Page 118 of Bad Run

“Fine,” she groans. “But just so you know, I’m rolling my eyes at you.”

I chuckle at how cute she sounds when she’s irritable. “Good to know. Now get some rest, and I’ll talk to you later. Bye, Gwen.”

“Bye, Lance.”

Her address pops up, and I enter it into my GPS. It surprises me how close her apartment is to my location. I knew she lived close, but damn. No wonder she didn’t want to drive to my place.

Ten minutes later, I pull into the closest pharmacy parking lot.

Grabbing my phone from its holder, I open the one text chain I try to avoid at all costs. The group chat.

Need some help. What do women like when they are on their periods?

Reed: Does this mean you’re going to get your red wings?

Heath: Shut up, dickhead. Comfort food, chocolate, blankets, heating pads. Just pamper her.

Cam: Talia likes those eye patch things and ice cream. With whipped cream. *Tongue emoji*

Nico: I’m going to pretend that it’s only for ice cream, or I’m going to throw up. Rub her feet and let her watch her favorite show.

Blake: I feel like saying something to this thread is a trap.

Reed: Because you know nothing about women.

Blake: I know things. Like, when you’re in a relationship, the woman is always right.

Cam: Good job, BJ. You know the most important rule.

Blake: See, R. *Middle finger emoji.* You know nothing.

Reed: I’m going to buy one of those period simulators, strap it to you, and turn it on full blast.

While that sounds fun, I got shit to do. Thanks, guys.

I lock my phone to a slew of thumbs-up emojis and Reed and Blake still going at each other. Lovable dummies. As distracting as they were, I have a pretty good idea of what will make Gwen feel better.

I press the buzzer to Gwen’s apartment and wait. Took me a little longer to get what I wanted, but I think I have my bases covered.

“Hello?” her voice crackles over the intercom.

“Gwen?” I say into the receiver.

“Lance?”

“Yeah, it’s me. Can I come up?”

“Okay,” she mumbles.

The sound of a buzz and a click of the entrance door is loud this time of night. I enter the building and make my way to the fourth floor.

Before I can knock, the door swings open, revealing Gwen in a pair of loose shorts and a very familiar hoodie. A slow smile curls my lips.

“What are you doing here?” she asks.

I lift the bags in my hands. “I brought period presents.”

What the fuck? I sound like a dumbass.