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

were something old,” I yell, tossing my heads up.

“Okay, okay. No need to freak out. I mean, this is the first real, official date that you’ve had with this guy that you’re clearly head over heels for, but no need to panic.” Rebecca throws her hands up.

“That is not helping,” I say, rubbing my hands over my face, a little overwhelmed.

“Sorry. Look, you have nothing to worry about, he asked you on a date,” she reminds me gently.

“I know.” I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves as Rebecca scrolls through her phone.

“Can I ask you a question though?”

“Sure,” I tell her as I slip a shirt over my head that makes my boobs look fantastic.

“Do you know who babyyates is on social media?”

“No, why?” I turn around and face her.

“I’m sure it’s nothing, but she commented about how she can’t wait to see him on one of the pictures from the rodeo.”

My thumb finds my mouth as I absentmindedly rub my nail against my lip.

Is there someone else? Has he been seeing other women?

Logically, my brain says he spends most of his time with me so when would he have time, but the illogical part says maybe I’ve been fooled.

“Did you check her profile?” I ask, making Rebecca scoff.

“What do you think I am, an amateur?” she demands. “I stalked her page, and it looks like she has a boyfriend who she is very much in love with, but you never know. I think she’s from Chicago or something. She has some pictures from there.”

“Huh,” I say, pulling my hand from my face, busying myself looking in the mirror. “Avi said before he came here, he was staying in a place called Bridgeton. He said it was close to Chicago. I bet it’s just his friend from back home. He’s mentioned her a couple of times.”

I try to sound confident, but I’m not. As much as we’ve been together, we’ve mostly avoided talks of the past. I don’t know what happened with this chick exactly, but he let it slip once that he had a thing for her before they decided they were better off as friends.

“Hey, I’m sure it’s nothing. But if you’re worried, all you have to do is ask Xavier. I’m pretty sure he would tell you.”

My phone buzzes and I grab it off my bed.

Avi: On my way up.

Me: Okay.

“He’s on his way up,” I tell her as I slide my phone into my pocket, grabbing what I need. “It’s none of my business. I mean, this is our first official date. Not our wedding.”

“Babe, if it worries you, you have a right to know. You guys are friends first and foremost. Don’t push your feelings aside because you’re scared of the outcome.”

I sigh. “I’ll think about it.”

She narrows her eyes at me, but eventually rolls them. “Fine.”

I should have known the word fine coming out of any woman’s mouth was a trap, even if she’s my best friend. Especially when she jumps, rushing toward the door when he knocks.

“Who’s babyyates?” she demands as she opens the door, making Xavier jerk back.

“Rebecca,” I chastise.

“Well, hello to you too, Becca.” Xavier laughs. “Babyyates? Like the username? That would be Tinsley, my best friend. Why?” he asks, tilting his head.

“She commented on one of our pictures and I got curious. Had to make sure it was nothing for me to worry about.” She shrugs. “She’s all yours,” she tells him, waving at me.

“Okay, then?” His face holds confusion.

“Let’s get out of here before she says anything else embarrassing,” I mumble, pulling him out the door. As soon as it shuts, I breathe out a, “Well, that was awkward” under my breath.

Xavier laughs, showing he heard me.

“Please pretend you didn’t hear any of that.”

“Whatever you want.” He leans in, pressing a kiss to my lips before grabbing my hand and leading me down the hall.

I don’t say anything else until we are in the car. “Tinsley’s the one who lives in Bridgeton, Right?”

“Yep. She’s actually the reason I even ended up in Texas. You should probably thank her.” He looks over and winks at me before focusing back on the road.

“Is she the one you said you had some drama with her boyfriend before?”

He lets out a deep sigh. “Listen, any other time I would tell you whatever you want to know, but right now, I want this to be about us. Can we talk about this later?”

I force a smile. “Of course. I didn’t mean to be nosey.”

He reaches out, grabbing my hand to pull it to his lips. “That’s not what I meant. I don’t mind sharing my life with you and I will never feel like you are being nosey. When our date is over, I will answer every question you have about Tinsley and any other ex I have, but while we are on this date, I want you to know I’m thinking about you and only you.”

My heart stutters at his admission. “Oh.”

I sound like an idiot, but I don’t know what else to say.

He gives me a teasing smile. “Yeah. ‘Oh.’ So let me dote on you Adra.”

“I think I can do that.”

“Good, because you deserve it. I think you’re going to like what I have planned tonight.”

Deciding to let it drop and enjoy our evening, I turn in my seat, pulling his hand in my lap.

“Really? Are you going to tell me what it is?” I bounce in my seat.

“No way. It would ruin it. You’re going to have to trust that I know what I’m doing.”

I pretend to pout. “I mean, I guess, but your game is weak.”

He scoffs. “Are you saying I have no game?”

I shrug, hiding my smile. “I’m just saying a goat would probably have better game than you.”

“You’re going to regret that statement. Especially when you see what I have planned. This isn’t even my ‘A’ game. By the end of the night, you’re going to be blown away. I promise.”

Leaning back in my