Page 8 of Curvy Alpha Bride
I can’t explain it, even to myself, but I trust Iris Porter.
Chapter 3 - Mabel
Staring bored at the stick-on stars scattered across my ceiling, I grab another handful of potato chips and crunch them down, letting the salty snack soothe me.
I should eat some real food sometimes, but I can’t deal with the whole “dinner” thing. Not just cooking, but sitting down and committing to a meal. I’d rather just snack. It’s probably fewer calories, anyway.
The music pouring out of my phone takes a sharp turn, a heavy, melancholy beat replacing a fast dance track. I try to listen to it for a few seconds, but quickly switch it off after the first verse.
I don’t need any sad songs. I’m good enough at making myself depressed.
My phone buzzes in my hand, and Cass’s name blinks at the top.
Babe, you coming out with us?she asks.
No, I type back quickly.I’m busy.
Sitting in bed, eating chips?
Fuck you.
Cass sends a stream of laughing emojis, making me sigh and drop my phone over the edge of the bed. I know what’s coming next, and there’s no way to fight it.
Seconds later, a sharp rap on my front door is followed by the squeak of a key in the lock.
“I told you that key was for emergencies!” I yell.
“This is an emergency,” Cass says, appearing in the doorway with Lexa on her heels. “The West End pub is doing buffalo wings and bourbon shots for happy hour. Let’s go!”
“I just don’t feel like being in a crowd of people, okay?” I mutter, scooting back against the pillows. “I’m tired. Maybe even coming down with something.”
“Really?” Lexa asks, sitting down on the bed with a bounce. “Maybe we should stay and take care of you. Movies and chocolate cake?”
“Oh, I love that idea!” Cass says, hurling herself down beside me. “What are we in the mood for? There’s this new action film—”
“No,” I cut her off, my voice trembling with desperation. “I just need to rest. Thanks, you guys, really, but please. I’m going to curl up and have a nap soon.”
“You just haven’t been right since the party,” Cass says accusingly, giving me a stern look.
I glare back at her.
“Did everything… go okay?” Lexa asks, and I turn my glare on her.
“I told both of you, there’s nothing to tell,” I say. “Nothing happened. I’m fine.”
Cass narrows her eyes at me, then shares a shifty look with Lexa. I feel so trapped, I’m on the verge of crawling out of my own window.
“Just go, have fun,” I mutter, pulling the comforter around me. “I’m not in a party mood, okay?”
“I don’t like leaving you like this,” Lexa says, rubbing my shoulder.
“There’s no point,” Cass replies, getting up. “I’ve known this girl since preschool, and if she says she’s not going, nothing will move her. We'd better get going if we want to catch happy hour.”
Lexa leans over and looks into my eyes. “Are you really? Okay?”
“Yes!” I snap. “I’m totally fine.”
I’m not fine. I’m not fucking fine!
