𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 |𝟏𝟖+|

16

Etta Valentine's POV

"I'll be right here when you get back." Miguel saluted me earning a chuckle as I slipped into the ladies room.

He'd walked with me and was waiting in the hallway, claiming he didn't want me to get lost in the five minutes we'd be apart.

I told him he was an idiot and his reply only proved that point. "I'm a sexy ass idiot and all those grey haired grandmas think it too."

After doing my business I left the cubicle and washed my hands at the sink only to be joined by my somewhat distant cousin's girlfriend Amber. "Hey girly, long time no see."

I dried my hands and brought her in for a hug. "Oh my gosh, how are you?"

"Good, good. Ryan keeps me busy." Too much information, but okay. "What about you? Who's that stud you walked in with? I didn't know you'd found a man?"

I chuckled, fighting my feelings even though it was becoming harder and harder to. "His names Miguel, and we're not actually dating. We're just friends."

Her mouth fell open. "Shut up?! Really?!" I nodded. "But he's so fine? Why haven't you snapped that up? He looks like he's more than willing to give it to you."

I shook my head at her antics. "I'm not ready for a relationship yet."

Her eyes narrowed but softened too. "This still about Brady? Oh hun, he was a piece of shit." Yep, thanks for the reminder. "You're not still like...you know. In love with him are you?!"

I gasped at that profanity. "Absolutely not! God no." Just the thought made me sick.

"Good. I mean it has been a year since you two broke up so..." She chuckled but I struggled to join in. Whilst the only feeling I have towards my ex is loathing, it's hard to just get over the insecurities he'd planted in the time we were together.

I never really loved Brady, he was just my first boyfriend who I was infatuated with. But he never loved me either, despite what he would say, so that relationship was doomed from the off.

"Yeah. Glad that's behind me now."

Amber rubbed my arm. "So anyway, since you and the hottie out there are not a thing. Would you mind if I set my friend up with him? She came with me tonight and has been drooling over him since he got here."

My blood ran cold and my mouth dried up.

Oh.

"Err..." My heart was beating out its chest and I felt nauseous again but for very different reasons. Him with someone else. God, get a grip Etta, you have no right to be upset. "Sure." I found myself saying, unease lying president against my chest with each breath I took.

"Awe, thanks babes! I'll go tell her now. Who knows, maybe she'll get lucky tonight." Yeah. Maybe.

Amber rushed out the bathroom leaving me with tears wanting to bust free. But I wouldn't let them because what right did they have to exist?

I told Miguel when we first talked that I wasn't looking for a relationship, only a friendship. And I still stand by that...I think.