“Uhh…”
“Damn! I can’t even get one dick, let alone three.”
“Rae!”
“Let me get this straight. So you met Nate, the heater guy, and fucked him. Then you met that police sergeant and fucked him. Started getting flirty with our college professor and kissed him. Then you went to Nate’s house and realized they knew each other. Then you ended up fucking all of them?” she explains back to me.
I take a sip from my glass of wine and express my concern, “When you say it like that, it sounds much worse than I had originally thought.”
I felt like such a slut at that moment. Was I?
Rae chuckles softly as she lifts the wine glass to her lips, savoring the taste of the rich, velvety liquid. But her expression quickly turns serious as she turns to me, her eyes searching mine. “They didn’t harm you, did they?” she asks, her voice laced with concern. I shake my head.
“Do you happen to know if they have any friends?” she inquires curiously. I playfully tap her shoulder and exclaim, “Jesus.”
“I’m joking. It’s gonna be interesting going back to college on Monday.” She chuckles.
Shit, I forgot I would have to face Mike at college. I take a deep breath and remind myself to keep it professional. I know I have to go in and act like he is my professor and nothing more, no matter how awkward or uncomfortable it may feel.
Rae gets up from the sofa, her long, dark hair sways gently with the movement. She walks over to the kitchen counter, grabs the bottle of wine, and carefully pours herself another glass, the deep red liquid cascading smoothly into the glass. I sit on the sofa, looking around her apartment and taking in the details. The space is well-lit and airy with a modern yet botanical theme evident in the potted plants scattered throughout the room. The furniture is tastefully chosen and arranged with a cozy yet sophisticated vibe.
Rae enthusiastically expresses, “You know what we really need right now? Pretty Woman!”
I take a sip of my wine, feeling a bit hesitant, and respond, “I’m not sure I can handle a romance film at the moment.”
“Bitch. Come on.”
“Fine…”
My phone vibrates and I quickly glance at the screen to see another message from Nate. It’s yet another plea for me to come back to them. As I read his words, a tinge of sadness washes over me.
Nate
Please come back, baby. xx
We can talk about it. Cain was a dickhead. He was so in the wrong. Xx
I understand if you don't want to talk to me right now. When you do, I am here. Xx
If you need my help day or night, I am only a call or text away, baby. Xxx
Sorry, I’ll leave you alone now. I miss you already. :( xx
MIKE
“Dude, stop texting her. You will scare her anyway!” I exclaim.
Nate takes a long drag of his cigarette, the smoke billowing out of his mouth as he exhales. He slides his phone into his pocket and mutters a quick apology.
We’re crouched behind a thicket of tall bushes just outside Rae’s apartment, our view of her lounge unobstructed. Fortunately, Rae lives on the ground floor. Nate turns to me, his expression grim. “Have you heard from Cain?” he asks. I shake my head, my worry mirroring his. “No, not yet.”
“What the hell was he thinking?” Nate growls, frustration lacing his words. “Scaring her like that?”
I nod in agreement, anger coursing through me. Cain’s behavior was reckless; Tessie didn’t deserve to be put in danger like that.
Nate and I have come to an agreement to take turns watching over Tessie, ensuring her safety and well-being around the clock. During my college days, I will take care of her during the day, while Nate and I will swap roles for the night time shifts.
As we sit together, I can’t help but mutter under my breath, “Oh, god. They’re watching Pretty Woman and drinking wine.”
My phone suddenly starts buzzing. Upon checking, I realize that the new group includes me, Nate, and Cain.
Cain
Have you got her covered?
Me
Of course. Why did you do it?
Cain
She needs to know her place. I just showed her, that's all.
Me
You’re fucked up dude.
Cain
