From the Top (Central State, #2)

by Jaqueline Snowe

I was living proof that nice guys finished last. Ask my ex-girlfriend. She’d tell you. She up and left me because I was too boring, too simple, too…sweet. The stress grew in my chest, and I rubbed a hand over my heart.

This guy is verging very closely into incel territory

The thing all these people didn’t realize was that from growing up with Legally Blonde as my hero, I would succeed out of spite.

Just say Elle Woods

She’d led me on and ditched me. I needed to remember that.

Bro you had one conversation. Chill

“Yes, Coach?” She grimaced and ran a hand through her hair, pulling the ends of it a few times before sighing. “I’m going to talk to Daniella about making you co-captains. I think it would be best for the team.” “No.”

Good for you Cami

“It’s easy to pretend you’re not hurt or sad or upset or anxious. I’d throw all my emotions into creating Cami Simpson, the cool girl, the party girl, the girl who everyone wants to be so I wouldn’t acknowledge how I was feeling.” “And how are you feeling?” “Jesus, this is worse than therapy.”

“Is that why you always looked at me like you hated me?” “I never hated you,” he said, snapping out of his trance.

How about an apology Freddie??

“I’ve decided I don’t like Maddie.” She pursed her lips and got out her purple pen. I waited, tense as hell, wanting her to continue. But she didn’t. “Why?” “Because she hurt you.” She made an incredulous face, her eyebrows lifting. Then, she twisted her lips into a smile. “Duh.”

“What was that?” “My mouth.” I did it again, and for real, his body shivered. “I wanted to taste you.” “Cami,” he said, his voice strained. “No, please.”

“I can do it,” she said. “Of course you can. But you’re drunk, and I’m here.” “You are here.” She stared up at me, and a flash of that raw emotion came out again. It didn’t last long. She covered her face with her hands. “My face! Don’t look!”

You’re being honest. I prefer that, always.” He ran his fingers over my jawline and pressed his lips softly against my mouth. “You being yourself, unafraid or worried. This is my favorite Cami. Like I get a special part of you that no one else does.”

“I don’t care if we win or lose, really. Ever since Mona got in a legit fight with another player, we’ve eased back some.” “Mona got in a fight? Shut up.” “For real. Punched the dude in the face over a baseball answer.” Naomi’s eyes got all wide, and Cami slapped the table with her palm and laughed. “Fucking hilarious.” “Best part is, they’re kinda dating now. It’s wild.”

“I’m so sorry,” Freddie said, whispering to me as his face paled. “We don’t have to go. I didn’t even ask you.” “No, it’s okay.” I smiled up at him, wanting to kiss the frown off his face. “I don’t mind. Hanging out with you is perfect.”

“With all the respect in the world to you, you need to let go of Maddie’s words. You’ve let them live too long in your beautiful mind. Stop thinking you’re not enough for anyone and be yourself.” I blinked, absolutely silent.

“We’re two of those weirdly shaped puzzle pieces that don’t fit the standard size or angle. You know what I’m talking about? The ones with the sharp triangle type shape?” “I’ve never done a puzzle in my life, Freddie.” My face flushed. “Right, well, you get the idea.

“It smells like Satan farted into an old pair of socks.” “Way too specific of a smell.”

Did I pick here for Cami or Chicago because… it would make my dad and uncle happy? The one here wasn’t just pending anymore—I was fully accepted. And it was pretty great and even had more of an environmental focus.

Bro, step up an make the choice. Come on this is easy

Hearing her laugh and seeing her smile were my favorite parts of the day. How could I have been so stupid to not fight for that?

Good question dummy