Me: Not heading home right after class. Going to grab dinner and drinks with a girl from class. Don’t wait up.
A second later, Jacob replies.
Jacob: Everything good?
Me: Yeah, all good. Just making a new friend.
Ford’s message follows:
Ford: Bout time you had a girlfriend. Have fun, Kitty. You deserve it.
The class finally ends, and as we gather our things, Avery turns to me. “Let’s hit this place I know downtown. It’s got killer tacos and margaritas."
I raise an eyebrow. “Say less. I’m in.”
We step out into the cool afternoon air, and Avery links her arm through mine like we’ve been friends forever. It feels... nice. I’m not used to this—having another girl in my life who’s not judging me or trying to compete. I didn't realize how much I’ve missed this kind of friendship until now.
The taco place is tucked into a lively corner downtown, lights strung above the patio, giving it a warm glow. The buzz of conversation and clinking glasses surrounds us as we find a table near the back.
Avery wastes no time flagging down the waiter. “We’ll start with chips and guac, two orders of the shrimp tacos, and... two margaritas,” she says, glancing at me for confirmation.
I nod, and the waiter jots it all down before leaving.
“I can’t believe he didn’t ID us,” I say once he’s out of earshot.
"Nah. I’ve been here a few times, and he knows I tip well; you can say we have an agreement. So," Avery says, leaning back in her chair. "Tell me about yourself, Dylan. What’s your deal?"
I smile, but it’s one of those loaded questions that I never quite know how to answer. “Well... I’m a freshman. I play lacrosse.”
Her eyes light up. “My brother used to play in high school. What position?”
“Midfield.”
She whistles low. “You’re hardcore.”
I shrug, feeling a little shy under the compliment. “It’s just... something I’ve always loved, you know?”
Avery smiles, something like understanding flickering in her eyes. “Yeah, I get that.”
Our food arrives, and we dig in, falling into easy conversation. We talk about classes, teammates, life on campus—everything and nothing at the same time.
“So... about this boyfriend,” Avery teases between bites of her taco, eyeing me with curiosity. “What’s he like?”
I swallow and then, deciding to just go for it, blurt out, “Well, I actually have three boyfriends.”
Avery freezes mid-sip, her eyes wide. “Shut the fuck up. Do theyknowabout each other?”
I cackle, loving her reaction. “Yeah, they know. We all live together.”
She sets her glass down slowly, a sly grin spreading across her face. “Okay, now the sprinkle-cum thing is starting to add up. Tell meeverything.”
I laugh, clinking my glass with hers, enjoying the rare chance to talk about them openly. “Jacob was my childhood best friend. He moved away, and we lost touch for a while, but we ran into each other last year when I switched high schools. Ford’s on thelacrosse team too—I met him last year. Jacob and him are best friends.”
Avery narrows her eyes with a playful smirk. “And the third?”
“Matthew...” I trail off, feeling my cheeks warm. “He’s my mom’s fiancé’s son.”
Her jaw drops. “Youralmost stepbrother?!” She clutches her chest dramatically. “You filthy bitch. Iloveit.”
