“...And pass our classes,” I say sarcastically.
They laugh, but they’re not letting me off the hook. My relationship with Jett always comes up with I hang out with these girls. They’ve been friends since high school and they planned their college schedule together since they both want a degree in teaching. I only had the one English class with them, so I’m more of an outside friend to their duo. Besides being the same age and having one class together, I don’t have much in common with these girls. But it’s nice having friends. I grew up without any.
When our smoothies are done, we take them to the water fountain outside and choose a seat under an umbrella.
“Ashlee and I had a ton of boyfriends in high school,” Essence explains between sips of her smoothie. “But those guys are all just immature idiots, so we made a promise to stay single in college and just date around for fun.”
“I don’t regret it one bit,” Ashlee says. She and Essence click their cups together in a toast.
“Well, maybe that’s why I’m different.” I stare into my smoothie as I talk. “I didn’t have boyfriends in high school. Not really anyone I could trust, either. So when I found Jett, he became both of those things for me and I don’t want to let him go.”
“Plus, that boy is hot as hell, so I guess I see your point,” Ashlee says. Essence nods along, wiggling her eyebrows at me.
Okay, now I do blush.
Essence leans forward. “Keanna, promise us you’ll still hang out this summer. We like you and we don’t want to, like, never talk again now that we don’t have classes together.”
“Sure thing,” I say, “You should come by the track sometime. It’s literally crawling with hot dirt bike guys.”
“Oooh...” The girls say in unison.
“That can definitely be arranged,” Ashlee says. “Wait... do I not have your number?” Her brows pull together and she takes out her phone. “Girl, we’re not even Instagram friends!”
“I don’t have one of those,” I say. I do have a Snapchat, but I only use it with Jett, so I don’t bother volunteering that information. “But you can have my number so you can text me.”
“Old school,” she says with a nod. “What is it?”
I give them both my number and they save it into their phones, then give me their numbers as well. Essence complains that her house is too small and her little siblings are too annoying, so we’ll have to do the hanging out at my house or Ashlee’s. They start talking about all the things we’ll do this summer – dirt bike races, beach bonfires, shopping trips – and I feel a little excitement sparking in my veins. Now I have three friends, including Maya.
I’m going to miss Jett like crazy while he’s off racing, but this can be fun too. Girl time. I could totally see myself having fun with these two.
“There’s always some sick parties in the summer,” Essence says as she slurps down the last of her smoothie. “But you’ll want to bring your boyfriend, otherwise all the guys will be all up on you.”
“Highly doubtful,” I say with a snort.
“Psh... firstly, you’re cute as hell—otherwise we wouldn’t hang out with you,” Ashley says.
“And secondly,” Essence chimes in, “You underestimate the horniness level of guys at parties.”
I think back to that drunken asshole at the New Years party a year ago and cringe. Guys can definitely be assholes when they’re drunk. Jett had saved me back then, and I know I’ll never go to another stupid keg party without him by my side. I like my new friends, but not enough to party alone with them.
“Look at her,” Essence says, nudging Ashley. “She’s thinking about him.”
I roll my eyes, but a deep red fills my cheeks anyway. They both laugh.
“Aww! You are so freaking cute! And so in love,” Ashley croons. “I hope one day when I decide to date again, I can find a guy who makes me as happy as Jett makes you.”
Essence holds out her hand. “Um, I’m pretty sure that kind of magic only happens once a generation, and this bitch Keanna already got it.”
“Sorry guys,” I say, holding up my hands. “I couldn’t help it.”
We sit outside a little while longer, and I let the girls talk while I think about Jett. They’re used to this, and since they both love talking and I love just listening, it works out well.
They go on about how settling down is just too hard and they can’t possibly imagine doing it at such a young age. I try to put myself in their shoes and understand where they’re coming from, but I can’t.
I am so very happy with Jett in my life. I like being “tied down” as they put it. Only when they say it, it’s in a bad way. I love it. I love knowing that Jett is there for me and I’m there for him and I never have to be truly alone.
Yeah, it sucks on the weekends when he’s in another state racing, but at least I know he’s still mine. And now that college classes are over for the summer, I can go with him if they don’t need me at work.
