My boyfriend had a female “bro.” She talked like a classic pick-me girl and even wore a dress the exact same color as mine. At first, I thought she was cool. A pick-me, sure—but harmless.
Until that day in the pouring rain when she carried me on her back for three miles.
The first time I met Olivia was at a dinner with Nate’s frat brothers. Before we left, Nate just laughed and said, “Relax. She’s basically one of the guys.”
The moment I saw her, I was genuinely confused.
Olivia’s features were bright and flawless, and she was wearing a soft, elegant white maxi dress. She looked up at me from her stool, two small dimples appearing on her cheeks as she smiled shyly.
There was absolutely nothing “one of the guys” about her.
Olivia had a slender figure, and the white dress made her look incredible. I, on the other hand, was a bit chubby, and the color of my dress clashed horribly with hers.
Olivia opened her mouth, and the first thing she said was, “What a coincidence—we’re wearing the exact same color.”
Compared to her, I looked like a complete clown.
I felt incredibly awkward, but I still reached out my hand, trying to be friendly.
“Look at her, pretending to be shy,” Nate suddenly said with a laugh. “She used to be so violent—she’d chase me down the street just to beat me up.”
He playfully shoved Olivia’s shoulder.
Olivia immediately jumped up and slapped him on the shoulder. Her voice was light and playful, chirping like a happy little bird. “What kind of nonsense are you talking about?”
“See? Am I wrong?” Nate laughed, dodging her hits.
I stood frozen, my outstretched hand hanging awkwardly in the air.
I turned my head and watched my boyfriend roughhousing with her.
It felt like… it felt like I was the outsider.
My nose stung, and I closed my eyes. I didn’t want to watch them play-fight, but I also didn’t want to come off as the jealous girlfriend the first time I met his best friend.
Then—
A loud, sharp smack echoed through the room.
When I opened my eyes, I saw a bright red handprint across Nate’s cheek.
“Holy shit,” Nate said, stunned. “Did you put your whole arm into that?”