Page 47 of Sweet Venom

Preston

Shush, don’t be rude. Anyway, I have a lot of tea to spill about the big man. Apparently, a girlcalled sex with him disappointing, and he’s been moping like a bored housewife.

Kane

Really?

Preston

Heck yeah. He’s been asking about his sexual performance and stuff. I’m telling you, he’s going through a crisis of epic proportions. That and he’s being scolded senseless by Julian, judging by his extra-grumpy replies from the other room. He might need a pick-me-up.

Me

I’m going to knock your teeth out, Pres. If you’re going to talk shit about me, shouldn’t you do it in private and not in the group chat I’m in?

Preston

Nah, I believe in inclusion. Anyway, we’re on our way, Kane! Prepare the popcorn. Big man is done being chewed up by Julian.

I’m on my way to the kitchen to choke the fuck out of him when my phone pings in my hand.

Mario

We have a situation.

11

VIOLET

“Please, Vi.”

I release a long exhale at Dahlia’s pleading voice on the other end of the phone as I walk home from class.

It’s about forty minutes on foot, but I don’t mind. This is the only workout I get, and walking helps clear my head.

“Don’t try to be adorable, Dahl.”

“But tomorrow is the only day you don’t have an early shift. I just want us to have some fun at the movies and then go to your favorite kebab place.”

“Or we can watch something at home and I cook. I’d rather you spend that money on your expenses.”

“Boo. Just because we don’t have much to spare doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have fun once in a while.” She releases a sigh. “I know you’ve been stressed by work lately. I’m also exhausted, so I want to cheer us up a little.”

“Fine, but can you pick a family-friendly movie? I promised Laura I’d babysit Karly tomorrow. She’s struggling with her daycare and is scared of her ex suing for custody. Do you mind if we have her around more often?”

“Not at all! She’s a cutie.”

“Thanks, Dahl. I’ll pay for myself and Karly.”

“Don’t be silly, I’ll buy the tickets. I’ve got to go. My break is over. See ya!”

She hangs up before I can insist on paying.

Shaking my head, I slide my phone into my back pocket as I juggle two of my human sciences books in one hand. Classes are kind of kicking my ass, mostly because I don’t have much of an attention span, but I’ll be able to keep my scholarship if I improve my GPA.

In my peripheral vision, I catch a glimpse of Mario, and for the thousandth time in the last couple of days, I consider talking to him. Or falling in step to walk beside him.

But something tells me he wouldn’t like that.