One of Them Girls

think that’s why he was reluctant to start something with me in the first place. I had my own baggage that seemed awfully similar to hers. The difference is, I chose him. She didn’t.
I was the idiot who believed that he chose me too, but seeing her, how could he?
Now I’m sitting here looking like a fool while he gets to spend his time with the girl he’s in love with, sans the boyfriend he claims she has.
Why is she here anyway?
Xavier made it sound like this boyfriend of hers would be an alpha to the max, never letting her out of his sight. But I didn’t see him anywhere today.
Did they break up? Is she here to claim her second prize after tossing out the first?
By the time I get to my room, I’ve worked myself up. I begin to pace, trying to calm my heart.
Minutes later, the door opens behind me.
“Whoa girl, what’s up?” Rebecca asks.
“Fucking men. I hate them.” I pace the room.
“I agree, I think. Want to expand?”
“Xavier’s best friend Tinsley is here.” I stop to face her. “She’s a fucking model, Rebecca. She’s wearing designer clothes and her hair was laying perfectly even after getting off a fucking plane.”
“I see. You’re jealous.” She smirks, making me scoff.
“Not at all. I’m just giving in to the inevitable. He was in love with her. He admitted it to me himself. He said it was over, but she came here. By herself. Without that boyfriend of hers that he assured me was all over that. Fuck, he could barely introduce me to her. It’s obviously his life here in Texas is a dirty little secret. I want to fucking punch him in the throat.”
“Whoa. Chill out, girl. Let’s not go get violent and end up in jail. Orange is not your color, honey.”
I lay back on my bed, huffing. “You’re right. He’s not worth it.”
Rebecca smiles as she gets up from her bed. “That’s the spirit. Now the best way to get over a man is to get under another one. This calls for a girl’s night out.”
“Fuck it. Girl’s night out.” I jump off my bed, meeting her at the closet.
Rebecca puts on our “getting ready” playlist and by the third song, my heart is lighter. My heart still aches, but it’s manageable at least.
Don’t think about it. I tell myself.
“Wear this. It will turn heads for sure,” Rebecca gushes.
I turn to see her holding out a black dress with intricate ties across the chest. I recognize it immediately. I wore it on Halloween two years ago. Of course, my dad made me cinch up the ties so my chest wasn’t showing. He said no one needed to see a half-dressed vampire.
I smile. “This is perfect.”
I change into it, loving the way the soft fabric feels on my skin. I tie the front loose before going and looking into the mirror.
I look good. Damn good.
The dress is on the shorter side, which will make dancing a little harder, but I don’t mind. This is for me. I’m going to go out feeling gorgeous tonight for me.
I probably won’t get under another man like Rebecca suggests, but I sure as hell will dance with a couple.
I’m going to do everything I can to forget Xavier Walsh.
Xavier
“I’ve never been to a country bar before.” Tinsley’s eyes are wide as we walk through the door.
I smile. I remember it being a culture shock for me as well my first time here. Especially the dancing, which is why I brought Tinsley. She will love the dancing.
We go up to the bar and I order us a couple of sodas before finding a place against the railing surrounding the dance floor.
“Oh, my goodness. Look at how they move. It’s so cool looking,” Tinsley gushes.
I see Virgil talking on the other side of the dance floor. Finley’s going to hate me, but Tinsley is going to love it.
“Just wait. You haven’t seen the best yet. I’ll be right back.”
I walk over to the man, standing to the side as to not interrupt their conversation.
“Well, don’t be shy, son. Come on over here.” He gestures.
I walk closer and hold out my hand. “Hello, sir. My name’s Xavier. I have a favor I would like to ask of you.”
He gives my hand a firm shake. “Virgil. What is it you need?”
“You see that pretty girl over there?” I point toward Tinsley.
He looks over with a smile. “The pretty young brunette over yonder?”
“That would be the one. It’s her very first time in Texas and I was wondering if you would dance with her. She would love it.”
He pats me on my shoulder. “It would be my pleasure to give your young lady a stroll on the dance floor. You’re a good man. Not many men are willing to let their ladies dance with another fella.”
I laugh. “Oh, she’s not my lady. She’s a friend visiting from out of state.”
He chuckles. “Are you trying to put yourself out of the game before it starts?”
“Nah, her game’s not the one I want to be playing,” I say, thinking about Cassi.
He gives me a wink. “Noted. Well, how about I go show your lady friend how us men in Texas do things. Maybe make her want to move here.”
I laugh. “Thank you.”
We walk over to Tinsley together, her eyes questioning as we approach.
“Tinsley, this is Virgil,” I say, stepping up to her side.
“Well, hello there, little lady. I was wondering if you might fancy a stroll on the floor with me?”
I smirk at her when she looks up at me, not sure what he just said, knowing he’s putting it on extra thick just for her.
“He wants to dance with you. Go.” I push her off her stool.
“I don’t know how to dance to this.” Her eyes now wide with fear.
“Don’t you fret. By the time we’re done, you’ll be the envy of everyone in here. All the guys will want to dance with you while