Hot Mess (LBSC #1) | Completed

Chapter 19

The next morning I woke up in the best mood. Had the previous night actually happened? It seemed too amazing to be real. And that kiss! God, that kiss. I smiled and touched my fingers to my lips.

Should I text Javi and tell him that I had a great time? No, that would be something a stage five clinger would do.

A knock sounded on my door only a second before Zoey poked her head in. "Morning, sleepyhead!"

"Hey! You gonna come in here or what?" I crawled out from under the covers and stretched my back like a cat.

"Piper invited me over to work on Mom's birthday present." Zoey at least had the decency to adopt a pained expression.

I flopped onto my stomach, propped my chin in my hands, and pouted. "You don't want to hear about my date with Javi?"

"You know I do, but I've already canceled on Piper twice. How about this: we have a girls' night tonight like we did in college?" Zoey said. "Just you and me. I'll pick up some snacks."

"Oreos. Double stuffed."

"Sounds good."

"And red velvet cupcakes."

"Okay."

"And maybe some Sour Patch Kids."

"I'm cutting you off, Reese." Zoey said. "See you tonight." She pulled her head back out and closed the door.

I rolled over on my back and grabbed my phone. A text! My heart started to thrum in my chest with the hope of a message from Javi.

And then I saw it was from Malcolm the Jerk, sent at 7:30 a.m.

I wasn't even sure I wanted to read what he had to say after he'd turned his back on me the other night, but curiosity got the best of me.

Reese, are you available to talk? I didn't want to call and wake you.

Of course. Even when we were fighting Malcolm would still be a courteous gentleman.

I sighed and typed a reply. I'm awake.

A second later, the phone buzzed in my hand.

"Hi Malcolm," I answered.

"I'm so glad you picked up the phone," Malcolm blurted out. "I'm really sorry."

"Well, I accept your apology." I paused and raised an eyebrow even though there was no one to see me. "What exactly are you sorry for?"

"I shouldn't have turned my back on you and walked away."

"Oh, that. It's cool. I was over it after a few minutes."

"Even so, I apologize. My mom taught me to always own up to your mistakes...especially as they relate to women."

If Malcolm was a mama's boy that explained some things.

"Okay." I hesitated. "But I'm really the one who should be sorry. I don't try to be self-centered...it just kind of happens."

"So we're okay?" Malcolm asked, his voice hopeful.

"We're okay," I said. "I'll talk to you later."

"Bye," Malcolm said.

I hung up the phone, lay on my back, and replayed my memories of the night before.