Laney: I may have indulged in too much hair of the dog. I will say church was far more entertaining this week.
Theo: That’s just wrong.
Laney: I’m sure I got points for showing up. Where are you?
Theo: Grand Lounge.
Laney: Didn’t you tell me you have a house?
Theo: Sad isn’t it?
Troy had decided to invite some of the team to watch Monday Night Football. I wasn’t in the mood to argue. I threatened him if anyone went near my basement.
Laney: Mind if I join you?
Theo: I’ll save a seat for you.
Laney: On my way.
The Grand Lounge is the common area for TGU students. It’s considered the Rangers’ living room, consisting mostly of lounge chairs and couches you can kick back and nap on. Plugging in my earbuds, I mimic the keys of the song I’m learning on my jeans and get lost. Sometime later, I come out of my daze as a set of well-worn cowboy boots comes into view, slowly bringing me back into the present.
“Were you sleeping?”
“Not exactly,” I run a hand through my hair. She takes the seat next to me, her now-familiar scent filling my nose. Her lengthy hair brushes my forearm when she plants herself on the couch next to me.
“So, are you done studying since I saw you catching flies when I came in?”
“I was up most of the night, wondering how many times the Lord could be summoned before He made an appearance in the middle of some shameful fornication.”
She chuckles and ruffles my hair. “Poor baby.”
“Sad part is, it was the quiet one doing the damage this time.”
“The quiet one?”
“Lance. Most of the time, I can’t even tell he lives there. He rarely comes out of his room.”
“Weirdo?”
“Who knows. We’ve probably exchanged ten sentences since he moved in.”
“And the other roommate?”
“Troy. He’s the opposite.”
She glances around the room. “I haven’t been here since freshman year when I had to dorm. My roommate was horrible. She kept stealing my clothes. Tamara. She was such a bitch. She dipped into my Vaseline. Do you know how scary that is? Like what did she need it for? I know what I use it for, and it’s not chapped lips.”
“TMI, Laney.”
“For who?”
“For this half of the living room.” I gesture to the heads turning our way.
“Oh,” she giggles. “Well, I was only too happy to move back home. We did not bond. But I do think bondage is in her future, if you know what I mean.” She waggles her brows and elbows me, and I roll my eyes.
“Clever.”
“Such a smart ass. So, you done here?”