"That's fucking hilarious."27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlldmm2bCe5
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhlJgbAcuA
I narrowed my eyes at Kai through the mirror, "Is it?" I said blankly, not finding any of this hilarious, especially not getting roped into therapy.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlU0REQl8N
"Just a little," Kai said, pinching her fingers together for emphasis.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEt9YtULFX
I rolled my eyes, turning away from the mirror to walk closer to my bed she was sitting on.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWo5Fg5ysV
"I don't know about this one for tonight," I said, tugging slightly at the mini black denim skirt paired with a cheetah baby tee.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXRDBbWaKl
"It's so cute though," Kai said, eyeing my body until her eyes landed on the matching stiletto boots I wore, "Those pull it all together too."
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjhOendU6n
I pursed my lips, running my hands through my hair that I decided to leave in the same half-up half-down hairstyle from earlier.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5RqUGzPes
"I guess it works for tonight," I said, walking over to my dresser where my perfumes were.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGSOWBYtAz
Normally, I felt excited during our pre-gaming festivities.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPeqxbCchX
Kai even played our hype playlist as we got ready together and drank, but still, something felt off.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdA1zgSQlp
If this has anything to do with therapy, I'm fucking quitting.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy05BFDqoLg
Ugh, but I'm definitely thinking about our session.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDZrjAKxE8
Why am I thinking about it?
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqqZiu9FCO
All we did was discuss very surface-level topics.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezlWImOxE2
It's just... well, the having control over your life thing keeps popping into my head.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9FZIoSfI4
It doesn't help that I'm tipsy, and not as in control as I would be sober.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF94SZlMnB
Is drinking an issue?
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I7po6yaKS
Hell no, I thought as I quickly shook my head at the intrusive thought.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshy0vGKonO
I'm young and living my life to the fullest.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0zPrYQsqj
I glanced over when Kai stood from my bed, adjusting her red bandeau top that she wore with matching flare pants and gold heels.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIIubZOmMR
"You're overthinking it. The fit is cute, trust me," Kai assured me, lifting her hand to tap my ass.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡra9aQOGtOz
I forced a smile, hating that the last thing on my mind right now was my outfit.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X0drn4Ty4
"My ass does look pretty good," I suddenly said, eyeing myself in the full-body mirror as I sprayed my perfume.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEnh41Kxgv
"Let's hope the gays are out to see it," Kai hummed as I sat my Good Girl perfume down.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMp2P013SCA
"Yeah, I need a good hookup," I determined, knowing I had really only hooked up with Kai these two weekends.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53dRXECsSB
The crowd is... boring.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVss1e84JSi
However, tonight I'm desperate.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEcsQp3f54
"We'll find you someone," Kai said as we walked out of my bedroom, "Even if I'm the best you'll ever have," she shot me a cheeky wink.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxuTZfH3sy
I rolled my eyes with a smile, "Besides myself," I joked back.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH484Xp5TE
No one knows my body like me.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVh7SmuZdv
I know exactly where to touch and how I want the pace.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmDRfNTPXI
"Agreed," Kai said as she unlocked her phone and navigated to the Lyft app.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGPlzYcUi8
"How far away is the nearest driver?" I asked, glancing over to her phone as she inputted one of our usual clubs as the address.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5tjbmB7Js
"Only two minutes," Kai told me, booking the ride as soon as it popped up.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhycVT4NMe
After that, we took one quick last shot of Tito's and headed downstairs to wait for our ride.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpClK7PPgIb
The nightclub called The Den was only a short ten-minute drive, giving Kai and me time to take our selfies and reapply our lip liner and gloss.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG9phqVuxH
Our first agenda upon making it past the bouncer was shots.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xaweKaTXP
Then it was women.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xokTgX3Hx
Kai's favorite bartender was working so her problem was solved.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel1KDHNf5M
We would get free drinks and Kai would get to go home with her.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdUZ3IITnO
Now I just needed someone to take home for myself.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURnyMYLkuG
My favorite thing to do is scan the room, analyzing everything and everyone.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybBpyCrF2Z
Typically, I never really have to do too much.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn0NHDv8f6
A random woman will lock eyes with me and I'll motion her over.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKoanqUCTs
Tonight, a raven-haired woman caught my eye.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzA0KIOyzE
She had long straight hair that fell to her mid-back, emphasizing her sharp face and green eyes.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTWBr74JWJ
She wore a short black skirt with a matching halter top, exposing her arms covered in small tattoos.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcKzilZNJK
She made her way over to me as soon as I motioned my head at her, smiling as she approached me.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgTCnnvtt8
"Let me buy you a shot," I leaned into her ear to say, pressing my hand to her arm as I did so.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVgORMsRgK
"I'll cover the next round," she offered, leaning closer to me so I could hear her properly.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY71hBtALD
