"That's fucking hilarious."29Please respect copyright.PENANAnOYBCkX928
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQct1LRclat
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA6UKmnvS8XR
"Just a little," Kai said, pinching her fingers together for emphasis.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAHdeF7vrBUj
I rolled my eyes, turning away from the mirror to walk closer to my bed she was sitting on.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAsvfl7YvQns
"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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAmwdl3helnA
"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."
29Please respect copyright.PENANAuouKvsrXF3
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANACw2YogWoAn
"I guess it works for tonight," I said, walking over to my dresser where my perfumes were.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfQ9lXwi17i
Normally, I felt excited during our pre-gaming festivities.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAacNKoevxx5
Kai even played our hype playlist as we got ready together and drank, but still, something felt off.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA2ZkBHu7IPB
If this has anything to do with therapy, I'm fucking quitting.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAuznNXoSfqF
Ugh, but I'm definitely thinking about our session.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAOLoF5NJoQI
Why am I thinking about it?
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfnsTPrVbah
All we did was discuss very surface-level topics.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAgQGwppaWzh
It's just... well, the having control over your life thing keeps popping into my head.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAtTwwyaDERQ
It doesn't help that I'm tipsy, and not as in control as I would be sober.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAbhArucHOzP
Is drinking an issue?
29Please respect copyright.PENANAJgFl6yF4us
Hell no, I thought as I quickly shook my head at the intrusive thought.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAVUhQI0ICJx
I'm young and living my life to the fullest.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAHpz9Wsrx4S
I glanced over when Kai stood from my bed, adjusting her red bandeau top that she wore with matching flare pants and gold heels.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAHmxSAFR9Ku
"You're overthinking it. The fit is cute, trust me," Kai assured me, lifting her hand to tap my ass.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAiw3xxKyEe7
I forced a smile, hating that the last thing on my mind right now was my outfit.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAk25Ik7KgNO
"My ass does look pretty good," I suddenly said, eyeing myself in the full-body mirror as I sprayed my perfume.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA2UgASm6hgQ
"Let's hope the gays are out to see it," Kai hummed as I sat my Good Girl perfume down.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAbSKNASRFsK
"Yeah, I need a good hookup," I determined, knowing I had really only hooked up with Kai these two weekends.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAglomKm6N8m
The crowd is... boring.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAVHMafcbvoP
However, tonight I'm desperate.
29Please respect copyright.PENANACU1hYdE1OK
"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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAcpcX4j1Oqc
I rolled my eyes with a smile, "Besides myself," I joked back.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA1SVcRPYf5X
No one knows my body like me.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAO1eexiSzgE
I know exactly where to touch and how I want the pace.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAZs38soGgAk
"Agreed," Kai said as she unlocked her phone and navigated to the Lyft app.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAiVAbCHNFHg
"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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAKyhZGtnXI1
"Only two minutes," Kai told me, booking the ride as soon as it popped up.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQeaLj2FIB7
After that, we took one quick last shot of Tito's and headed downstairs to wait for our ride.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAk8IsfmeWSz
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAOJmbkMO0MD
Our first agenda upon making it past the bouncer was shots.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAhMEgqNDHfQ
Then it was women.
29Please respect copyright.PENANARiMrWj2oL5
Kai's favorite bartender was working so her problem was solved.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAPAW04uMEsy
We would get free drinks and Kai would get to go home with her.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAXfBztF9J7L
Now I just needed someone to take home for myself.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAo7dFrGqlki
My favorite thing to do is scan the room, analyzing everything and everyone.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAC54mOKTGh0
Typically, I never really have to do too much.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAkJqYzzUOMB
A random woman will lock eyes with me and I'll motion her over.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAKRUgK1gqTo
Tonight, a raven-haired woman caught my eye.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA4RiKPy6bZx
She had long straight hair that fell to her mid-back, emphasizing her sharp face and green eyes.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAMX4r5BZfN1
She wore a short black skirt with a matching halter top, exposing her arms covered in small tattoos.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA5f9ecUTUXK
She made her way over to me as soon as I motioned my head at her, smiling as she approached me.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAaHpGgPILZA
"Let me buy you a shot," I leaned into her ear to say, pressing my hand to her arm as I did so.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAJTLSJLevji
"I'll cover the next round," she offered, leaning closer to me so I could hear her properly.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAOKe5Dprzv3
I smirked slightly when she placed her hand against my upper back, "Deal," I said, leaning back slightly to wave over the bartender.
