“Haters gonna hate, Baby. Send your text then get the hell out of my bed. My man’s awake, I’m awake.”
“You’re sick. And you promised you would sleep with me. What happened with that?”
“Bros before hoes, Baby. He’s got the D, and I’m not into the V.”
Ew.
“I can hear you fools!” Kane’s voice echoes through the now lit hallway. “You’re both idiots. Make your call, Laine, then get the hell out of my bed. I want some of the V, so I’m gonna need you to put in earphones and turn the music up.”
I shake my head with disappointment. “Your boyfriend is gross.”
She nods. “Yeah. He’s a pig.”
“He has no manners.”
She shakes her head. “Nope. And he’s unapologetic about it.”
“You shoulda stayed with Ernie. He was good for you.”
Rhinoceros hooves pound down the hall. “Who the fuck is Ernie? And what kinda lame ass motherfucker name is that?”
I snicker and turn away from Jess. Strategically falling off the side of the bed, I escape her swatting hand and drop her cell on the bedside table. “Ernie was her one true love. She still talks to him, and she told me his dick is bigger than yours.”
“Blondie!”
“She’s lying!” Laughing, she lets out a squeal when he drags her out of the bed and over his shoulder. “She’s lying!”
He swats her backside. “Do you know anyone named Ernie? Don’t lie to me, woman.”
“Yes.” Snorting, she slaps his back while dangling upside down. “I do, actually. He was in our grade at school. He’s a tax accountant now.”
“Blondie! He’s got a bigger dick than me? What the fuck?”
I back away from the couple with only a little bit of jealousy at the way he manhandles her; he’s rough and silly, but he doesn’t hurt her. He smacks her butt, but he’s not cruel.
“No!” Laughing, she doesn’t notice when I close the door with a soft snick and turn away. “I think he has a pencil dick! But you’ll have to ask Britt about that, because we don’t share dudes.”
I threw myself out of my bed in tears. I went into Jess’ room with a racing heart. But I leave again with a smile.
Watching my small sister and her giant boyfriend interact is the perfect medicine. I can see a perfectly normal, consensual, loving and respectful relationship in action. I see that he’s big and scary andcouldhurt her, but he doesn’t. He won’t.
And even if he tried, he equipped her with the confidence and ability to stop him.
Moving into my room, I pick up my own cell and flip open the ancient device.
Angelo.
The first contact in my phone.
Hitting dial, becausewhy the hell not?I walk back into the hall and blush at the soft groans coming from Jess’ room. Instead of plugging music into my head, I’m going to visit with Wanda in the garage.
“Laine?” Instantly, Ang’s panicked tone makes my heart race. I’m so used to panic mode, so used to attack, his anxiety sets me on high alert. “Are you okay?”
“Hey.” My voice cracks unexpectedly. “I’m okay. Turn the panic down a little. I’m walking through a dark house and you’re gonna freak me out.”
“You… you’re…” He lets out an explosive breath. “Huh?”
“Are you awake?”