I Hated You First

by Rachel John

My heart wasn’t free to give. It already belonged to this spitfire who didn’t want it.

“Hate you,” she muttered under her breath. “I hated you first,” I whispered back.

I’d catch Clay looking at me, really looking—the way a jewel thief might stare at a priceless necklace encased in glass.

How could flirting and fighting walk such a thin line?

“Tall blondes with brown eyes. Feisty. Speedy in a truck but slower on foot.” I turned, as if surprised to see her jogging next to me. “Oh, look. There’s one right here.” She slapped me away good-naturedly, but I saw the question in her eyes. She didn’t want to believe there was truth in my teasing, but she still… wondered. Good.

All I want to do is rearrange all the single people I know like Barbies and Kens, and none of you will let me.”

“Come in. Don’t be a nuisance.” “I feel welcome already.”

For her, every other guy was gray and fuzzy, and Clay was in vibrant color.