Stick to the Plan

Ch.14: Almost🤏🏾

I stared at the screen for a while. I didn't know what to say. I didn't have any friends at this school, and it would be nice to, but at the same time I was getting really close with Morgan. Like, really close. We were on the cusp of something here, and I wanted to work with that, but I also didn't want to close myself off from other people in doing that.

So I decided to give an extremely neutral response to her subtle flirting.

Me: Certainly! What are friends for?

I made it perfectly clear that that's all we would be Friday night. Hopefully she wouldn't try to tempt me at all. Because if there was one thing I couldn't resist, it was a pretty girl.

And these California girls were doing a number on me.

She texted back quickly,

Jennifer: Coolio. Are you free for lunch today? I have a little break around 12:15

I gulped.

Me: I'm so sorry, but I'm already getting lunch with someone today. How about some other time?

Let's hope she remained calm and collected about this news.

Jennifer: No worries, pal. Some other time. How about tomorrow after class?

Damn this girl was desperate to see me. I had already guaranteed her my time Friday. Why was she being so persistent?

The answer came to me immediately.

She may or may not have a little crush. But I felt like a taken woman even though I wasn't. It was all so confusing. If I wanted Jennifer I could have her but it would definitely make Morgan's jealous ass distant. So I could not juggle both. One would have to remain a friend.

And not a friend with benefits, JUST a friend.

I once again established boundaries between me and Jen.

Me: I don't know what I'll be doing tomorrow but I will let you know

Jennifer: Yes please. I would still like to buy you lunch someday if that's okay

I chewed my lip worriedly. I didn't want to be rude and cut her off, and besides, I had to see her in class every other day, so that would be awkward. But what I could do was put my foot down.

Me: That's very nice of you, but I could always pay for myself. It's no big deal. Money isn't an issue

I thought that was good, but she was still typing.

Jennifer: That's fine, as long as we can hang I'd be happy :)

Surprisingly I was totally unfazed by this. No butterflies or anything. I guess my heart was already devoted to someone else. That was odd. I've never felt so comfortable to call someone mine even though they weren't yet.

Me: Coolio. See you soon, friend!

Hopefully that would deter her for a bit.

The class, which was psychology, went by pretty quickly. Morgan texted me when it was over saying she was outside. I got up quickly, excited to see her again even though it had only been two hours.

That was two hours too long in my book.

I practically ran to her car, and when I got in, she was beaming.

"I have good news," she told me, grasping my hand. I squeezed.

"Spill," I demanded.

"I'm gonna do it tonight. I'm gonna leave the gang," she said happily. I smiled.