Page 16 of Derivation

“It felt right,” Enya said.

“A distraction?” Arlowe asked.

Enya nodded.

“I get it. I miss her, too,” Sarai said. “But we should be fine with this, right? I mean, she and Stella were pretty much over at her place–”

“Their place now,” Enya interrupted.

“I know. I’m just saying that they were there all the time lately anyway, so we got used to Violet not being here, but it’s still weird for it to be official.”

“Yeah. Arlowe’s in Vi’s old room, and Arlowe’s room is empty.” Enya added. “I went in there last night and just sat on the floor in the middle of it, trying to think about what we should do with it now.”

“We might not have a say. Arlowe promised the room to Gabi.”

“Sarai, I didn’t promise her anything. I just said that she could move in. And she hasn’t called me back yet, so I doubt she wants to.”

“Well, that might be because you were clearly flirting with her while you were showing her the place,” Sarai retorted.

“You flirted with Gabi? Sarai’s Gabi?” Enya asked.

“She’s not my Gabi,” Sarai protested, her heart racing a little at the thought.

“We know her because of you is what I meant.” Enya turned to Arlowe and added, “You flirted with her?”

“Yes, but barely, and I didn’t really put any effort into it. Sometimes, it just comes out, and I can’t stop it. She’s hot now.”

Sarai glared at first before she remembered how easily her friends could read her face and pulled that glare back.

“She wasn’t then?” Enya asked Arlowe.

“No, she was, but she was younger than us. Like, just-out-of-high-school young. And I was also in love with someone else when we met her that weekend, so I wasn’t looking at any other woman that way. She was cute. I guess that’s what I would call her. Now, she’s all grown-up, and she’s hot.”

“So, your genius plan was to do what? Flirt with her, hope she takes the room, and then she’s just right down the hall for you to sleep with?”

“What? No, Sarai. I told you, the flirting just slips out sometimes with a pretty, single woman in the room. I didn’t do it intentionally.”

“So, if she does move in, you’re not going to try to sleep with her?”

“No,” Arlowe said, shaking her head. “I want her rent money more than sex. And I wouldn’t want to confuse anything. She seems like a very nice person who might not be my type.”

“You think she’s pretty, but she’s not your type?” Enya asked.

“I meant in the bedroom department. And I do want a relationship one day. I’d like to not be the last one living in this house alone. No offense.”

“Offense,” Sarai joked.

“None of us wants that for ourselves; let’s just be real,” Arlowe said. “At the same time, right now, I’m in that making out in bars with strangers phase and rarely going home with a woman, but when I do, it’s usually just sex or a couple of dates, sex, and maybe another date or two after that if it’s good sex. Gabi just doesn’t seem to be that kind of person to me. I’ve only talked to her for a few minutes, really, so I’m guessing, but I’m pretty good at picking up on those vibes because I try to stay away from them for obvious reasons.”

“Have we decided what we’re going to do if she does say that she wants the house?” Enya asked. “Also, these cookies needed more salt. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I haven’t eaten one yet. I just put them down on the table when you walked in,” Sarai said. “I’m sure they’re fine.”

“Just, like, one more pinch, and they would’ve been. I’ll make another batch for the party tonight,” Enya stated and stood.

“It’s not a party; it’s a game night. And it’s only Violet and Stella. You’ve already made twenty-four cookies, Enya. Well, twenty-three are left now, but I don’t see the five of us eating more than that,” Sarai told her.

“I want them to want to come over and hang out. If the cookies aren’t good–”