29Please respect copyright.PENANADg7IHpFQEA
Who had been occupied by my best friend.
29Please respect copyright.PENANARYQdVny2qY
Kai smiled when her dark eyes landed on me, noticing the woman by my side now.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAT21BlPVGcO
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAvs32e1ZM1C
The music was loud as I tried my best to tell her my order.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA2NcFxi8b8m
Lemon drop shots were what I settled on for us.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQwOCZa4b6V
"I'm River" I leaned into her to say, feeling a little looser as I gripped her closer to me.
29Please respect copyright.PENANABCWXVqr8lP
"Octavia," she introduced herself, running her hand down my back.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAHJUOIwJraR
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAycQDpP1AUI
I was pressed against her in a matter of seconds, grinding against her as she held my waist.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA9JaGdCLxFC
In a matter of a few songs, our positions flipped, holding her in place as she started grinding against me.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAg9zXZUHkTb
We only danced for a few songs until we were back at the bar again.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAW56nJYIHOh
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANABi1QGDa8nJ
Kai was unsurprisingly by the bar still, taking shots off Tara.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA2i2DNjX3qv
Instead of dancing some more, I guided us toward Kai, wanting to briefly catch up with my best friend.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAjCvrhkZfGR
"Tara gets off in five minutes," Kai leaned into me to say, "I don't want to leave you so-"
29Please respect copyright.PENANAOkRKRXnw6V
"Bitch you better go," I cut her short, giving her an offended look.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAoI2lL6IFds
Because she better not pass on getting laid tonight.
29Please respect copyright.PENANANvhc2mhOPa
I'm good where I'm at.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAPQFLc5FQRH
"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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAAjluI55Dxe
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA9OIDtuOZUc
"Have fun," I said, briefly kissing her cheek before I leaned away from her entirely.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAjbmevYxCW4
"You too," Kai said, her stare shifting to Octavia, who she smiled at before glancing back over to me, "Love you, Rivs."
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfH5QngiETb
"Love you too," I repeated, turning around to face Octavia as Kai walked past us to meet Tara.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAxJUM88MD4U
We were back to dancing after one more shot, falling into the beat of the music together.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAeg4duGBTFl
Until soon we naturally kept our legs intertwined, grinding against each other as we held our short skirts in place.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAmuhoHvvpcC
I could feel her wetness through her underwear and I knew she could feel mine.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA4TRzR1W9sB
At some point, it felt like we had mutually agreed to leave.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfQuDuUgJfp
A word wasn't said, but as we left the dance floor we unconsciously migrated to the main entry doors.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAB9eFfsQNqW
Octavia ordered a Lyft for us while I offered my apartment to go back to since her place was five minutes farther.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQ3PzluK59t
The short car ride was filled with lingering touches, meaningless conversation, and impatience.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAKPcINg6Pwn
For once tonight, everything felt just as it used to.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA6oiXvmp5Cu
I felt good.
