I stifle a groan, my fingers flying over the screen. There are only two reasons a guy would have fifty brothers, and since a harem sitch seems unlikely, I go with the obvious.
Me: What is it with frat guys and their brothers? You know they’re not your actual family, right?
I half expect him to ignore the message, but three dots appear on the screen. Curiosity unfurls low in my belly as I wait for the reply. Is he a student? The possibility that I’m texting an alumnus old enough to be my father kind of skeeves me out, but he sounds young.
Not that it matters. It’s not like I’ll be talking to him again after tonight.
Unknown: What do u have against Greek life?
Me: Nothing. But I’ve known enough douchey frat guys to last a lifetime. You’re all the same.
Harsh? Maybe.
True? After tonight’s misadventure? Definitely.
My phone lights up, and a Salty AFGIF flashes on the screen.
I laugh and send back aFries before guysGIF because what do I care if some rando thinks I’m salty? After the night I’ve had, I’ve earned it.
Unknown: Let me guess, u dated a guy w letters and he broke ur heart?
Me: Hardly. I know better than to fall in love at a kegger. My roommate freshman year lost her panties and her dignity all in one night.
I follow the message with aHard passGIF.
Unknown: Smart woman. Which means u shouldn’t buy into stereotypes.
Me: Some stereotypes exist for a reason. *shrug emoji*
Unknown: Any other words of wisdom, oh wise one?
A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth as I snuggle under the comforter and type my reply.
Me: Don’t underestimate the cloud.
He doesn’t miss a beat. His text pops up almost instantly.
Unknown: Was that a Star Wars reference? *smirking emoji*
Me: Was it?
Honestly, I’m impressed he picked up on it. As my brother has reminded me eleventy billion times, I’m a weirdo. Which is why I’m definitely not admitting my not-so-secret love of Star Wars.
Still, I laugh to myself as I send one last message.
Me: Remember, the cloud will be with you. Always.
I lock my phone and reach over to put it on the nightstand, but I misjudge the distance and drop it on the floor. The phone lands on the carpet with a quiet thud.
Universe 2 - Hot Mess Express 0.
Sighing, I sit up and switch on the bedside lamp. I’m just scooping the phone up from its new home under the bed when my door creaks open and Haley pokes her head in. Her hair is wild, her cheeks are flushed, and from the looks of it, her night was far better than mine.
A pang of envy hits me square in the chest, followed closely by a metric ton of guilt.
If anyone deserves a good time, it’s Haley, and I shouldn’t begrudge her just because my luck is trash.
“Sweet. I was hoping you’d still be up.” She flashes me a mischievous grin and plops down on the foot of my bed. “Spill the tea, sis. How’d it go with man bun?”
