One of Them Girls

by Cala Riley

  Avi: Good. I’d hate to have to take out a friend for poaching on my territory.

  The way he flirts with me brings back those butterflies in my stomach. I know it’s just innocent flirting, but I can’t help but wonder what it would be like if its real.

  Me: Territory? You’re such a caveman.

  Avi: Damn right. You woman. Me Man. Get in my cave.

  I burst out laughing, looking around to make sure no one noticed.

  Me: Sure. Right after I club your ass over the head. That’s not the way to get a woman.

  Avi: Well, wise one. What is the way to get a woman?

  My heart stutters. Is he asking how to get me or another woman?

  Red hot fury fills my veins at the thought.

  Fuck, this is worse than I thought. I shouldn’t have slept in his bed last night.

  Shoving the phone in my pocket, I make my way out of the building, trying to calm down.

  The light feeling from before flees, letting a panic set in. For a moment, I was actually happy. I was focused on something other than Ryan.

  I don’t know which caused me more anxiety at the moment. The thought that I could forget Ryan for even a second or that the happiness I had found could be ripped away.

  “Cass.” I hear in the distance.

  I glance back and offer a small smile as Mara jogs over to me.

  “Hey, Mara. What’s up?”

  “What’s up with me? No. What’s up with you? I haven’t seen much of you lately. I thought we were best friends.” Her pout isn’t lost on me.

  This is how Mara is. Everything has to be centered around her. I know it killed her to be out of the spotlight when Ryan died.

  Ryan.

  “Yeah, I’ve been going to class and stuff,” I murmur, looking around for an escape.

  I really am not in the mood for the Mara show.

  “Or is it that new hottie you’re banging? Jared told everyone about him. The East Coast newbie that came in and swept you off your feet. Stole you right from under Jared’s nose.”

  I scoff. “Seriously? I was never Jared’s to begin with. He was a mistake. I’m going to have to have a talk with him.”

  “You’re not denying it, though. Is Xavier your new boyfriend for real? I thought it was fake.”

  My eyes narrow on hers. “What? Are you jealous? Do you have a thing for him?”

  She holds her hands up. “If he’s yours, then he’s off-limits, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested.”

  Shaking my head, I turn and walk away,

  “What the fuck, Cassi?” Mara grabs my arm, turning me back around.

  “You believe Xavier is my boyfriend and you still have the balls to tell me you’re interested in him? What kind of friend does that?”

  She sneers, “The same friend who sleeps with Jared knowing I had a crush on him throughout high school.”

  I roll my eyes. “I’ve apologized to you countless times for that. It’s not like I purposely slept with him to hurt you. I honestly don’t know why I did it, but I know it was a mistake. Not only because it hurt you, but because it shouldn’t have happened.”

  “Right. Ryan would be so disappointed in you.”

  I surge forward, but stop when she smirks.

  “You know what? Fuck you. Don’t bother calling me anymore. I’m tired of your petty shit.”

  “Fine. Be that way,” she calls to my back as I walk away from her. “I’ll be sure to tell my mother what a whore you are so she can tell yours.”

  “I’ll tell mine what a cunt you are, so we’re even,” I call back over my shoulder.

  I make it back to my room, but my anger hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s more inflamed.

  “Who pissed in your cereal this morning?” Rebecca asks as she puts on a pair of earrings.

  “Mara’s such a cunt.”

  Rebecca stops, turning to me, her mouth wide open.

  “What?” I snap.

  “I’m just surprised. What did Mara do?”

  “She’s still pissed I slept with Jared. She doesn’t care why or that I was messed up then. Not saying that completely excuses my behavior, but that doesn’t mean she has the right to openly admit she wants Xavier. Well, she can’t have him.”

  Rebecca’s smile flames the blood boiling beneath my skin. “You think this is funny?”

  “No. Not at all. I’m proud of you. You’re finally seeing her true colors.”

  Some of the anger slips out as she comes over and hugs me.

  “Thanks. I guess I always knew she was nasty, but I didn’t realize until tonight.”