I smirked slightly when she placed her hand against my upper back, "Deal," I said, leaning back slightly to wave over the bartender.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFhmsW4xTZ
Who had been occupied by my best friend.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp26lZRakD
Kai smiled when her dark eyes landed on me, noticing the woman by my side now.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Kfh6xVlx8
It was a look of approval—at least until she glanced back over to the bartender, Tara, watching her frame as she walked over to me.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsb3RfAX1b
The music was loud as I tried my best to tell her my order.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPIDBs0Z88
Lemon drop shots were what I settled on for us.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QALxMfuEo
"I'm River" I leaned into her to say, feeling a little looser as I gripped her closer to me.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnhBxZLFjy
"Octavia," she introduced herself, running her hand down my back.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9nCIjAKRk
I smiled wider, "Let's dance," I said in her ear, grabbing her hand to pull her toward the dance floor before she could respond.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZVMzxNj0J
I was pressed against her in a matter of seconds, grinding against her as she held my waist.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgq1DzXYlZk
In a matter of a few songs, our positions flipped, holding her in place as she started grinding against me.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ksD25O3LC
We only danced for a few songs until we were back at the bar again.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm02gHxNgvq
Octavia covered our next round of shots as she previously offered, ordering us the same lemon drop shots since I had gotten them for us earlier.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXyLoUq2de
Kai was unsurprisingly by the bar still, taking shots off Tara.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4sKP4oL51
Instead of dancing some more, I guided us toward Kai, wanting to briefly catch up with my best friend.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbFAWiH2cJ
"Tara gets off in five minutes," Kai leaned into me to say, "I don't want to leave you so-"
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOjjA8c31M
"Bitch you better go," I cut her short, giving her an offended look.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO8gE2YUHg
Because she better not pass on getting laid tonight.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZqliflCT0
I'm good where I'm at.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakxi4qOPkB
"I'll be fine, Kai," I said, smiling wider as I zoned back into Octavia's hands that roamed up and down my sides as she silently stood behind me, "Clearly," I told Kai over the music, motioning behind me.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48CIYXTmio
My best friend's lips tilted into a smirk, "Okay, but I'll be checking your location and texting you later," she told me, earning a few loose nods from me.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyyxsmygeM
"Have fun," I said, briefly kissing her cheek before I leaned away from her entirely.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXEDfqgjKV
"You too," Kai said, her stare shifting to Octavia, who she smiled at before glancing back over to me, "Love you, Rivs."
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRzQqiy4QX
"Love you too," I repeated, turning around to face Octavia as Kai walked past us to meet Tara.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvnu3Cfnmq
We were back to dancing after one more shot, falling into the beat of the music together.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6upvFLp6Wk
Until soon we naturally kept our legs intertwined, grinding against each other as we held our short skirts in place.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d29ko4GJm
I could feel her wetness through her underwear and I knew she could feel mine.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOURuLeWl2q
At some point, it felt like we had mutually agreed to leave.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboviFAIwP7
A word wasn't said, but as we left the dance floor we unconsciously migrated to the main entry doors.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNCIok6gft
Octavia ordered a Lyft for us while I offered my apartment to go back to since her place was five minutes farther.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj1stGSqON
The short car ride was filled with lingering touches, meaningless conversation, and impatience.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYQ2dnpREC
For once tonight, everything felt just as it used to.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOPkSpqGQD
I felt good.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedGyyNjsTO
It was the familiar excitement I recall, building in my stomach as we walked down the familiar hallway to my apartment.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HpT0kJSca
Octavia pulled me into a kiss as soon as the door closed loudly behind us, guiding us with no direction.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHmHygvMtJ
I took the reigns instead, grabbing her waist as I dominated the kiss.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdS67gOmf1
Octavia grew breathless in response, letting me guide her toward my bedroom.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIEmiDcr9p
I pinned her back against my bed as soon as I got the opportunity, wasting no time as I straddled her body.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ929YoHpJ
Octavia hummed when I connected our lips again, arching into me as I trailed my hand down past her skirt.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1a0xbKgSw
This.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k3AvWT2mJ
This is what control feels like.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCQxu6uhgE
Dr. Luccini was wrong—it's not just habits or routines.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuORk04VTtl
You can seek control in other ways, and other places.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJiDZZTZPF
"Right there," I heard Octavia breathe out, arching up into me as I continued sliding in and out of her.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyU968qUJub
The kiss between us had been broken—by me or her, I'm unsure.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctdEbJ9S3n
I can't even focus on how wet she is, something that's normally enjoyable for me.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1ybd753zr
I can only focus on someone who had popped into my thoughts in the worst way.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAzMNwiBVc
"River."