29Please respect copyright.PENANADhbYCDdeXp
It was the familiar excitement I recall, building in my stomach as we walked down the familiar hallway to my apartment.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA0LFGjBJIuT
Octavia pulled me into a kiss as soon as the door closed loudly behind us, guiding us with no direction.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA0x21MbhuO0
I took the reigns instead, grabbing her waist as I dominated the kiss.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAhRjOVxxK3F
Octavia grew breathless in response, letting me guide her toward my bedroom.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAtxP3GnRPqu
I pinned her back against my bed as soon as I got the opportunity, wasting no time as I straddled her body.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA1SOn7IRkMq
Octavia hummed when I connected our lips again, arching into me as I trailed my hand down past her skirt.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAE1TfBAKCyE
This.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAN4dojFHQEX
This is what control feels like.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAMk1GCIJulM
Dr. Luccini was wrong—it's not just habits or routines.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAnUjifU4xw1
You can seek control in other ways, and other places.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAlGH8wpdaLp
"Right there," I heard Octavia breathe out, arching up into me as I continued sliding in and out of her.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA5yPq80ddov
The kiss between us had been broken—by me or her, I'm unsure.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAcODQfORDiu
I can't even focus on how wet she is, something that's normally enjoyable for me.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAukNU9nMkP0
I can only focus on someone who had popped into my thoughts in the worst way.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA1iZV4FcYr3
"River."
29Please respect copyright.PENANAxtHY6Zf8Au
I could hear her voice clearly in my head, striking a deeper nerve.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA4LFtJnkixP
It was infuriating and alarming at the same time.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAyW1eC7oFk9
"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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAPRdq0GgtTN
I don't know when I leaned down or when she had finished.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA7yyibUj5Lf
"Yeah, yes," I quickly said, carefully sliding out of her as my face burned up.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAEAPKuOS4DP
Fuck Dr. Luccino.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAMc1JSLkFr9
Seriously, I don't need her—I don't even know why I'm thinking about her.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfjNczMujfy
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA8mJJDCHYbO
But suddenly, nothing felt right.
29Please respect copyright.PENANARqWz8BEAEd
"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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAp7nh0jmXfS
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANABO4IfSS7iG
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAFMmiH8xETh
"Okay..." Octavia awkwardly trailed off, laying up from the bed as she adjusted her skirt so she could stand up.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAMc0VFDOSgx
I pursed my lips, feeling guilty for the mixed signals I sent.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAd9HPNv7qY3
"You can stay the night if you want," I offered out of consideration.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA4ywFsEjvO3
I would never fuck someone and make them leave afterward.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAoGXZYHSmdS
Some people do, but I'm not that inhumane.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAcH85NPzLbT
"No it's fine," Octavia said, grabbing her phone and purse from the bed.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAyMEKqFJVjh
My purse was on the bed too, probably getting flung to the side during the process of everything.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAlZdcHFlh6O
"I can cover your Lyft," I quickly offered, grabbing my purse to get my phone.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAvy2nv5nySo
"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."
29Please respect copyright.PENANAvcnq8alanJ
I nodded awkwardly, unsure what I should say next.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAIb9ssuWbim
"I'll leave my number if you want?" Octavia asked, furrowing her brows at the dynamic of this.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAmEifb93tiQ
I blinked a few times before I inevitably nodded,
"Sure-yeah, here," I said, quickly unlocking my phone and tapping the contact app.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAxqW2j1XobW
Octavia stepped closer to me when I extended my phone illuminated with the blank contact.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQhjTEOTbex
"I had fun with you tonight," I whispered, unsure of what else to say.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAKtNQf6NkQI
I've never had this happen before.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAvnsNrCMb9w
"I had fun too," Octavia said with a small smile, handing my phone back to me.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAGwn5dAbhMB
I pursed my lips into a smile, "Be safe getting back," I said as she backed away from me.
