Page 36 of The Cheerleader is Off Limits

I know I shouldn’t care what Sloane texted. I mean, I care, but I don’t in the sense that it doesn’t matter.

She’s too young. End of story.

But it doesn’t stop me from excusing myself from the table at a point where I could no longer take it and go to the bathroom. I open the text, realizing it’s only been fifteen fucking minutes since she texted. I roll my eyes at my impatience and that I couldn’t have waited until the end of the date with Lucy before opening it.

Sloane:

So you’re not talking to me now?

Me:

What do you mean?

I answer immediately without really thinking it through.

She was pretty fucking clear what she meant, River.

Sloane:

Which part of my text is tripping you up?

Me:

Okay smart-ass, I just meant I’m not not talking to you.

Sloane:

Lol glad you aren’t teaching English

I snort before replying with the middle finger emoji.

Me:

I just don’t know that I should be getting involved with someone where my age may be a problem.

Sloane:

Bold of you to assume I told my family about you for there to even be questions about your age. But even if I had, it wouldn’t be a problem. I’m an adult, River.

I don’t respond because I’ve been in the bathroom long enough, and the last thing I want to do is keep this back-and-forth with Sloane while I’m on a date with another woman.

Even if I’d rather be on a date with Sloane.

I return to the table to see Lucy on her phone, and when she sees me, she tucks it into her purse and gives me what seems like a fake smile. “Hey, so, I’m sorry, but something came up, and I have to go,” she says before giving my hand a squeeze across the table. “I’m sorry to cut this short. I asked the server for my check?—”

“No, do not worry about that, please,” I tell her as she gets up from the table with her purse. I stand as well and give her my best apologetic smile. “I’m sorry if I seemed distracted, that wasn’t about you?—”

“I know.” She smiles. “And I hope you talk to whoever itwasabout soon.” She reaches up to rub my shoulder once before she leaves the table.

What is wrong with me?

Now I can’t even date like a normal person? Even if I was into Sloane, can’t I handle a date with another woman now?

I run a hand through my hair before sitting back down at the empty table and downing the rest of my drink.

Fuuuuck, Ellie is going to hate me for this.

CHAPTER 8