37. Three bubbles

THIRTY-SEVEN

THREE BUBBLES

SHEP

It’s about four in the afternoon on Wednesday when my phone buzzes, and when it does, three things happen simultaneously.

One, Dahlia jumps up and knocks my phone out of my hand onto the living room floor. Two, I hear a string of expletives slip out from Wes’s mouth across the room. And three, I realize that I’m in deep shit.

Wes sees my phone lying on the ground and swears again, before picking it up and handing it to me. “Dude, I think we’re in way over our heads if you just got the same text I did…which I’m pretty sure you did.”

When I finally have my phone in front of me, my heartbeat goes straight to my dick. A picture of Harlow from the chest up staring back at me. It’s not just a normal picture though. No, no it’s far from.

Harlow’s wearing a very white, very lacey-looking top. Her hair looks like someone’s hands have been running through it, which causes a surge of jealousy to rise up inside me. What really does it for me though, are the innocent doe eyes and pouty lips she’s giving the camera.

I’m sure Lennon likely coaxed her into taking said photo. I’m not complaining one bit though.

“Hey, lover boy. I got one too from Lennon.” Wes shakes his phone in my face.

We both sit there without speaking for a few seconds, staring at our screens.

“What’s your text say?” I break the silence.

“Swim meet then Halloween party?” Wes responds.

“Same,” I chime back. “This is, uh,” I run my hands through my hair and tug on it. “These are quite the pictures. You think they’re messing with us?”

Wes snorts, “Knowing Lennon, she’s probably orchestrating this whole thing.”

“Knowing Lennon, huh? Meaning you’re going to finally admit you two are together?” I press into him, hoping he’ll finally break on the matter. I don’t know why the two of them won’t just fess up. It’s so obvious they’re sneaking around.

“It’s not like that. Why can’t we just be friends and not be together?”

“Because I don’t think friends send each other pictures like that . But hey, what do I know?” I text back to Harlow that I’ll be there and she thumbs up the message. It’s not huge progress, but it’s progress.

“What about you? You and Harlow haven’t been talking but something obviously happened,” Wes snaps at me. I’ve definitely pushed his buttons.

“Nothing more than what I told you the other day, so you might be right about Lennon pulling some strings. No complaints though. I’m excited to see Harlow race.”

Wes grunts and nods his head in my direction, while squinting at his phone.

“Okay?”

“I’m trying to figure out what exactly Lennon’s wearing. Should we try and match them?” Wes pops his head up.

“Match them? No. No, Wesley. I don’t think we should match them,” I scoff.

“Damn, not the full name. Sorry I was just trying to have some fun.” He makes a face at me before standing up. “Well you’re on your own then, Shepherd. Figure out your costume by yourself.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake. You’re so sensitive.” I roll my eyes.

“You would know! I learned it from spending so much time around you.”

I get off the couch and stare at him, in our own silent standoff.

I start squinting when I feel the need to blink and he pulls his shoulders back, puffing his chest out. After another few seconds go by, Dahlia barks, sensing our tension.

“See! Even Dahlia thinks this is ridiculous,” I jest.

Wes relents, “Fine. We don’t have to match them, but we should figure out what we’re wearing.”

“Um, you can find whatever get-up you want. I was just going to wear some gray sweatpants and one of The Purge masks leftover from last year.”

Another grunt from Wes, then he turns and heads into his room. My phone buzzes again and time stands still.

Harlow

Do you want to come over after the swim meet?

I stare at my phone, with my mouth gaping open. I guess enough time passes without me replying that the three bubbles pop up again.

Harlow

You don’t have to, sorry

Yes. I’d love to

Harlow

Okay

I’ll ride with Lennon to the athletic center then you can drive me home?

Yeah of course. Sounds great

Harlow

??

My heart is pounding, then another text comes through that has me adjusting myself through my shorts.

Harlow

Also, I’m a little surprised for someone so obsessed with me that you didn’t have anything to say about my picture

I laugh out loud.

Left me speechless

Harlow

Good.

Good? Is Harlow flirting with me?

Not wanting to push my luck but curious where this might go… I decide to play into it.

Oh yeah? Well you better be wearing it for me and no one else, baby

The three bubbles pop up, then disappear. Dammit, I went too far. Then my jaw drops as a message finally comes in.

Harlow:

You say that like I’m yours

Because you are

Harlow

Am I?

See youuuu tomorrow

Oh, by the way… wait til you see the shorts that go with the top

I force myself to set my phone down, but not before biting down on my knuckle and letting out a stifled groan. I’m so worked up for this girl right now. For my girl.

My thoughts starts to fire off at a million miles an hour. Envisioning all the ways I can make it so very obvious she’s mine. I chuckle when an idea pops into my head that will not only let everyone know Harlow is mine, but will also be playful enough to not make her uncomfortable.

“Wes!” I yell out. “We need to go to the craft store!”