One of Them Girls by Cala Riley (the gingerbread man read aloud txt) 📕

but think about the devastation that covered her face tonight when she was talking about Ryan. What’s it like to be that close to someone, only to lose them? Can I really blame her for trying to hold on to Jared?

Cassi nuzzles her face into my chest. Looking down, I can’t help but think about how beautiful she is as I brush a piece of hair off of her face. My phone buzzing catches my attention and I slowly grab it, hoping not to wake her up.

Jack: You guys good?

Me: Yeah, we’re good. You need a ride?

Jack: Nah, I’m going home with someone tonight. Just wanted to check and make sure Ace was good. If she wants, she can take my bed tonight.

I look down at a sleeping Cassi and can’t help but smirk.

Me: We’re good. Keep me updated if you change your mind and come home.

Jack: Will do. Take care of our girl.

I put my phone back on the nightstand, eyes feeling heavy. Pulling Cassi into my chest, I can’t help but think about how right this feels.

Yeah, she’s worth the risk.

8

Cassi

“That class is going to kill me,” I tell Rebecca as we walk out of algebra.

“Oh, it’s not that bad.”

“Easy for you to say miss genius,” I mumble without any heat.

“I got you. Don’t worry,” Rebecca says, bumping her shoulder to mine.

“Thank god for smart besties,” I joke, making us laugh.

“Cassi!”

We turn, looking over our shoulders, and see Mara rushing to catch up.

“God, I hate her,” Rebecca grumbles.

“Rebecca.” I widen my eyes at her.

“What? You don’t like her anymore either, remember?”

“Be nice,” I chastise.

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Hey, Mara. What’s up?” I ask as she approaches.

“I haven’t seen you in a while,” Mara says, brushing hair out of her face.

“Yeah, sorry. I’ve been a little busy.”

I hear Rebecca mumbling under her breath.

“Too busy for your best friend?” She raises a brow.

“Yeah, no. She’s been spending time with me. Thanks for asking,” Rebecca chimes in, arms crossed over her chest.

“Rebecca,” Mara sneers.

“Skank,” Rebecca sneers.

“I don’t exactly know what you want, Mara, but you made it clear where we stand. So while this is fun and all, I need to grab a cup of coffee before my next class,” I say, breaking the tension.

Mara attempts to say something else, but I don’t have time for it. I grab Rebecca’s arm and drag her away.

“Remember, Cassi, you’re only as good as the company you keep,” she yells to our backs.

“I fucking hate her.”

“I know,” I sigh, suddenly exhausted.

“She’s toxic and wants to be the center of attention.”

“I know.”

“I seriously don’t know why you still talk to her. Anytime you’ve ever shown an interest in a guy, she’s put the moves on him, pushing you to the side. Is that really the kind of friend you want?” Rebecca huffs.

“You know it’s not. We aren’t even really friends anymore, but you also know I can’t just walk away when her mom and mine are best friends. It’s easier to keep the peace,” I remind her for the thousandth time.

“Can’t believe she had the audacity to call herself your best friend.” Rebecca rolls her eyes as we walk into the coffee shop. I play on my phone as Rebecca checks out the bulletin board as I go through my emails.

“Hey.” She hits my side, getting my attention. “The rodeo is coming to town this weekend. You want to go?”

“Sure.” I smile. “I wonder if Xavier has ever been to a rodeo before.”

“Only one way to find out.” Rebecca raises her brow. “You text Xavier and I’ll text Jack.” She says as we move up the line.

“So, Jack, huh?” I ask as I type out a text.

Me: what are you doing this weekend?

“I like spending time with him but we’re young so who knows what will happen,” Rebecca says as she texts Jack.

Avi: Shouldn’t I be the one to ask you that? I’ve got nothing planned, why what’s up?

Me: How would you feel about going to a rodeo?

“I get that,” I tell Rebecca as I wait for his reply.

We move up to the register and place our orders. My phone buzzes as I pay. Once we move off to the side to wait for our order, I read his message.

Avi: If it means spending more time with you, then I’m game.

“Smooth,” Rebecca mutters, reading over my shoulder.

“Hey, no snooping,” I chastise.

“Really?” she deadpans right as the barista calls our names. We grab our coffees as I text him back.

Me: Smooth. Better get ready to get your Texas on city boy.

Xavier

I don’t know what I expected when Cassi invited me to a rodeo, but it sure wasn’t this; I think as I take in the fair going on. Flashing lights, rides, and rigged games galore with the scent of fried food lingering in the air.

“I don’t know what I was expecting, but it sure wasn’t this,” I tell her as we walk side-by-side into the fair, trailing behind Jack and Rebecca.

Cassi looks around, nodding. “Yeah, I probably should have mentioned this isn’t a normal rodeo.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, moving closer to her as the crowd thickens.

“Every year the rodeo and the fair come to town at the same time. Two separate events but you can easily go from one to the other.” she shrugs. “Having the two side-by-side increases the turnout.”

“Make sense. It’s good for marketing.”

“Exactly.”

“Hey, you two!” Jack yells, getting our attention.

“What do you guys want to do before the rodeo starts?” he asks.

I look at Cassi. “Up to you, I’m along for the ride.”

“How about we break up and meet back up at the rodeo entrance in thirty minutes?” Rebecca says.

“That sounds good to me.” Cassi shrugs. “That okay with you?”

“Sounds like a plan.” I nod.

“Awesome, now Jack,” Rebecca says, pulling him away. “Can you use your muscles and win me a stuffed animal?”

“Can I? Psh,” Jack says, making us laugh as we watch them walk away.

“They are something else.”

“Aren’t they?” Cassi says. “So, how about we walk around until we find