Page 69 of One of Them Girls

She gives me one last look before sliding her hand into his and letting him lead her to the edge of the dance floor. They talk a little as they wait for the next song to come on. Once it does, he pulls her out, placing her left hand on his shoulder, while taking the other in his hand.

Then they are moving.

My mind goes back to seeing him dance with Cassi. She made it look effortless. She looked gorgeous under the dim lights as he twirled her around the floor. Like she was born for this.

The dance with Tinsley is similar, but not as complicated. He keeps the steps simple, moving her easily across the floor. Before I forget, I pull out my phone, recording them.

Once they are done, she gives Virgil a hug before coming back to me.

“Oh. My. God. That was so much fun! I want to do that all the time.” She takes a long swig of her soda.

“I’m sure if you ask, he’ll keep dancing with you. He’s kind of known for dancing with the ladies.”

She chuckles. “Oh, I plan on it.”

“You should send this to Fin.” I motion toward the video now playing on my phone.

She laughs. “He will love that. Send it to me.”

“Have you talked to him?” I ask casually.

She sighs. “He won’t tell me what he had to take care of, but he assures me he’s safe and that he wanted me away from it all. I knew when he stopped working for Rocky that he would owe him a favor.”

“It must have been a big one for him to send you out here. He hates me.”

She swats my arm. “He doesn’t hate you. Finley trusts you. He knew I would be safe here with you and you wouldn’t let anyone mess with me.”

“Well shit, now that you say that, you better delete that video or else he will never let you visit me again.” I try to grab her phone, but she pulls away.

“No way! I’m sending it. You already sealed your fate, buddy.”

“Damn, X, you’ve been holding out. Who is this dime piece?” I shake my head as I turn to greet Jack.

“Hands off, Jack. This is my best friend, Tinsley, who is off-limits.”

He places his hand over his chest. “I’m wounded. Why would you put someone as pretty as her off-limits?”

I push his shoulder. “It’s not me putting her off-limits. She has a psychotic boyfriend who wouldn’t think twice about burying your ass, and then I would likely get a shitty ass roommate. I’m simultaneously saving your life while keeping mine pleasant.”

“Hey,” Tinsley protests. “I can handle myself.” She reaches out her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

He looks at her hand with wide eyes like he’s afraid, but then he smiles, shaking her hand. “Nice to meet you too, ma’am.”

“Ma’am? I’m not eighty.” She rolls her eyes.

“That’s what we call all the pretty ladies down here. Speaking of pretty ladies, X, did you know your girlfriend is on the other end of the bar in a sexy little get-up getting all the guys riled up?”

My heart races. “Cassi’s here?”

“Funny, I thought she wasn’t your girlfriend?” Tinsley quips.

“It’s complicated,” I mumble.

“Well, complicated or not, let’s go say hi.” She gets off her stool, but I wave her off remembering the look on Cassi’s face earlier.

“Let me talk to her first. I’ll be right back. Jack, will you keep Tins company?” I give him the look that says this is serious.

“Of course. Go get your girl.”

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