  “Well, either way, I’m proud. Don’t worry about her interest in Xavier either. That boy is smart enough to avoid a snake and if he isn’t Jack sure as hell is.”

  I take a deep breath, letting it whoosh from my mouth. “Thanks. I shouldn’t care if she gets with Xavier, but he deserves better.”

  She winks at me. “He deserves a good girl like you.”

  I chuckle. “He deserves better than me.”

  “Whatever you say. I’m going out. Want to come? Or do you need me to stay in with you?”

  “No. You go on. I’m going to decompress.”

  “‘Kay. Let me know if you need me. I’ll have my cell on me.”

  I give her a small smile, falling back on my bed as soon as she shuts the door.

  My phone vibrates in my pocket, so I pull it out.

  Six texts and one missed call.

  I read the texts first.

  Avi: Too much?

  Avi: Adra??

  Clicking out of his message, I see the other four messages are from Mara. I ignore her.

  Looking at the missed call, I see it’s from Xavier. Pressing redial, I put the phone to my ear.

  “I’m sorry.”

  His voice is like a calming balm to my anger.

  “Avi, there’s no reason to be sorry.”

  “Really? You kind of dipped out on me.”

  “It has nothing to do with you. I had a confrontation with Mara on the walk home.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Mara is the chick from the bar, right?”

  “Yeah.” My body tenses at the fact he remembers her.

  “I didn’t like that she let you walk out the door with a stranger. I’m sorry that you had an argument with her, though. Want to talk about it?”

  The tension leaves me at his words. “You didn’t like her?”

  “Hell no. I mean, she’s not really my type, anyway. Too showy. She seems like she would be twenty-four-seven drama.”

  I chuckle. “You have her pegged. She sure likes you though.”

  I bite my lip, waiting for his response.

  “She’s not really my type.”

  “What’s your type?” I don’t miss how my voice sounds huskier.

  He hums for a moment before answering. “I’d say I’m attracted to blonde hair, blue eyes, with an ass to die for. Too bad they are always so mouthy.”

  “Hey, I’m not mouthy,” I protest, my heart stuttering in my chest at his words.

  “Who said I was talking about you, Adra?”

  My stomach drops. “I mean, you said blonde with blue eyes, so I just…” I trail off.

  He chuckles. “I’m kidding. You’re the only blonde hair blue-eyed girl I talk to. Besides, despite your protest, you are totally mouthy as fuck. Your protest only proves my point.”

  “I really want to argue, but I feel like that would be digging the hole deeper, so instead, I am going to change the subject.”

  “Sure, quit before you lose. I get what you’re doing. Since we are changing the subject, how about you answer my question.”

  “What was that?”

  “What does it take to get a woman?” His voice drops a couple of octaves.

  My skin heats.

  “Well, it depends on the type of woman. If you’re looking for one like Mara, well, you already have it all. All you need to do is crook your finger at her and she’ll come.”

&
nbsp; “No, not like Mara. Someone more my type. More like you.”

  I feel a little dizzy at how fast my heart is beating. “A good, southern girl?”

  He hums, “Mmhmm.”

  I let out the deep breath I was holding. “We like a little romance. Don’t get me wrong. We secretly love a little jealousy. Just a touch of possessiveness showing us you care, but we also want some sweet words and a tender touch. A genuine conversation, proving that we are more than our bodies to you. That you value our mind too.”

  I can feel the tension through the phone. I feel raw. Exposed. Like I just gave him a hand-drawn map to me.

  As if he can sense my panic, he clears his throat.

  “Romance, huh? No wonder your single, Adra. Men aren’t romantic. That’s some pussy shit,” he teases.

  I let out a short laugh, feeling that panic recede. “A girl can dream, right? I mean, is it too much to ask for a man to surprise a chick once in a while? Maybe some random flowers or a trip somewhere?”

  “I think you’ve been watching too many romance movies. Don’t give us men too much credit. We don’t think that far ahead.”

  I let out a playful sigh. “One day, maybe.”

  “You hold out for it. You deserve only the best.”