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO9kIS7HGh
I could hear her voice clearly in my head, striking a deeper nerve.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSREyJcPXO
It was infuriating and alarming at the same time.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1WYUcbn4M
"Hey, are you okay?" Octavia's voice cut into my thoughts, running her hands up my back as my face remained buried in the crook of her neck.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfgjJGg6By
I don't know when I leaned down or when she had finished.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooc4RV7c7N
"Yeah, yes," I quickly said, carefully sliding out of her as my face burned up.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFWXwjnlpF
Fuck Dr. Luccino.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmYGBdlQJy
Seriously, I don't need her—I don't even know why I'm thinking about her.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuSLeV1Wkc
I drew in a deep breath as I tried to focus on Octavia's roaming hands, how they slipped between my legs and past my short skirt.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjGkat4Idc
But suddenly, nothing felt right.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnSzHA0agb
"I think..." I trailed off, appalled by what I was about to say to her, "I think I'm good," I said, cringing internally at my own words.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmePhM3s6Fs
Octavia quickly pulled her hand away, "Are you sure?" she asked me as I leaned away from her neck, "I can make you feel really good," she added, tracing her hand up my back.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHNXsDr2ed
I forced a smile at her words, "I just feel tired," I lied, crawling off her lap and causing her hand to fall from my back in the process.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8NZH4xcKV
"Okay..." Octavia awkwardly trailed off, laying up from the bed as she adjusted her skirt so she could stand up.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFyDKWwwMt
I pursed my lips, feeling guilty for the mixed signals I sent.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WuC6x9Nhg
"You can stay the night if you want," I offered out of consideration.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw2WXIXi1f
I would never fuck someone and make them leave afterward.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSXDvReA16
Some people do, but I'm not that inhumane.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl29SogZmhs
"No it's fine," Octavia said, grabbing her phone and purse from the bed.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk3n36vdBz
My purse was on the bed too, probably getting flung to the side during the process of everything.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoQArDRuui
"I can cover your Lyft," I quickly offered, grabbing my purse to get my phone.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxT1cFxlUEg
"It's good I got it now," Octavia determined, tapping on her phone a few times as she backed away toward the door, "The nearest one is like a minute away."
