When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira stared at the message, zoning out for a moment.

Fresh out of the shower, Janice asked, "Lemira, what's got you daydreaming?"

"What does it mean when a guy says he wants to talk about feelings, not finances?"

Janice's face lit up with intrigue. "Could be one of two things."

"Do tell."

"First, he's into you, trying to drop a hint."

Lemira shook her head. "No way."

"Then, it's the second option: he's looking to hook up without spending a dime. Going Dutch without even splitting the bill."

Lemira couldn't help but laugh at the thought. That was even less likely.

She glanced at her phone and replied with just an ellipsis.

Orion saw her response and muttered to his driving boxing coach, "That plaster I sent last time, have the delivery guy drop off another batch." The coach nodded.

Heading straight to their usual hangout spot, Orion sat down and pinched the bridge of his nose. Thaddeus approached, "Yo, Orion, what's with the arm? Got yourself a pink band-aid fortress there." The others crowded around, "Damn, it really is pink."

One of them reached for the band-aid, only to have Orion smack his hand away, "Don't touch." "Man, you're protective over a peeling band-aid?"

"It must be special. A girl put it on you?"

a young one.

"Back off, all of you. Don't

cleared the onlookers and sat down,

Orion didn't deny it.

cut Dorian

"A lesson!"

flaunting earlier, eager to stand up for

story, Thaddeus clicked his tongue, "That Evelina's a real piece of work. Don't worry, I've got this. Edith hates that fake innocent type, especially those

some red wine, holding

"What's up?"

"Nothing."

Lemira chatting with Matthew, both young

thought made the

---

received a generous

snapped a photo for

headed to

whispered, "Boyfriend? Or

"Neither, just a friend."

subject, Lemira

banquet this weekend.

swnovel

of insiders will be there. You

"Sure, sounds interesting."

"We'll go together."