I throw on a pair of Drew’s jeans and a polo because I refuse to spend my Friday night fighting with her. I need to wash Viola from my thoughts as quick as possible, but each time I close my eyes, I think about that tight little ass, flat stomach, and perky pink nipples. For fuck’s sake.
I text Drew, knowing he’ll erase the dirty thoughts I’m having about his little sister who would willingly gouge out my eyes if I gave her the chance.
Travis
Dude. How’s it going so far?
The text bubble almost immediately pops up, and I wait.
Drew
Everything’s great. Didn’t realize how much I missed Mia.
Mia and Drew have been dating since last summer. She struck up a conversation while we were playing sand volleyball. He spoke to her first, which is good, because I would’ve made my move based on the way she was eyeing me. They’ve been together ever since, and I’m happy for him because she’s pretty, with a tight little body, and knows how to have a good time. She’s not afraid to say exactly what she wants, or so Drew tells me.
Travis
That’s great, man. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Actually, do everything I would do.
I laugh as I hit send.
Drew
I can’t believe Viola hasn’t killed you yet.
I laugh again. I’m sure she wants to. I linger on her name a little longer than I should, and it makes me feel so damn guilty.
Travis
We’re getting along great. Ha. Sense the sarcasm? And it’s only been a day.
It’s been the best and worst twenty-four hours of my life.
Drew
So you live to see another day. Congrats. I’m sure she’ll warm up to you where you can at least be cordial toward one another. Maybe she’ll let you borrow her invisibility cloak? But if you go missing, I’ll know who to ask first.
I shake my head and smile.
Travis
Thanks, bro. Now get back to your woman. Tell Mia I said hi. I’ll check in later.
Drew
Will do. Later.
Viola and I being cordial to one another? Impossible. We’re playing some fucked-up game of cat and mouse, and in the end, we’ll realize it’s a trap for both of us. I’m not stupid, and neither is she. We should call a truce before it goes too far, but we’re both too damn stubborn to admit defeat. It’s about who’s going to come out on top, which will always be me.
I grab my keys and text Jason, a friend from college, so we can start the night early. I have a lot of drinking to do and images of Viola to erase. The pre-party starts at his house, and when I walk in, he immediately senses something is off as though he has a sixth sense or some shit. Four girls file out of the kitchen, giggling and eyeing me like they want to eat me. If they’re lucky, maybe I’ll let them, all at the same time. I throw a smile to each of them, finding my mark for the night. The blonde one licks her ruby red lips, and I know that look from a mile away. She wants what I have to offer. Perfect.
“What’s up?” Jason asks as he takes a long pull of his beer and walks to the living room.
“What do you mean?” I ask, confused by the tone of his question.
“You’re wound up tighter than a stripper’s G-string on a Friday night. You’re all tense. Shit. Have a beer and chill out,” he says, handing me a Heineken.
“This is bitch beer.” I smile as I take a swig. Jason knows how I feel about the little green bottle. It tastes like piss with a pretty label. I have to admit it’s good marketing, but damn, give me a real beer, something dark like a Guinness or Krombacher.