I shake my head. “Nah, man. Things between us are not like that. I can barely stand the girl so, no, I don’t fucking like her. Not the way you’re suggesting. Whatever you’re picking up on is just our usual shit. We get under each other's skin. That’s all.” I might have the occasional fantasy about fucking her to see if it would make her more tolerable, but I don’t let my dick dictate my decisions.
“I was just helping Aaron out. You and E didn’t have to come,” I add, needing to end this conversation before he gets any ideas.
He gives me an incredulous look. “Really? That’s the bullshit you’re gonna try and feed me right now?”
“Drop it, man. I’m telling you, I’m not interested. Sue me. I get a kick out of riling the girl up. I saw an opportunity and I took it. That doesn’t mean I want her.” Though I wouldn’t mind her on her knees for me, mouth open and—Fuck. Drop that line of thinking before you get your ass in trouble.
Roman levels me with an incredulous look. “I’m one of your best friends, cabrón. I’m not buying what you’re selling. I know you better than that.”
I let out a tired breath. “Ro, she’s just a kid, not even eighteen yet. And you know how I am with females. You really think I'm gonna fuck myself over by trying to get a piece of her?" I shake my head. "I'm not that dumb. Allie, Bibiana, and Monique would all have my ass if I fucked things up with Kasey."
“So don’t fuck it up, then. Give shit a real try. bro. You two have been going at it since senior year. You know there’s something there. Everyone else can see it. Why can’t you?”
“Because there isn’t anything to see.”
His stare is penetrating as I wait for him to concede the point.
“Is this because of Aaron?" he asks. “You know he’d come around.”
“No, fucker. This is because of me. What part of ‘I’m not interested’ do you not understand?” He opens his mouth to argue but I cut him off. “I don't want hearts and rainbows with any female, let alone Kasey-fucking-Henderson, okay? You’re wifed up and I’m happy for you, man. For E too. But I’m only interested in a tight piece of ass and a hot lay and Kasey isn't who I plan on getting that from." I make my words especially crude, hoping he gets the point. “So stop pushing. If shit changes and I decide to fuck her, I'll make sure you're the first to know."
His face hardens, and I can see the second we go from conversation mode to lecture mode. “Don't even think of going there," he warns.
"I'm not,” I grind out. “You’re the one suggesting—“
The lines around his mouth tighten. "If I have to kick your ass because you—"
I bark out a laugh. "Go home to your woman. Kasey's made it her mission to get under my skin. All I'm doing is returning the favor. Stop reading into nothing. We’re good.”
He doesn't look entirely convinced, but finally nods. "Fine. You going back to Kappa Mu?”
I should, but if I go back now, it'll give Roman the wrong idea. "Nah. I'm heading home. Gotta ice my shoulder and shit. I'll catch you later."
"Later, cabrón."
I flip off my best friend as I climb into my Escalade, put it in reverse and head for home. I pass by Greek Row and tighten my grip on the wheel until I make it to my street, three short blocks from where Kasey is living now.
Fuck. I need to get my head on straight. I’m not commitment material, and there are too many obstacles in the way, so why is it that the idea of getting past them all makes my dick twitch and brings a smile to my face?
EIGHTY-THREE
Kasey
“Mom, I have to go.”
“Oh, and did I tell you about the time when I was in college and—” She rattles on as though she doesn’t hear me.
“Mom,” I try again, shifting my bag to my other arm to avoid dropping my phone. “I’m late for class. I’ll call you later. Okay?”
“Oh. Just one more thing—”
I grind my teeth together. “Mom!”
“Oh, alright. But before you hang up, can you at least tell me if you’re making friends? I worry about you, sweetie.” Obviously not enough since you decided to move halfway across the country.
I sigh. She means well and at least she’s checking up on me. “Lots of friends. All the friends. Have to go now. Love you. Bye.”
“Love yo—”