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWihlvqPWBa
I nodded awkwardly, unsure what I should say next.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOlYuc2IJ5
"I'll leave my number if you want?" Octavia asked, furrowing her brows at the dynamic of this.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS0OUqtHzd
I blinked a few times before I inevitably nodded,
"Sure-yeah, here," I said, quickly unlocking my phone and tapping the contact app.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIi1YNmbHNv
Octavia stepped closer to me when I extended my phone illuminated with the blank contact.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNjkfEQMeC
"I had fun with you tonight," I whispered, unsure of what else to say.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YWpDoa2kc
I've never had this happen before.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dbrwssKZK
"I had fun too," Octavia said with a small smile, handing my phone back to me.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6nMyptAd6
I pursed my lips into a smile, "Be safe getting back," I said as she backed away from me.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFdM2rfhnr
"I'll be good—I have a roommate who knows I'm coming home now," she assured me, earning a nod from me as I stood up to walk her out.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECaryD92HZ
We exchanged a very brief side hug as I held the door open for her, watching her walk down the hallway toward the elevator.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqS94J4g964
I let out a deep sigh as I gently closed the door, processing how quickly this night went wrong.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv8zEeaX22
I felt stone-cold sober, walking over to the kitchen and making myself a glass of water.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66akVtnXwN
Then I headed into my bedroom, setting the glass down to get ready for bed.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2v3aJn8Ojg
For once after a night out, I had the energy to do my full skincare routine, pulling my hair into a ponytail as I started.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIGMq7TE85
It only took me five minutes to wash my face and apply my serums, and then I slid into bed under my thick covers.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM9YsCVMPV
I laid on my back, staring up through the darkness at the ceiling above me.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOYcd6IhoV
My head felt scrambled with numerous thoughts.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmOvCRyWnm
Octavia, tonight's events, my therapy session just hours ago—
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVfMukpRq5
And Dr. Luccino.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Dj7jNIJGJ
I felt almost disgusted by my sexual exchange with Octavia, and it wasn't even her fault.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhX4FVJ8mb
I just felt... off-putted by it and I don't know why.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPB9moVtW4a
It was a heavy feeling that sat on my chest as I tried my best to drift off to sleep despite my thoughts.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT8BmaN2Zu
At some point, I had to turn on white noise to steady myself.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7t48iis0P
Luckily, that was just what I needed given I fell asleep not even minutes after that.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJMh1Opooa
I still managed to toss and turn throughout the night, almost haunted by my thoughts that manifested into dreams.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrZP7X6Dvx
The next morning, I woke up to the bright sun filtering in around me—making my eyes scrunch tighter shut as a groan vibrated in my chest.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpWNlOcTWb
I forgot to close my black-out curtains last night.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6BImQgMDs
Fuck.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSJJQ45K7O
A deep sigh fell from my lips as I blinked my heavy eyes open, wiping under them as I adjusted to the bright room.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgvtwrZFa3
I pushed the covers away, rubbing the front of my head as I sat up from my bed.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbxWPd1onA
For once my room was decently clean given I didn't tear it apart getting ready last night.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgh6p6TxZI
It was odd, but it felt nice that I didn't have a terrible mess to clean up.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGON6BGgI7y
I let out a soft sigh, standing from my bed as I reached for my phone to check any new notifications.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1wRKMCjrW
I was about to head into the kitchen for a cup of coffee—
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvHEEOveOu
Until I halted.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wPZb61mI5
It was a brief thought, especially as I stared down at my unmade bed.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGDcx1T1Fs
I drew in a deep breath, letting it out in irritation as I dropped my phone on my nightstand with a clatter.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCIlGg0RHS
I shook my head, reaching for the sheets to pull them up and tuck them neatly.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthbnkO2ICC
I can't believe I'm actually making my fucking bed right now.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqMbqkHbKT
I reached for the dark comforter, pulling it up before adjusting the furry cheetah print comforter neatly over it.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELMaQBdswa
I even fluffed my fucking pillows.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d6N4QLfVw
Aside from how much I hated the process of it...
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ajaLX55Lu
It also felt weirdly nice?
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwoFf1nTnQ
I felt productive just as Dr. Luccino mentioned.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0A86dteGt
Suddenly, I was thinking about doing brunch today and maybe going grocery shopping.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREgqhVuxLb
I really want to make that viral TikTok pasta with feta cheese and tomatoes.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t57jJgHBC
I reached for my coffee mug once my Keurig finished pouring the steaming liquid into the cup.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ONkcQiRni
I poured in my usual cream and a small amount of sugar since I prefer my coffee less sweet.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWMUA0n7GQ
I hummed as I took the first sip of my coffee, letting out a soft sigh as I rounded my kitchen island.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkGsdEnCMS
Until I paused, my eyes locked on the familiar business card sitting on the granite counter.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAtWJvtMyj
A smile suddenly twitched up on my lips at the thought that popped into my head.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gGe6DV9yi
I didn't give it another second of contemplation—I set my coffee mug down, grabbing my phone and the business card.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfcCXx040N
I inputted her number into my phone, labeling her contact with the name I preferred.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfnlNEWN6o
After that, I focused on typing up a text to her.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGxeNwEV1z
Maybe I just wanted to talk to her—or I wanted her to acknowledge that I did what we discussed yesterday.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7y7ebUsaM
Either way, it gave me that familiar excited feeling again, nestling deep in my stomach.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUORbsGZ7Td
Me: i made my bed this morning. happy?
