Page 44 of Devious Love

Head thrown back, my blonde friend laughs. “You’re fine. Their history doesn’t bother me. They never hid it.”

“We dated for three months,” Jeff says. “I think?”

I nod.

“We got along well,” he continues, “but it didn’t take long for us to realize we didn’t have chemistry.”

Chia looks from me to him and back again. “Did you sleep with his brother before or after you dated?”

I sigh and rest my chin in my hand. “We need to work on your manners. It was after Jeff and Tessa started dating, so a year and a half after we broke up, I guess, and only after I talked to Jeff.”

“My brother brought it up to me too. He didn’t want to hurt my feelings. So it was all good, and no, I don’t think it’s weird.”

“Er, I don’t know. You’re like aGossip Girlspinoff, where everyone sleeps with everyone.”

I shake my head, laughing quietly, but when the bell over the door dings again and a woman walks in, all my humor dries up.

Her dark green dress hugs her body like a second skin, highlighting her round hips and big breasts. Her red hair, curly today, streams down her bare shoulders. The gold sandals that slap gently against the tile floor complete her outfit perfectly.

It’s Remi, and she’s heading straight for Dominic.

My heart sinks. Looks like my question the other night was valid. He might say she’s his ex, but the girl definitely doesn’t agree.

A tale as old as time.

Considering I can’t discreetly watch her approach Dominic, I sit up straighter, focusing on my friends.

CHAPTER 12

not my circus, not my monkeys

MIA

Age 18

August

Jeff divesinto his plans to try out for the school’s basketball team. They accept very few walk-ons, but he’s got high hopes. He’s a really good player, but unfortunately, he wasn’t offered any scholarships.

“The chances are slim, but it’s better than not even trying.” He smiles ruefully, toying with his straw. “Regardless of what happens, earning a computer science degree is my primary goal.”

“A game designer, a developer, a data analyst,” Chia comments, pointing her finger at me, Jeff, and Tessa in turn. Then, she juts her thumb at herself. “And a journalist. I feel left out.”

“You were destined to be a journalist.” I nudge her with my shoulder. “And maybe all the writing will encourage you to get back into writing short stories like you used to.”

“You used to write?” Tessa asks her.

“Yeah. Some fanfic, some original stories.” She turns to me. “I always figured I’d major in English and you’d major in theater and drama, but look at us now.”

“Drama club was my life.” I can’t help but smile. “But I’ve always loved painting more. Since I love video games, I figured why not merge my love for artandgaming? The industry is growing so fast and, realistically, it’s hard to make money as an actor or a painter. My dream would be to create graphics for a game based onAlice in Wonderland.”

“You and your love for that story.” Jeff chuckles. “I still can’t believe you have anAlice in Wonderlandtattoo.”

“What can I say? We’re all mad here,” I murmur, quoting my tattoo.

And my friends burst into laughter.

When it dies down, Tessa yawns. “We better head back to the dorms. I’m worried I’ll fall asleep at the table if we don’t leave soon.”