Page 74 of A Little Jaded
Dylan
Yeah, I’ve been meaning to thank you for getting Everett off my back, Raine. I used to be his pet project until Reeves came around, but it seems he’s right back to his bossy ways. How are things with you two, anyway? I heard your kiss at the party last week was STEAMY.
Usually, I’m a lurker in these kinds of group chats, but when I’m called out like this, I’m left with no choice. Wiping my fingers on a napkin, I pick my phone up but hesitate, unsure what to say because honestly? Well, for starters, the kiss has been haunting me ever since it happened, and so has his absence ever since. Maybe not literally. We do still live in the same house, after all. But in every other way, he’s been…distant. We’ve barely even crossed paths.
I’m not sure if it’s because I offended him, or if he thinks our arrangement will end soon, and getting to know me isn’t worth the effort anymore, or…I don’t even know.
He’s probably right about our arrangement coming to an end, though. I haven’t heard a thing from Drake, and whatever spies Reeves has informed him of the same thing. Drake’s lying low. He might’ve even thrown in the towel despite his last words to me at game night.
My phone buzzes with another message.
Dylan
Fine, fine, you can tell me about the steamy kiss later. I also heard about the wedding tonight. How are you holding up?
Ophelia
Wait, what wedding?
Dylan
Everett’s covering another job for Ollie.
Ophelia
Ouch.
Yeah.
Dylan
If it helps, Ev called Ollie last night and tried to get out of it. Again. So, don’t stress, Raine. You’re still definitely the only girl for Everett.
My heart stalls in my chest before I type my response.
Me
I’m not Everett’s girl, remember? I’m his FAKE girl. There’s a difference.
Finley
For now ;) But back to the question at hand. SeaBird? Yay or nay? Please, please, please. I need a girls' night.
Ophelia
As long as I have time to go home and shower after my game, I’m in.
Ophelia is the goalie for LAU’s Lady Hawks. I check the time on my phone, confirming their game is supposed to start in less than an hour as my phone chimes with another notification.
Dylan
I’m in too.
Me
I think I have to pass.
Finley