Sure. Why not?” I tell him.

Last night wasn’t overly exciting, but I can’t keep cooping myself up in this room. Jack’s been a good friend so far.

Or maybe Cassandra will be there.

“Great. We are leaving at seven. If you’ve got a fake ID, bring it. They won’t serve you without it.”

I shake my head. “How about I drive and be your DD?”

“My brother. We can take my car though in case I need to get my dick wet, which we both know I will.” He smirks.

“With a mouth like that, I can’t possibly see how a woman can turn you down,” I deadpan.

“Right? The ladies love them some Jack.”

“Whatever, man. Now shut up, I need to finish these assignments if you want me to go anywhere.”

“Man, you study too much. You need to lighten up.”

I don’t respond as he grabs a couple of things before leaving.

He doesn’t get it. He doesn’t have parents like mine. His mom calls him on Sundays and fusses over him and if he’s happy. His father talks football with him and asks how his training is going, but never once asks him about his grades.

My parents? I’m lucky if I hear from my mother outside of holidays and my father would kill me if I got anything less than an A.

There are only a couple of routes you can go as a Walsh man. Lawyer, doctor, or businessman. He was pissed when he found out I wanted to teach.

I haven’t heard from him since I declared my major. I don’t give a fuck though.

At least that’s what I tell myself.

I haven’t forgiven him for trying to push me on Tinsley last year or the deal he made with her father, but the need to impress him is ingrained in my system. The thought of disappointing him still makes my skin itch.

Hours later, Jack comes back, finding me in the same position I was in with a different textbook when he left.

“Okay, man. Studying is done. We’re going to get food, then I’m going to get blitzed. You ready?”

“Yeah, man.” I shut my textbook, getting up to pull a T-shirt on.

I slip on my shoes and grab my wallet.

---