  My fingers reach up on their own to touch my lips as I feel a smile spread across them.

  How did I go from a ball of fury to a smiling fool within minutes?

  He does that to you.

  “Thank you. That means a lot.”

  “Good.” I hear a commotion in the background on his end of the phone. “Fuck, Jack. Chill out, man.”

  I chuckle. “Tell Jack if he doesn’t chill I’ll come kick his ass.”

  He repeats my words, causing Jack to grumble in the background.

  “Listen, Jack is drunk as fuck at the moment. I don’t know what he was thinking drinking early, but I’m going to take care of him. I’ll text you tomorrow?”

  I smile to myself. “Text me whenever you want. ‘Night Avi.”

  “‘Night Adra.”

  Hanging up the phone, I stare at the ceiling. I can’t help the lightness that fills me every time I talk to him. It’s like he’s breathing new life into me.

  I can’t help but feel like if I’m not careful, I could get addicted to this feeling.

  5

  Cassi

  Walking out of my last class for the day, I head off toward my dorm.

  “Ace.” I spin, smiling as Jack makes his way through people to get to me.

  “Noob. How are you doing today?” I ask as he stops in front of me.

  “I’m not a noob.” He glares, but the hint of a smile throws the look off. “You’re just an ace. Anyway, not why I’m here. What are you doing tonight, tomorrow, and well for the entire weekend?”

  I narrow my eyes. “Why do I feel like I’m being conned into something?”

  His eyes grow wide. “Why Miss Davis, I would never dare to con you the way you conned me. One of us has to be the good influence in this friendship.”

  I roll my eyes. “I’m free this weekend. Why?”

  “Wrong answer. You are busy hanging out with us this weekend. Go home and pack. We’re going on an adventure.” He skips away from me.

  “Wait. Where are we going? What do I need to pack?” I call out after him.

  He turns, walking backward, and repeats himself, “An adventure, Ace. Pack for an adventure.”

  An adventure.

  What the hell are these boys getting me into now?

  Pulling out my phone, I call Xavier as I hustle to the dorm.

  He answers on the first ring.

  “You all packed?” His warm voice fills my ear.

  “You send your lap dog to do all your errands?” I quip.

  His chuckle fills the air, making the butterflies swarm my belly. “Jack was already on campus. I planned to accost you at your dorm, but he wanted to be the one to break it to you.”

  “Sure. Likely story. Are you even going to give me a hint on where we are going?”

  “Nope.” He pops the P.

  “At least tell me what to wear then.”

  His voice gets husky. “You want me to pick out outfits for you?”

  My breath catches at the heat in his tone. “I want to be dressed appropriately.”

  He groans, “Fuck, if you let me choose I’d pack the skimpiest clothes I could find.” He clears his throat. “Two hints. It will be warm and there will be water. That’s all you get.”

  I smile. “One more question.”

  “I can’t tell you anymore.”

  “Fine, but can you tell me if my roommate is invited,” I ask.

  “Sure. We can make room for her.”

  “Thanks, Avi. I’ll be ready in an hour. Pick me up?”

  “Of course. Can’t have you dragging your millions of suitcases all the way over here.”

  “Hey, I resent that.”

  “You forget I know other females. I bet you will have at least two with you.”

  “What’s my prize when I win?”

  “You mean if you win? Anything you want. Winner’s choice.”

  “Great. This trip is looking better and better.”

  “Go pack before I regret this impromptu trip.”

  “Bye, Avi.”

  I hang up as soon as I hear his goodbye and call Rebecca.

  “What’s up? You coming out tonight?” she asks over the loud bass of the music in the background.

  “No, but you might want to come home. We’ve been invited on a trip.”

  “Really? Where?”

  “It’s an adventure. You have an hour before they come pick us up. Better hurry home,” I tell her, letting myself into our room.

  I hang up the phone before she can respond and chuckle when she immediately calls back.

  Ignoring her call, I pull out my bags. I can only have one, so I need to choose wisely.

  Going to my closet, I sift through my choices.

