I Hated You First

by Rachel John

One nice thing about Denver—he sure knew how to make a girl feel beautiful. I waited while he did that slow smile thing, his signature move of looking me up and down before meeting my eyes, his gaze full of approval.

Occasionally, when Parker wasn’t around, I’d catch Clay looking at me, really looking—the way a jewel thief might stare at a priceless necklace encased in glass.

The Palo Verde trees in my yard were in full bloom, leaving yellow fluff on everything they touched.

and he’d gained enough experience in apologizing

My mom had enough love for us, the rainforests, all the orphans in the world, and every neighbor kid who had ever hit her up for extortion in the name of school fundraisers.

I wasn’t feeling relaxed, but there was power in acting relaxed while everything inside you churned

“Are you sniffing my blanket?” She looked mortified. “Does it smell?” I smiled. “It smells like you, and trust me, that’s not a bad thing.”

kissed one of his biceps and then immediately felt really stupid. It was like my brain had short circuited and my lips had been put in charge of decision-making.

I liked his thigh right up next to mine, which I knew was no accident on his part. I think we both needed the continual physical contact, a promise we were in this for real,

“Mockery is my love language.” “Well, that explains some things.”

Clay took my hand as we walked up to the door. His hand in mine felt so nice,

Monday mornings were not traditionally known for awesomeness.

“Lauren, you are beautiful and weird, and I really like you.

but I would definitely not be thanking him. No, quite the opposite. Vengeance would be mine.

“GRATs,” Barry clarified. “Grantor retained annuity trusts. It’s better than annual gifting. There are more fees involved, but less taxes paid.”

but boy, were we loud and intense sometimes, with all the subtlety of a social justice warrior in a Reddit forum.