CHAPTER 4

I caught the evil grin stretching across Jimmy’s face. I knew why he was smiling, and I hated it.

Why, oh why, can’t I ever keep my mouth shut?

I couldn’t concentrate for the rest of the lecture. My head was filled with one thing: a swimming competition. The bell finally rang, saving me from my fake note-taking.

I did what I had in mind. I grabbed Jimmy’s wrist and dragged him out of the lecture hall, ignoring the surprised looks people threw our way. Let them stare. I had bigger things to worry about.

“Hey… smallie,” Jimmy muttered, half amused. “What are you up to this time?”

I glanced around, making sure no one was nearby, then leaned closer.

“I’m doomed,” I whispered. “If I participate in that competition, our little secret is out.”

I chewed my nails, stomach growling like a wild beast. Great, on top of doom, I was starving. I reached into my pocket for money, but it was empty. Not a damn coin.

Turning back to face Jimmy, an idea hit me.

I pretended to stumble. Perfect timing, he caught me in his arms.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

I shook my head dramatically. “I feel weak. If I don’t eat something now, I might collapse. Right into your hands.”

Yes. I was doing it again.

Jimmy narrowed his eyes. “I swear, I’ll kick your ass if you don’t get up right now.”

“Fine!” I surrendered, hands raised. “But at least let’s grab something real quick. I’m broke.” I even pouted my lips for effect.

He sighed and started walking, success.

Minutes later, we were in the canteen.

I told myself to order decently. Something small, but my stomach had other plans. I devoured food like it was my last supper, forgetting who was sitting across from me.

Jimmy. The biggest boy in the building.

“For someone as petite as you,” Jimmy said, watching me eat, “you sure have a large appetite.”

I froze. I’d forgotten he was observing me the whole time.

“Oppaaaaa…no… unniiiiiii,” I squeaked. Trying to sound like those K-drama actresses calling their big brothers. But it came out wrong, really wrong, like a goat.

I wanted to sink under the table.

“You need to help me,” I pressed on, ignoring my humiliation. “I should’ve thought before opening my mouth, but you’ll help me, right?” I wobbled my head like an Indian actress, completely forgetting myself. Movies again, always movies.

Jimmy leaned back. “What will I get in return if I help you?”

“You pervert!” I snapped. “Get your eyes off my body! You can only smell it from afar, but you’ll never get a taste!”

The words flew out like a scene I’d memorized from TV. And just like that, embarrassment swallowed me whole.

Jimmy burst out laughing. “You’re clearly not my type, silly.”

Ouch. That stung.

“Fine,” I muttered. “Have you ever tasted my cupcake? No, but if you did, your stick would be as big as Dave’s, maybe even bigger, with round eggs.”

I cupped my hands in the air, mimicking eggs.

Oh, no.

Jimmy’s face was blank, clearly confused.

I slapped my hands over my mouth, shaking my head like crazy.

Now he’d think I’m the pervert.

“Fair enough,” he said at last, sparing me. “Here’s the plan: pretend to be very sick before the competition. That’ll get you out of it. I have somewhere to be. I’ll be back late. Be good.”

He dropped cash on the table and walked out.

I counted it. Enough for food, enough for a ride, sweet.

But then…

“You’re here? How could you eat lunch without your girlfriend? We could’ve had a date.”

Lilly.

Of course.

“Girlfriend?” I repeated, blinking.

“Yes, Idris.” She tossed her hair proudly. “I know you like me. So I thought, why stress you with asking me out? I’ll be your girlfriend. I am mad at you for not telling me you’re related to Jimmy, but I forgive you.”

This girl was a walking radio, no pause, no volume control.

“Lilly,” I said gently, “I appreciate you. But I can’t be in a relationship now. I need time to heal. My last relationship broke me. I gave her everything, designer bags, perfumes, even a car I spent millions on, only to catch her cheating with another man.”

I dabbed at my dry eyes for effect. Damn! I believed my own lies.

“Oh, Idris!” she gasped. “I’ll give you time to heal. I’ll always be here for you.”

And then, she kissed my cheek.

Before I could even react, she ran off.

What the hell was that?

Am I… still straight?

I grabbed my stuff to leave. But of course, the seat thief showed up.

This day just kept getting longer.

She smiled sweetly and placed a shopping bag on the table. “I know we started on the wrong note. I didn’t know Jimmy was your brother. So… peace offering.”

I straightened up, peeking inside. Designer perfume, shirts, look expensive. I composed myself, pretending not to care. Then peeked again. A note, with a love emoji. “Lisa.”

“Are you Lisa?” I asked.

She nodded shyly.

“I knew it!” I leaned closer, lowering my voice. “Can you keep a secret?”

She sealed her lips with her hand.

“Good. Jimmy has a huge crush on you. He’s been all over the moon about the name Lisa. He likes to take his time, you know.”

Her eyes widened.

“Aww!” she squealed, loud enough to draw attention. Then quickly covered her mouth. “Sorry, I’ve been in love with Jim forever! The first time I saw him in a business magazine was as the young CEO… I just…”

There she went. Eyes closed, planning her wedding already.

I grabbed the bag and escaped.

Back at our place. Yes, our. That word sounded divine.

I unpacked the bag: designer perfume (I knew the brand, I used to work at a perfume store), shirts. Another income source unlocked.

Time to shower, peel off this tape, and breathe.

Wrapped in a white towel, I thought about using my bathroom, but no. Jimmy’s was better. Larger tub, better vibe.

I filled the tub, sank in, and imagined champagne and a toast to life. Stayed there for almost an hour.

Finally done, I dried off and went to unlock the door…

Then I stopped

“Jimmy!! Where are you? I’m here!”

A woman’s voice.

No way.

I double-checked. The door was locked. Only Jimmy and I had keys, but she was inside.

“Are you bathing?”

Shit.

The voice was coming closer, and I was standing there in nothing but a towel.

Irish… you’re dead.