29Please respect copyright.PENANABnqG2Nt2Nu
"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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANArGgcLnGEfz
We exchanged a very brief side hug as I held the door open for her, watching her walk down the hallway toward the elevator.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA4AJGzWLPvj
I let out a deep sigh as I gently closed the door, processing how quickly this night went wrong.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQbp9A4gTpr
I felt stone-cold sober, walking over to the kitchen and making myself a glass of water.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAraDUmXoNgM
Then I headed into my bedroom, setting the glass down to get ready for bed.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA4OlgGaMRTp
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAqgMN8vdRov
It only took me five minutes to wash my face and apply my serums, and then I slid into bed under my thick covers.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAUUgoVu5bsq
I laid on my back, staring up through the darkness at the ceiling above me.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAZWHF1d396j
My head felt scrambled with numerous thoughts.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAxJjqdFirPm
Octavia, tonight's events, my therapy session just hours ago—
29Please respect copyright.PENANA7Xut8wZGpR
And Dr. Luccino.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAxDQaVcsjJR
I felt almost disgusted by my sexual exchange with Octavia, and it wasn't even her fault.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA2eUCJ0Hl3I
I just felt... off-putted by it and I don't know why.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAMPNjdrcJ9E
It was a heavy feeling that sat on my chest as I tried my best to drift off to sleep despite my thoughts.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAFN4kGhIhx4
At some point, I had to turn on white noise to steady myself.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAcfBq7qttEH
Luckily, that was just what I needed given I fell asleep not even minutes after that.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAAt03BLMifs
I still managed to toss and turn throughout the night, almost haunted by my thoughts that manifested into dreams.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAZYHQRePeVw
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA3Ks7z9wJWr
I forgot to close my black-out curtains last night.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA8oOh1OVdoq
Fuck.
29Please respect copyright.PENANACHbxCcwLns
A deep sigh fell from my lips as I blinked my heavy eyes open, wiping under them as I adjusted to the bright room.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfgc3lExbDq
I pushed the covers away, rubbing the front of my head as I sat up from my bed.
29Please respect copyright.PENANApvYmB0lAGx
For once my room was decently clean given I didn't tear it apart getting ready last night.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAHQ9JbX5HUJ
It was odd, but it felt nice that I didn't have a terrible mess to clean up.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAZJLRl4JFzw
I let out a soft sigh, standing from my bed as I reached for my phone to check any new notifications.
29Please respect copyright.PENANANl5AJteKD0
I was about to head into the kitchen for a cup of coffee—
29Please respect copyright.PENANAC2kDqMOPFY
Until I halted.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAZFUSRFS7sG
It was a brief thought, especially as I stared down at my unmade bed.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA6aeZ8JIoDy
I drew in a deep breath, letting it out in irritation as I dropped my phone on my nightstand with a clatter.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAyDWW0uwKw5
I shook my head, reaching for the sheets to pull them up and tuck them neatly.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAdANAl8gpO7
I can't believe I'm actually making my fucking bed right now.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAGwBMsqqKrW
I reached for the dark comforter, pulling it up before adjusting the furry cheetah print comforter neatly over it.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAPmrNzEMV7n
I even fluffed my fucking pillows.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAU7MVpJQggE
Aside from how much I hated the process of it...
29Please respect copyright.PENANAXwT4LxJyac
It also felt weirdly nice?
29Please respect copyright.PENANA7WL4AZHkUH
I felt productive just as Dr. Luccino mentioned.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAOkMYrTYTca
Suddenly, I was thinking about doing brunch today and maybe going grocery shopping.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAtQ1Kxw9JNB
I really want to make that viral TikTok pasta with feta cheese and tomatoes.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA7TneME8pnu
I reached for my coffee mug once my Keurig finished pouring the steaming liquid into the cup.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAouX9qetLSB
I poured in my usual cream and a small amount of sugar since I prefer my coffee less sweet.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA4Salsubipf
I hummed as I took the first sip of my coffee, letting out a soft sigh as I rounded my kitchen island.
29Please respect copyright.PENANANKGZE2WOiX
Until I paused, my eyes locked on the familiar business card sitting on the granite counter.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAAA3OxxJyFn
A smile suddenly twitched up on my lips at the thought that popped into my head.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAtCfvcK9de4
I didn't give it another second of contemplation—I set my coffee mug down, grabbing my phone and the business card.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA2rTBK5cHKt
I inputted her number into my phone, labeling her contact with the name I preferred.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA1ouJ6J0Vm0
After that, I focused on typing up a text to her.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAkWgnPDjGao
Maybe I just wanted to talk to her—or I wanted her to acknowledge that I did what we discussed yesterday.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfbUR0I76aZ
Either way, it gave me that familiar excited feeling again, nestling deep in my stomach.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAFKhkfyJ5h4
Me: i made my bed this morning. happy?
