Page 65 of One of Them Girls

It’s killing me.

I’ve tried talking to her about it, but she’s made it clear she doesn’t want to discuss it.

Part of me wants to ask Tinsley what to do, but the other part feels like that would be a betrayal to Cassi.

When did my life get so complicated?

“You look like you’re sucking on something sour. What’s wrong, bud?” Jack pauses his game, looking at me.

“Nothing.”

“Ah. Girl problems.”

I throw a pillow at him.

“Hey, don’t be mad at me because you ignored my advice.”

“What advice was that?”

He chuckles. “I told you that Ace was one of them girls. You went after that anyway. Now you’re fucked.”

“That’s not what this is.”

“Sure, that’s why you’re here moping on your bed instead of being out with the sexy as fuck firecracker of a girlfriend of yours. Just admit it. You fell for her.”

“She’s not my girlfriend.” I swallow hard at the admission. “We never put labels on it.”

“I see. Well, since that’s the case, you wouldn’t mind if I take her for a spin?”

I jump off the bed, punching him hard in the arm.

“Ow, what was that for?”

“Being an idiot.”

“I’m just saying. Stop playing games and claim her. We both know you want to.”

“It’s complicated.”

“Really? That sounds like a line a woman would use.”

“Fuck you, man. You asked.”

He shakes his head. “Fine. Let’s have a pussy ass bitch session. Tell me what makes it complicated.”

I debate not telling him, but in the end, I need someone’s advice.

“She’s jealous of Tinsley. Plus, I don’t think she’s resolved anything with that Jared guy. It’s a mess.”

“First.” He holds up a finger. “Of course she’s jealous of Tinsley. The girl is your best friend, but even if she wasn’t, it’s in women’s DNA to be jealous of other women snooping around their man. Think about it this way, if Cassi had a male best friend, do you think you could be so calm and collected about it?”

I think over his words. Even the thought of another man being close to her makes my skin itch. “I would if she said they were just friends. I would trust her.”

“Well, it’s obviously an insecurity of hers. You should talk to her about it.”

“I’ve tried.”

“Try harder, man. Life isn’t easy. It takes work. Now onto my points.” He holds up a second finger. “Number two, you have your own insecurities. Why are you even still worried about Jared, man? I haven’t seen them around each other in a long time, man. That girl spends all of her time here with us or with that sexy friend of hers. It’s obvious to me it’s over, so why are you still stuck on it?”