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAOwGejepD
I smiled slightly as I sent the text, hoping she would pick up on the attitude I used with her.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XjP8PSdSW
The knots in my stomach grew as I locked my phone, walking over to pick up my coffee mug from where I had set it down previously.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbUk2O7H7X
I tried my best to focus on drinking my coffee and not thinking about my text or her response.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz323ZKZeaL
Five minutes felt like five hours, almost anticipating my phone to light up with her text.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgtHzPTk4z
I quickly glanced over when a text buzzed on my bright lock screen.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kGjvBchR3
Only it was from Kai.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzRquRhanG
I gave my phone a narrowed look, picking it up from the counter.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHrGwudYAq
Kai: good morning sunshineeeee
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UOwtjEvJN
I smiled at her text, shaking my head as I typed back my response.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin3bZs7SVb
Me: good morning :)))
Me: how do you feel about brunch today?
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBY7bwZMhAI
I watched the typing bubbles quickly pop up, waiting for her response.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRNK9aWoFx
Kai: mimosas?
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHDyGFjoCv
I rolled my eyes with a soft chuckle, typing back quickly.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdXtL6nwqP
Me: anything you want Kai
Me: i'm gonna invite Zi and Sid too tho
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAliiJRLsZg
My smile grew as I watched the typing bubbles appear again, knowing she was probably groaning in annoyance.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvOCVFvHPO
Kai: buzzkillingtonnnn: (
Kai: i don't wanna hear nothing when i'm drinking these mimosas fr
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVLjhW3UU1
I began typing again, quickly sending her one last message so I could text Zion and Sid next.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LmLJPz4cU
Me: you won't hear a peep
Me: promise Kai
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemlfsgJKXk
I went out of our texts, scrolling down my text log to text Zion and Sid in our group chat.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rI0c3qvzM
Me: brunch today @ 12 pm???
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoRcsPIxdU
I watched as the text delivered through in the group chat, glancing up when another text buzzed through on my phone.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAx76uxZQtq
I assumed it was Kai texting me back.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulEDLD075N
Instead, it was her.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0UDd7jKFN
Knots quickly grew in my stomach, clicking on the text message to read her response.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzXiQ5OZxT
Doc: You should ask yourself that, River.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsC5UtUBZ1
I clenched my jaw as I read her text, hearing her voice so prominently in my head as I typed my response.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVOJMW0SD0
Me: very happy.
Me: are you?
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgqnk7GG8L
I watched as the text sent through, anticipating what she would say in response.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFcEhpHRDM
I just wanted her acknowledgment, something she doesn't seem to want to give.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8KMMbRpkb
I glanced back down when my phone buzzed again.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSz0ow7I26
A few times actually.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkqtFfhtNA
It was from Kai and then Zion and Sid in the group chat.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6Rc6WubWM
I was more focused on Dr. Luccino's response.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD3y3d2qVR
Doc: I'm proud of you.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxKJDfqX7m
I pursed my lips as I read her message over and over again, feeling a sense of satisfaction.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOUatVGi2H
I was wrong, I guess she does want to acknowledge what I did.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjHsmZWnf6
I think I'm just used to my mother or anyone else breezing past it.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQOFb6hM7G
Another text buzzed through.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnQ3RMQRMR
Doc: How did it make you feel?
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj6VZYVA8p
I clenched my jaw when a smile threatened to grow on my lips, typing my response back to her.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDhOwNcsXF
Me: good. productive as you said
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UEDkpdR8C
I watched as the typing bubbles popped up, anticipating what she would say.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yhYSAL0Aw
Doc: That's good to hear, River.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRXczX9B6b
I halted for a moment, wondering what I should say back to her message.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdU7S4AcOM
I didn't want our conversation to end on a boring note, so I started thinking of ways to switch the mood.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56EsPFYA3P
It was a quick idea that popped into my head, not bothering to contemplate it since I have her attention at this current moment.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7sBw93W6O
I started texting again, my fingers tapping the screen quickly.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONvu8zFj71
Me: did you want to come see if i made my bed correctly?