29Please respect copyright.PENANAoTdzbAeFeh
I smiled slightly as I sent the text, hoping she would pick up on the attitude I used with her.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAdeCJGVXaAV
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAVUMcBkI6bD
I tried my best to focus on drinking my coffee and not thinking about my text or her response.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA44UM4ubN74
Five minutes felt like five hours, almost anticipating my phone to light up with her text.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAx6nib5nfXN
I quickly glanced over when a text buzzed on my bright lock screen.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAeQykZMKwBx
Only it was from Kai.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAQj3gi4idrN
I gave my phone a narrowed look, picking it up from the counter.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAcN2CVn0Dng
Kai: good morning sunshineeeee
29Please respect copyright.PENANAjdogsZe64q
I smiled at her text, shaking my head as I typed back my response.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA26r6iFzwbR
Me: good morning :)))
Me: how do you feel about brunch today?
29Please respect copyright.PENANA33icDAafun
I watched the typing bubbles quickly pop up, waiting for her response.
29Please respect copyright.PENANALZKYzbfMto
Kai: mimosas?
29Please respect copyright.PENANA7NKwH2j31d
I rolled my eyes with a soft chuckle, typing back quickly.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAJSza5qIP5F
Me: anything you want Kai
Me: i'm gonna invite Zi and Sid too tho
29Please respect copyright.PENANAJRiX3SSTpX
My smile grew as I watched the typing bubbles appear again, knowing she was probably groaning in annoyance.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAZKudOHOJh1
Kai: buzzkillingtonnnn: (
Kai: i don't wanna hear nothing when i'm drinking these mimosas fr
29Please respect copyright.PENANAzeUFlcAm8w
I began typing again, quickly sending her one last message so I could text Zion and Sid next.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAuo579yPGUE
Me: you won't hear a peep
Me: promise Kai
29Please respect copyright.PENANABjpfleB5Wo
I went out of our texts, scrolling down my text log to text Zion and Sid in our group chat.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA0S5iSiZiYM
Me: brunch today @ 12 pm???
29Please respect copyright.PENANA7rxpbAU3WS
I watched as the text delivered through in the group chat, glancing up when another text buzzed through on my phone.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfZLDZFmO3J
I assumed it was Kai texting me back.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAZu2EmUfgc7
Instead, it was her.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA8tz41P9fwY
Knots quickly grew in my stomach, clicking on the text message to read her response.
29Please respect copyright.PENANASKXuSX2XGh
Doc: You should ask yourself that, River.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAdCEzulLl4u
I clenched my jaw as I read her text, hearing her voice so prominently in my head as I typed my response.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAJNzokzBctX
Me: very happy.
Me: are you?
29Please respect copyright.PENANAGfBR5xUhwn
I watched as the text sent through, anticipating what she would say in response.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA6ci6W5Vt5d
I just wanted her acknowledgment, something she doesn't seem to want to give.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAJ4XNeKaUC4
I glanced back down when my phone buzzed again.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAg6nJ9T8Unz
A few times actually.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfyVHUtESuO
It was from Kai and then Zion and Sid in the group chat.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAnkk5bKPjaN
I was more focused on Dr. Luccino's response.
29Please respect copyright.PENANALVJi2Ql6Gc
Doc: I'm proud of you.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAMwwyVfJ5AM
I pursed my lips as I read her message over and over again, feeling a sense of satisfaction.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAoDDlxYAdxV
I was wrong, I guess she does want to acknowledge what I did.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAcOZJqRJ6ys
I think I'm just used to my mother or anyone else breezing past it.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAq6VptsvcAO
Another text buzzed through.
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Doc: How did it make you feel?
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I clenched my jaw when a smile threatened to grow on my lips, typing my response back to her.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfXGFRhI58K
Me: good. productive as you said
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I watched as the typing bubbles popped up, anticipating what she would say.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAOWhBIG0BQq
Doc: That's good to hear, River.
