Page 48 of Pride and Protest

Her phone buzzed on top of her cluttered dresser, and she picked it up, hoping WIC had sent her something funny or thought-provoking. But it was a number she’d only seen once before.

How’s Play Cousin?

Three stupid words, and she was smiling like a goofball.

New phone. Who dis?

There was a long pause. She was about to put the phone down when it buzzed again.

As a response, a GIF of her Netherfield Must Go photobomb popped up. She did everything she could to hold in her smile, but Colin sidled up next to her.

“Are you cold?” he said, noting her copious layers of clothing.

“Yeah, came down with a big chill.”

“Who’s got you smirking at this time of night?” Colin asked. He had the nerve to look semi-jealous.

“It’s no one,” she said and went back to the bathroom. She closed and locked the door and put the lid down on the toilet to sit. Thumbs poised delicately on the screen, she responded:

You mean Gropey McEyeBang? He’s doing just fine...

Hmm... I think you can handle yourself.

I have my ways

She snapped a picture of her ankle with both her colorful tights and fuzzy pajama pants rolled into long men’s socks.

Lol no way he’s getting in there.

This outfit is Fort Knox.

Make sure your shirt doesn’t have snaps.

Oh, why did he have to mention that night! She was flooded with images—his shaking thumbs attempting to free her shirt, his knuckles and her breast one deep breath away from touching, and those eyes when he’d looked down at her. She had never met a man with such a blistering gaze. After some time, she finally replied and tried to find some chill that she did not feel.

I’ve been #buttonsonly since that night.

Glad to see you’ve taken the proper precautions.

A knock on the door scared Liza enough to make her jump. Why was her heart hammering? Why did she feel so guilty? Like she was in here eating the last of Granny’s pie.

“I need the bathroom, Liza,” Janae huffed.

“Go to Mom’s!”

“I need this one, it’s got my rollers.” Liza rolled her eyes and watched the three dots blink on her screen. God forbid Janae was kept away from her roller set.

“One minute!” she stammered.

Oh, almost forgot. Do you know anything about the Pinoy rap scene?

Wow. Yes actually. It’s kind of a deep hobby of mine.

Cool, cool. Let’s hook up later. I need help curating a playlist.

She smiled at that and unlocked the door. Janae looked at her quizzically when she blew past her.

LOVEMAKING PRACTICE