Donald sat in the passenger seat of Freddy’s Escalade, still glaring at the same text:
I just think you and I are better off as friends.
He shook his head, then stared out the window.
“I’m telling you bro,” said Freddy. “You took too long to make your move. That’s where you messed up.”
“It shouldn’t be like that,” said Donald.
“Well it is like that! Girls like dudes who are aggressive. Stop pussy-footing around, I want you to be a man tonight.”
Donald scoffed.
“C’mon dude,” said Freddy. “This bar’s going to have a ton of hot chicks tonight. You’re gonna get yours, and you’re going to feel a lot better.”
“I could give two shits about getting laid,” said Donald.
“And that’s your problem.”
“Why?”
“She stuck you in the friend zone, didn’t she?”
“So?”
Freddy turned to Donald and raised his eyebrows. “What is the one thing that separates friends from lovers?”
Donald gazed at the text again, then sighed.
“You can’t be afraid to hurt their feelings. There’s a reason girls always fall for assholes.”
Donald stared out the passenger window for a bit.
“You hearin’ me bro?” said Freddy.
Donald stuffed his phone in his pocket. “Ok. Tonight we do it your way.”
- * *
Thurma and her friend Amanda walked to the bar together. It was only a few blocks from their apartment.
“I’m telling you!” said Amanda. “Greg walked all over you because you let him. You have to stop being so nice to these assholes.”
“I never said he was an asshole,” said Thurma.
“All guys are assholes.”
Thurma laughed.
Amanda playfully smacked her arm. “You think I’m joking, but I’m not. At least, that’s the way you have to approach the game.”
“What game?”
“Love! It’s a game, and if you haven’t figured that out by now than I’m afraid even I can’t help you.”
“Why can’t I just be myself and find someone who likes me for who I am?”
“Because that doesn’t exist. Guys like bitches and hoes. Which one are you?”
Thurma cracked a chuckle. “Neither, jeeze!”
“Well I’m a bitch.
“Not to me,” said Thurma.
“To guys I am. And you know what?”
“What?” said Thurma.
Amanda’s phone beeped. She held it out for Thurma to see, then smiled at her. “Oh, what’s this? Another ‘I’m sorry’ text? God, I swear I must have ignored a hundred of these already.”
“That’s mean.”
“All is fair in love and war Thurma.”
“So what are you telling me? I should just start acting like a bitch to every guy I talk to?”
“If you want them to respect you, than yeah.”
Thurma shook her head.
“One night. Just try it out! See how it feels.”
They reached the bar, and Thurma took hold of the entry door when Amanda grabbed her by the elbow and pulled her back.
“What?” said Thurma.
“I want you to promise me. One night.”
“Be a bitch?” said Thurma.
Amanda grinned. “Demand respect.”
“By being a bitch?”
Amanda looked off to the side, then shrugged.
Thurma rolled her eyes. “Alright. For one night.”
“That’s the spirit!”
She turned around and reached for the door handle again, but this time she met hands with Donald, who grabbed it at the exact same time.
“Oh,” said Donald. “Sorry.”
Thurma laughed. “It’s okay.”
“HEY! Let’s move it along here!” said Freddy, who came up quick behind Donald.
“Ya, please do,” said Amanda, before pulling Thurma away from them.
Donald entered the bar with Freddy, and shortly after Thurma and Amanda followed behind.
To be continued…
- Thomas M. Watt
Thomas M. Watt 