“What’s up, chica?” Marley is always in a happy mood as she answers the phone.
“Need girl time stat!” I exclaim.
“Mall. Thirty minutes. I will get the hot pretzels. You bring the credit card.” Then she hangs up. I can’t help but laugh. She’s the distraction that I need.
In almost thirty minutes, I pull up to the mall and head inside. I know that Marley will be in the food court, and I head there. Just like I figured, she is sitting at a table with two pretzels and two large soft drinks.
“Men suck,” I say as I sit down.
“Okay, that isn’t a new thing, sweetie. But, what did Levi do?”
“It’s not Levi. He’s great. It’s Trevor and Zack.” I rip off a piece of the pretzel and eat it.
“Trevor and Zack? Okay, I’m confused. Explain it to me.” I start by telling her what happened last night and today at lunch. I even tell her how upset I am that they’re treating me like a teenager.
“Come on, Pres, this isn’t a new thing. Trevor’s so protective of you and Zack has been too. They’re going to hate every guy you date no matter what or who it is. Period.”
“Levi has really proved himself these last few weeks.” I huff and run my hands through my red hair. “I wish they could see what I see.”
“I don’t think they want to see his penis, sweetie.”
“Ew, no. That’s not what I was saying, you nympho.”
Marley laughs as I can’t help but crack a smile.
“Come on, let’s shop.” We throw away our trash and head to the shops.
After hours of shopping and an arm load of new stuff, I finally feel better and head back to my apartment. I lug everything up the stairs and curse the fact that I don’t live somewhere with an elevator. I finally get inside and throw it all on the couch and try to catch my breath when my phone dings.
Levi: Dinner?
Me: Already ate with Mar =(
Levi: No biggie, want dessert?
Me: Strawberry milkshake. Mine was ruined last night.
Levi: Not what I was talking about, but okay
Me: Door unlocked … come on in
Just then there is a knock. There is no way that is Levi. I open to see Zack staring back at me.
“Zack, what are you doing here?”
“May I come in? Or are you busy?” He has his hands in his pockets and looks a little upset.
“I’m not busy. Come on in.” I step to the side as he walks in.
“Been shopping, huh? I must have really upset you today.” He points to all the bags on the couch.
I shrug and gather the bags to take in the bedroom. Zack grabs a couple and follows me. We throw them all onto the bed. Zack sits at the top of the bed, and I begin to go through the bags. We don’t say anything for a moment.
“Look, Pres,” he sighs
. “I’m sorry if you thought I was being rude today. I’m just a little upset that Levi was the one that Trevor has issues with.”
“Trevor had issues with him. They’re not like that now. Well, they’re not best friends, but they’re trying to be more than civil.”