  It’s going to be a three-day trip, but you don’t count today. So really only two outfits, sleep clothes, and a spare outfit just in case.

  I grab a sundress, one pair of jeans, one pair of shorts, and three t-shirts. Grabbing my panties and bras, I remember his second clue. Water. Does that mean the beach? Or a pool?

  I grab two bathing suits just in case. Then I grab my toiletries bag, which already has all my hygiene items packed carefully inside.

  Looking at my haul, I glance back to my options for bags.

  I could win by choosing the biggest one, which would easily fit everything I need, but I want to impress him. He thinks he can paint a broad stroke against all women.

  Let’s show him.

  Picking one of my backpacks up, I pack my clothes inside. It’s a tight fit, but I smile with victory in my veins as it zips closed.

  “I’m here. Don’t leave me,” Rebecca busts in the door out of breath.

  “Are you okay?” I take her appearance in.

  She’s sweaty and her face is red. She’s resting her hands on her knees as she gasps for air.

  “Did you run here?”

  “Yes. I couldn’t find a ride. Now where the hell are we going and how much longer do I have to pack.” She straightens and goes to her closet, still out of breath.

  “I have no idea where we are going, but Jack and Xavier are going with us. They planned it, actually. As for your time limit.” I glance at my phone. “You have about fifteen minutes left.”

  She groans. “Fine. Back up. This is going to get ugly.”

  I sit back on my bed and watch as she pulls out her largest suitcase and starts tossing things inside.

  “Do you really need that much?” I ask, but she practically growls at me, so I stay quiet while she packs.

  Almost fifteen minutes on the dot, she closes her second duffel bag before sitting on her bed.

  “All done,” she says on a sigh.

  My phone vibrates in my hand.

  Avi: Coming up.<
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  “Perfect timing. You were almost left behind,” I tease Rebecca.

  “Like you could leave me behind. I would’ve hunted your ass down.” She throws her arm around my shoulder just as the boys knock on the door.

  “Beautiful ladies. Are you ready to go?” Jack sweeps in the room with Xavier following behind.

  “Are those your bags?” He gestures to Rebecca’s.

  “Nope. This is it.” I turn, showing him the backpack on my back.

  “Seriously? Could you even fit anything in there?”

  I shrug. “Well, the panties wouldn’t fit so I’ll be going commando for the trip, but I figured you wouldn’t mind.”

  I swear his mouth drops open as Jack howls with laughter behind him.

  Rebecca slides in next to me. “Do you mind, Xavier? If my girl here doesn’t wear panties the entire trip?”

  He swallows hard. “Nope. So what prize do you want?”

  I shake my head. “You never said there was a time limit. I’m still deciding what I want.”

  “By all means, take your time,” he says sarcastically.

  “I will. Thank you,” I say, walking out the door.

  I can hear Jack shamelessly flirting with Rebecca, making me smile. He’s such a flirt, but if anyone can be a match for him, it’s her. She doesn’t put up with anyone’s shit.

  “Shotgun,” I call as we make our way to Xavier’s car.

  “Hey,” Rebecca half-heartedly complains.

  “Is that your prize?” Xavier teases.

  “Nope. Just road trip rules.” I shoot him a wink before getting in the car, putting my bag at my feet.

  As Jack helps Rebecca with her bags, Xavier joins me in the car. “Who said we were going on a road trip?”

  “Well, if it requires an overnight stay, I would have to say it’s quite a bit away.”

  “Clever girl. I’ll have to watch out for you,” he says as he turns on the car.

  Jack and Rebecca get into the back seat, bickering already.

  “All right, kids. Settle down.” Xavier smiles over at me.

  “Can you tell me where we are going now?” Rebecca asks.

  “Nope.” Xavier looks at her in his rearview mirror. “It’s a surprise.”

  As he pulls the car on the road, I hear Rebecca mumble to herself, “If that ain’t the most serial killer thing I’ve ever heard.”

  I chuckle as Jack tries to draw her into conversation. I reach over and turn on the radio, putting it on my favorite country station.