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr3dB8sk7P
Me: it seems you have standards
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuxPyBOgXN
I smirked as I watched the message send through, rereading it a few times.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZV1TEeuRNR
Damn, Im smooth.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY44Jl9RE2
That's all I have to say.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dZmGjpOTD
My smirk widened as I watched the typing bubbles appear again, hoping she wouldn't give me a boring response.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszcAqJVWEi
Doc: I trust you did it properly.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6zSqWJqbQ
I raised a brow, seeing her words as a double meaning.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIYPNqGV27
Or maybe I'm just fucked in the head.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH892Yc96U5
I started typing again, not wanting to leave the conversation as is.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4nOQk2k7y
Me: so no reward?
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzDoj14YD0
The typing bubbles didn't appear as quickly as last time, so I took the time to answer Zion and Sid, confirming our brunch plans.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVPzprdhve
They even sent a few new places we could try out, which I decided to forward to Kai for her approval as well.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIwQ6ijhel
Then two texts buzzed on my phone from Dr. Luccino, which I quickly clicked on to read.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRI7lWVvvZ
Doc: I usually give my younger patients lollipops.
Doc: Is that what you want, River?
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwAA0STDr4
An unconscious smile grew on my lips as I began typing again.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bvcaxHmRb
Me: i'm grateful for anything you give me
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB8sicxsJY
My words definitely held a double meaning-one that I knew she would pick up on.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTPT5FtHow
Luckily, I didn't have to wait too long for her response since she started typing again.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEowWffD9we
Then her next text buzzed through.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFxhV6R1VA
Doc: I appreciate your gratitude. Have a good weekend, River.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSsMmEYJLV
I rolled my eyes at her brief message, which basically ended our conversation.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAeb3FgrNe
I knew it was purposeful.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KoTNojZbN
I purposely thumbs-upped her message out of spite, locking my phone as I leaned away from the counter to walk into my bedroom.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmuImui5QZ
I already decided I would dress more comfortably for brunch, which I told everyone so we could match similarly.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxioYz02XFM
A pair of baggy jeans with a cute long-sleeve black bodysuit was what I settled on, sliding on a pair of Nike's for a more sporty look.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5LlC1ubca
I kept my hair in a ponytail, gelling down my baby hairs to frame my face.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw56bJiiDm0
After I finished getting ready, I exited my apartment and walked down the hallway toward the elevator.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ml8cyvJvG
The drive to the new brunch spot was fifteen minutes out, located closer to Sid and Zion's place.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TGobinvAK
They were already there, luckily, securing us a table with how busy it was.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMW2BukBRM
Kai came in a few minutes after me, wearing a lounge set with her hair in a messy bun.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRvvanLDX7
"Don't worry, we already ordered mimosas for the table," Zion told Kai, knowing that was the first thing she would say.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YP44KWuQZ
Kai flashed us her usual smile, "Thanks, buzzkillington," she said, sliding in next to me at the booth, "How did your night go?" she asked me, giving me a playful nudge.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqbvUtZSge
I quickly glanced down to the menu, almost forgetting last night's events entirely, "Uh, pretty good honestly," I lied, deciding that if I was truthful then Kai would think something was wrong.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOCxhnvc0i
Nothing is wrong.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiIBQwaqsX
It was just a weird night.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuQI4dbajN
"I need all the details later," Kai whispered to me, picking up her menu.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjH2MypnBq
"Guys french toast or pancakes?" Sid suddenly asked, lowering her menu down.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95khAuUqXM
"French toast," Zion and I said in unison.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ9ehOh4iu
"Pancakes," Kai said, giving us both a blank look before she shrugged, "Well, I'm getting pancakes," she determined.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOsbQ6etxy
I smiled at her, glancing over when I noticed our waiter approaching us with the ice bucket of champagne and orange juice.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPqQj62LMI
At least today's going decently well.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQAcJhqgqx
Plus it's Saturday so I still have another day until classes start.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8KcVjzSzA
"Cheers," Kai happily said as she raised her glass, causing us to raise ours as well.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKSbxs1iUy
"Cheers," we said in unison, lightly clinking our glasses together before sipping on our mimosas.
I put a little extra orange juice in mine since I wasn't really in the mood to drink.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU4svF6yyo
I still had a lot of fun catching up with them, eating a bomb-ass breakfast, and laughing over old memories.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyleOcy9Nb0
The awkward occurrence with Octavia was at the back of my head, which is exactly where I intended to leave it.
ns216.73.216.146da2