29Please respect copyright.PENANArt9gOQLgly
I halted for a moment, wondering what I should say back to her message.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAZEeMcSS5z3
I didn't want our conversation to end on a boring note, so I started thinking of ways to switch the mood.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAx6ri3oYQTR
It was a quick idea that popped into my head, not bothering to contemplate it since I have her attention at this current moment.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAPTH8bWPTjV
I started texting again, my fingers tapping the screen quickly.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAYHMBquVpl2
Me: did you want to come see if i made my bed correctly?
29Please respect copyright.PENANAFmaNXHSnR6
Me: it seems you have standards
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I smirked as I watched the message send through, rereading it a few times.
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Damn, Im smooth.
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That's all I have to say.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA1Ibmt7tiWx
My smirk widened as I watched the typing bubbles appear again, hoping she wouldn't give me a boring response.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA6iTkfQy3SB
Doc: I trust you did it properly.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAJijBIZUEyU
I raised a brow, seeing her words as a double meaning.
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Or maybe I'm just fucked in the head.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA7UrpGiug7H
I started typing again, not wanting to leave the conversation as is.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAmfvRstH3OK
Me: so no reward?
29Please respect copyright.PENANAXjYtnChuLD
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAYw1O5Rm3Cc
They even sent a few new places we could try out, which I decided to forward to Kai for her approval as well.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAPbAlS8q1LR
Then two texts buzzed on my phone from Dr. Luccino, which I quickly clicked on to read.
29Please respect copyright.PENANATq4YykpL2e
Doc: I usually give my younger patients lollipops.
Doc: Is that what you want, River?
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An unconscious smile grew on my lips as I began typing again.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAa7mYfWkFcV
Me: i'm grateful for anything you give me
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My words definitely held a double meaning-one that I knew she would pick up on.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA0FLnHNhHTr
Luckily, I didn't have to wait too long for her response since she started typing again.
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Then her next text buzzed through.
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Doc: I appreciate your gratitude. Have a good weekend, River.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAwOjAu9L2Jg
I rolled my eyes at her brief message, which basically ended our conversation.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAbQqbz7nvjG
I knew it was purposeful.
29Please respect copyright.PENANA5QeMwGD5jJ
I purposely thumbs-upped her message out of spite, locking my phone as I leaned away from the counter to walk into my bedroom.
29Please respect copyright.PENANArFv1iL8z7z
I already decided I would dress more comfortably for brunch, which I told everyone so we could match similarly.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAkgJgzjdH2X
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.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAbPmTyggiTu
I kept my hair in a ponytail, gelling down my baby hairs to frame my face.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAdY3yBGcQUv
After I finished getting ready, I exited my apartment and walked down the hallway toward the elevator.
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The drive to the new brunch spot was fifteen minutes out, located closer to Sid and Zion's place.
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They were already there, luckily, securing us a table with how busy it was.
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Kai came in a few minutes after me, wearing a lounge set with her hair in a messy bun.
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"Don't worry, we already ordered mimosas for the table," Zion told Kai, knowing that was the first thing she would say.
29Please respect copyright.PENANAfyrLFdbI6R
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.
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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.
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Nothing is wrong.
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It was just a weird night.
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"I need all the details later," Kai whispered to me, picking up her menu.
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"Guys french toast or pancakes?" Sid suddenly asked, lowering her menu down.
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"French toast," Zion and I said in unison.
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"Pancakes," Kai said, giving us both a blank look before she shrugged, "Well, I'm getting pancakes," she determined.
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I smiled at her, glancing over when I noticed our waiter approaching us with the ice bucket of champagne and orange juice.
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At least today's going decently well.
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Plus it's Saturday so I still have another day until classes start.
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"Cheers," Kai happily said as she raised her glass, causing us to raise ours as well.
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"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.
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I still had a lot of fun catching up with them, eating a bomb-ass breakfast, and laughing over old memories.
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The awkward occurrence with Octavia was at the back of my head, which is exactly where I intended to leave it.
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