Page 6 of One of Them Girls

We make our way to his truck, a single cab old Chevy that has seen better days.

Another big difference I’ve seen in Texas. No one drives the flashy cars I’m used to. Even if they have money to buy a new one, they stick with their old trucks instead.

I asked Jack about his truck once. He said it was a family heirloom, passed down from his grandfather, to his father, and now to him. He said he wouldn’t dream of buying a new one.

“Run it ‘til the wheels fall off,” were his exact words.

It’s such a different mentality, but one that’s slowly growing on me. I don’t feel the pressure to prove my worth based on what I wear or drive. Or how much is in my father’s bank account.

It’s refreshing. No one cares who I am or who my father is. Jack isn’t friends with me because of the perks he can get from me.

He’s just a chill guy who has taken me under his wing because I’m his roommate.

He thinks I’m the poor one.

He said that to me once, actually. I tried to buy him dinner, and he said that I didn’t have to do that around here. No one cares what money I have. That I might be rich beyond my wildest dreams, but if I didn’t have good friends and a good family life, then I was the poor one.

Then he paid for my dinner.

It was an interesting experience, that’s for sure.

We pull up to a diner and make our way inside, getting seated right away.

After we order, Jack talks about school.

“Man, there’s this hot as fuck chick in my Lit class that’s feisty as fuck. She won’t give me the time of day, but fuck if I don’t want her, anyway. I can’t go there though.”

“Yeah? Why not?” I ask.

“She’s the take-home-to-mama type, and that’s a step I’m not sure I’m ready to take. My mama would love her, though.”

I chuckle. “Life’s not all about chasing tail. You know that, right?”

“I know, but after Christy-Lynn broke my heart in the tenth grade, I’m not sure I’m ready to risk it again.”

“Ah, so you have woman drama. Here I thought you’ve always been a player,” I tease.

“Not at all. I used to be a good, wholesome boy. Then that jezebel went and ruined that. Haven’t been the same since.”

“That’s deep, man,” I deadpan, making us laugh.

“Shut up. We both know there’s some Christy-Lynn in your past too.” He pauses. “Or was it a Bubba?”

I throw a napkin at him. “You’re fucked in the head.”

“I know, but people love me anyway.”

Jack’s not wrong. He might not be the good wholesome boy of his past, but he’s a good guy. Even with all the playing he does.

“Hey, man. Your girl’s here.”

My head swings to where he’s looking outside.

Cassandra’s outside, arguing with the guy from the party. Something inside me urges me to move. To go out there and protect her, but I fight it. It’s not my battle.

“Not my girl, man,” is all I say to Jack as the waitress brings us our food.

I keep my eye on them as we eat, noticing the moment she walks away and gets in a car with a group of people.

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