Page 55 of One of Them Girls

“No, why?” I turn around and face her.

“I’m sure it’s nothing, but she commented about how she can’t wait to see him on one of the pictures from the rodeo.”

My thumb finds my mouth as I absentmindedly rub my nail against my lip.

Is there someone else? Has he been seeing other women?

Logically, my brain says he spends most of his time with me so when would he have time, but the illogical part says maybe I’ve been fooled.

“Did you check her profile?” I ask, making Rebecca scoff.

“What do you think I am, an amateur?” she demands. “I stalked her page, and it looks like she has a boyfriend who she is very much in love with, but you never know. I think she’s from Chicago or something. She has some pictures from there.”

“Huh,” I say, pulling my hand from my face, busying myself looking in the mirror. “Avi said before he came here, he was staying in a place called Bridgeton. He said it was close to Chicago. I bet it’s just his friend from back home. He’s mentioned her a couple of times.”

I try to sound confident, but I’m not. As much as we’ve been together, we’ve mostly avoided talks of the past. I don’t know what happened with this chick exactly, but he let it slip once that he had a thing for her before they decided they were better off as friends.

“Hey, I’m sure it’s nothing. But if you’re worried, all you have to do is ask Xavier. I’m pretty sure he would tell you.”

My phone buzzes and I grab it off my bed.

Avi: On my way up.

Me: Okay.

“He’s on his way up,” I tell her as I slide my phone into my pocket, grabbing what I need. “It’s none of my business. I mean, this is our first official date. Not our wedding.”

“Babe, if it worries you, you have a right to know. You guys are friends first and foremost. Don’t push your feelings aside because you’re scared of the outcome.”

I sigh. “I’ll think about it.”

She narrows her eyes at me, but eventually rolls them. “Fine.”

I should have known the word fine coming out of any woman’s mouth was a trap, even if she’s my best friend. Especially when she jumps, rushing toward the door when he knocks.

“Who’s babyyates?” she demands as she opens the door, making Xavier jerk back.

“Rebecca,” I chastise.

“Well, hello to you too, Becca.” Xavier laughs. “Babyyates? Like the username? That would be Tinsley, my best friend. Why?” he asks, tilting his head.

“She commented on one of our pictures and I got curious. Had to make sure it was nothing for me to worry about.” She shrugs. “She’s all yours,” she tells him, waving at me.

“Okay, then?” His face holds confusion.

“Let’s get out of here before she says anything else embarrassing,” I mumble, pulling him out the door. As soon as it shuts, I breathe out a, “Well, that was awkward” under my breath.

Xavier laughs, showing he heard me.

“Please pretend you didn’t hear any of that.”

“Whatever you want.” He leans in, pressing a kiss to my lips before grabbing my hand and leading me down the hall.

I don’t say anything else until we are in the car. “Tinsley’s the one who lives in Bridgeton, Right?”

“Yep. She’s actually the reason I even ended up in Texas. You should probably thank her.” He looks over and winks at me before focusing back on the road.

“Is she the one you said you had some drama with her boyfriend before?”

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