Heartless Player by R.C. Stephens

Twenty-Six

Rebel

Wolfe: I want to see you

I look down at my phone as it lights up and see four words that make my heart skip a beat.

“Who is it?” Blossom asks.

“No one,” I say, turning my cell over facedown on the kitchen table.

“It sure doesn’t look like no one with the way you’re blushing.”

“It’s Wolfe.” I sigh happily.

“Things are that good?”

“Better. I mean, I don’t really understand it. Talk around campus is that he’s a player with no heart, but that’s not the side he shows me.”

“Well, maybe you’re lucky enough to be the girl who tames the bad boy. Isn’t that every girl’s fairy tale?”

“Not mine, not really. Wolfe is so not my type,” I say.

“Liar, liar pants on fire,” Blossom sings. She taps her chin. “If I remember correctly, your last boyfriend was on the football team. You must have a thing for jocks.”

“I don’t have a clue. I’ve been working so hard on being invisible these past few years, I never bothered to look around and see what’s around me,” I admit and then bite into my lower lip. This whole thing with Wolfe is getting me nervous because I’ve gone and developed real feelings for him.

“Well, glad your eyes are finally open, baby girl. It’s about time you experience life. Walking around invisible is not a way to live. I hated seeing you that way.” A hint of sadness crosses her features.

I swallow back my own emotions. “We need to get you on track too,” I say.

The doorbell rings and Blossom flinches. “Who on earth can it be at this hour?” she asks.

“It’s only six o’clock. And I ordered us Thai food. It’s about time we treat ourselves a little bit,” I say as I head to the door. I pass the delivery guy some cash and a tip and he passes me a bag that smells so good my mouth waters.

“You really went all out.” Blossom eyes all the containers I place on the table.

“We could both use a break.”

We sit back in the chairs and open the containers full of steamy food.

“This looks like a million calories,” Blossom says as she piles coconut shrimp on her plate.

“Stop complaining and just enjoy. We’re trying something new,” I say as I lift the lid off another container. “Eww, what is that?” I wince.

Blossom bursts into laughter. “Don’t you know what you ordered?”

“Not a clue. I just called and told them to give me their most popular dishes,” I say.

“Well, dig in,” she says, going for something that looks like chicken with cashews. “This one is pretty good.”

“The soup thing is pretty good too. I think this is eggplant.” I stab at a piece of something on my plate.

She shakes her head and looks at me, but her features don’t show disdain. Rather, her eyes are filled with admiration. “I’m liking this side of you. It’s like it’s been dormant for years.”

Back in high school, I was considered adventurous, and I always liked trying new things. A part of me was fearless too. Maybe that’s why I went after Dad the way I did. I thought I was invincible, or worse, I was naïve and thought he could never hurt me in a lasting way, even after all the times he already had.

“Yeah, well, I’m awake again. I’m probably setting myself up for some serious heartbreak, but right now I can’t help myself,” I say.

“Ooh, this one is delicious. Tastes like spicy chili chicken.” Blossom makes a noise of approval.

I pop a piece into my mouth. “That is good.”

“You’re brave, is what you are. I could never be as brave as you.” Blossom lowers her head in what I think might be shame.

“Cut that talk out. What happened with Preston is still fresh, but you are going to move on from this,” I say resolutely.

My phone pings again with another text.

Wolfe: ???

Blossom looks down at my phone. “Stop ignoring him.”

“I told him I’d be spending the night here with you.”

“I appreciate that, but I don’t need a babysitter. You can go to him.”

“And what if I don’t want to?” I ask stubbornly.

“I’d say you’re a bad liar, but we already established that,” Blossom says. “Seriously though, after we eat, I just want to have a bath, get into bed, and maybe Google some college programs. You’re right, I need to look to the future. You inspire me.”

My heart bursts with love. I may have had shit luck in the parent department, but having a sister like Blossom has been a life saver. “I don’t know what to say.” Tears prick my eyes.

“Just go to your beau,” she says.

“He’s not my beau.” I frown. “It’s complicated. He doesn’t do relationships.”

“Well, then someone should give him a memo saying he’s acting like the perfect boyfriend,” she says, forking another piece of chili chicken into her mouth.

“Right? I mean, it’s like he’s scared of the title but everything else is so perfect.” I shake my head.

Wolfe: Are you ignoring me?

Wolfe’s message lights the screen again.

“Just answer the boy,” Blossom coos.

“Fine.”

Me: I don’t want to leave Blossom alone.

“Seriously?” Blossom asks, crossing her arms in front of her.

“What?”

Wolfe: Can I come to you? I can hang out with Blossom too.

My cheeks burn at his words.

Blossom gazes at my phone and her dark eyes turn round. “The boy has it bad.”

“Do you mind if he comes here?”

“You don’t need to ask permission, but I get why you are. I never should have allowed Preston to stay here, especially when I wasn’t here. I made you uncomfortable to be in your own home and I feel terrible,” she says.

“Don’t, okay? You’ve been going through a hard time. I should’ve seen it sooner. Don’t feel guilty.” I give her hand a squeeze.

“Okay,” she says quietly and nods.

“I love you,” I tell her.

“I love you too,” she replies. “Ima go take a bath now.” She stands and begins to clear the table.

“Don’t worry, I got it. And Wolfe may want some leftovers,” I say.

“I’m happy for you, Rebel.” She gives me a sweet smile, then leaves the kitchen.

She may be happy, but I’m terrified. Yet, I still text Wolfe back.

`Me: When can you come?

Wolfe: Finally.

I laugh.

Wolfe: Be there in 20.

If I’m right, Wolfe has one thing on his mind. At least I hope that’s what he’s thinking, because the thought of having my hands all over that fine body of his sends tingles to my core.

I take a quick shower and slip on a pair of blue yoga pants and a Westfall sweatshirt I bought when I was a freshman, sans bra and panties. I don’t know when I became so brazen, but I can’t wait to see Wolfe’s eyes blaze when he realizes how ready I am for him.