Ryder
May I remind you that’s my sister?
Mitch
Then this is your fault.
* * *
I continue to ignore work, opting to watch the video—a stylized, slow-motion, giggling, dancing, tipsy pillow fight set to Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”—for the third time.
Shane’s right. I am pussy-whipped. How could I not be?
I filter out every other woman on the screen as I watch Jessica’s hips swaying in tiny jean shorts and a crochet bikini top, her hair a wild mess of dark locks. It was hot today, and from the pictures I’d seen throughout the afternoon, they’d spent time by the river and hadn’t bothered to change.
Everything about her captivates me.
I want to get out of here and go watch her. I don’t even want to interrupt her. I just want to be in her orbit. Let her surprise me. Soak in all that pulsing life and vitality.
Back when I was a kid, when I wanted to shake off some beating I’d taken because I breathed the wrong way, I’d walk deep into the mountain trails. And with each step I’d take, I’d lock away a blow and replace it with a dream of another life.
When I look at Jessica, she is the embodiment of that dream.
The group text goes off again.
Evan
Charlie, looks to me like your girl’s gonna even the score one way or another.
James
Agreed. Perhaps you should reconsider your stance and let her kiss me so we can put an end to her retribution.
Charlie
For the last time, you cannot kiss Jessica.
The woman in question texts me.
Jessica
Here I am, making sure everyone is jealous of you & providing a community service by ensuring people are loosened up and ready to donate money to charity, and this is your response?
You can’t say the woman doesn’t know how to make a good argument.
* * *
Charlie
You realize I’m getting blamed for your actions, don’t you? But I don’t think you’ve thought this through. You’ve gone and gotten everyone worked up, and now they’re all going to get fucked, and you’re not. Hope the charity is worth it. XO
Jessica
1. I orchestrated an event that banned all men for the simple, spiteful reason that if you couldn’t be here, then none of them could be either. YOU’RE WELCOME!
Jessica
2. I’m saving these women from boredom.