Rules of a Rebel and a Shy Girl - Jessica Sorensen Page 0,67
to you …”—I swallow hard—“something must have happened.”
“Shit. I didn’t even think about the couch thing. I did tell her she should move in with you, though.”
“I bet that went well.”
“Yeah, she didn’t seem too thrilled about it. Why is that?”
“None of your business.”
“Ha, if you really believe that, then you don’t know me at all.”
“No, I do know you,” I say exhaustedly. “But I had to try.”
“Well, stop trying and fess up.” She pauses. “Did you two do something again?”
I wait a second too long to respond.
“You did!” she cries. “Oh, my God, I told Willow this was going to happen. That sooner or later you two would screw each other’s brains out.”
“We didn’t fuck. We just … kissed.” And touch. And grinded. And fucking kissed again.
“Oh, my God, you sound so turned on right now,” she whines. “It’s so disgusting.”
“So what?” I don’t even bother trying to deny it. “It was a hot fucking kiss.”
“TMI, Beck.”
“You’re the one who brought it up.”
She puffs out an exasperated exhale. “You know what? I think I’ll get the details from Willow. Your details come with too many noises I’d rather not hear.”
“Why do you need details at all? It’s not really any of your business.”
“Why do you do that?” she snaps. “Why do you act like I’m such a bad person?”
“I don’t act like you’re a bad person,” I retort. “I just don’t know why you need to know everything. Plus, if you ask Willow about the kiss, she’s going to get more upset.”
“Why?” she asks. “She didn’t like it?”
“No … I think she did.” I drag my fingers through my hair, slumping back in the chair. “You know about her no-dating rule, right?”
“Yeah, she mentioned it once, but I didn’t think she was being serious.”
“Well, she was, and now that we kissed …” I’m one step away from touching myself as images of Willow and me kissing flood my thoughts. “Well, let’s just say she’s trying everything she can to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
“But you want it to happen again?”
“Um, yeah. I thought that was pretty obvious with the noises I was making.”
“God, you’re so gross,” she mutters. “Anyway, we’re getting off the subject. I called to tell you about Willow being upset because I knew you’d want to take care of her.”
“I’ve been trying to.” I lean forward and lower my head into my hand. “I’ve offered to let her move in with me over and over again, but she’s so stubborn. So, if you have any ideas at all, please share. I’d really like to get her out of that shithole she’s living in now. That place is sketchy as fuck.”
“Just do what you always do,” she replies in a sugary sweet tone. “Bat your baby blue eyes to get your way.”
“I so do not fucking do that.”
“You do that all the damn time, and I think you know you do.”
“Whatever.” I raise my head from my hand and sit up straight. “I’m going to hang up so I can call Willow.”
“Let me know how it goes. I worry about her.”
“So do I.” More than anything.
After I hang up, I dial Willow’s number. The call goes straight to voicemail, and seconds later, I receive a text.
Willow: Hey, I’m at work, so I can’t talk. I don’t get off until late so can I call you tomorrow?
Me: Actually, can we hang out tomorrow? I really need to talk to you.
Willow: Sure. Is everything all right? You sounded a little irked on the phone.
I shake my head. Leave it to her to worry about me when she’s buried up to her chin in stress.
Me: I’m fine. I swear. I just really want to see you.
Then, as an afterthought, I add: I miss you.
She doesn’t reply right away, and I start to worry I spooked her. Then my phone buzzes with an incoming text.
Willow: I miss you, too. I have class tomorrow. I get out at two if you want to stop by. I have work later. Maybe we can grab something to eat or something.
The restlessness in my chest relaxes since she’s being cooperative. Then again, she doesn’t know what I want to talk about.
Me: Sounds good. If you want to call me when you get off work, too, you can. In fact, I wish you would.
Willow: If it’s not too late.
I sigh, knowing she won’t yet grateful she’s at least hanging with me tomorrow.
Me: You can always call me. Whenever. Wherever. Any time you want.