Time is refracted here. It speeds up and slows down depending on the circumstance. When we’re on base, the monotony and the loneliness wear on me. As much as I try not to, I can’t help messaging Drew.
Drew: Ruby is the worst roommate. She’s a total slob! I’m always picking up her socks and underwear off the floor. She eats pizza and leaves the box in the bathtub.
Me: Don’t tell me about Ruby’s underwear.
Drew: You’d rather hear about mine? I couldn’t decide between the red lace thong or the pink boy shorts. Want to help me?
I hesitate, my fingers hovering over the letters. Sneaky girl. I walked right into that one. It makes me chuckle. Of course, I want to see Drew’s underwear—more like her cute little ass wrapped in lace—or nothing at all. I push that down and do the right thing.
Me: What’s the dating situation like?
Drew: Ruby dates any boy who asks for her number. I’ve told her that’s dangerous, especially when they start drinking.
Me: You know what I mean.
Drew: You really want to know?
Me: I asked.
The little dots float in the gray bar, and my stomach tightens. My mouth is dry, and I try to swallow. I don’t want to know she did what I said. I don’t want to know some other guy is touching her, kissing her…
Drew: I’m focusing on my studies. Maybe I’ll graduate summa cum laude.
A laugh bursts from my lips. God, I suck at being firm with her.
Me: It’s not a competition, Drew Poo.
Drew: If you ever call me that again
Me: (crying-laughing emoji)
Drew: I miss you.
My stomach clenches.
Me: I miss you, too, Drew-baby.
Drew: Much better. I love it when you call me that.
I love you.
Me: Gotta run.
Drew: Okay. Look after my idiot brother.
Me: Always.
Drew: Food for thought…
A photo appears on my phone, and the blood rushes to my dick. I’m looking down into the V of Drew’s shirt. One side is pulled lower, giving me a clear shot of her pink lace bra and the top of her dark areola.
Fuck me. I lean back, and just barely get my hand over my growing erection before a body dives into the bunk beside me.
“Who won the Kentucky Derby?” Danny punches me hard on the bicep. “Charley Horse.”
“Shit!” I hold my upper arm. “Fuck off, Danny.”
“You’re getting slow, old man. What’s that you’re looking at? Porn?”