Four Can Play That Game: Part One

by Ostle, J. L.

  I reach my class and let out a dramatic groan, causing a few people to stare at me.

  I forgot to ask him for his name.

  With my mind over-analyzing Devon and coffee shop guy, I message Clarissa, telling her what happened, and she replies that she wants to change her classes as she’s missing all the good stuff. At least my life is entertaining her.

  After my last class, I decide to go to the shops to grab some more things then go back home to take a nice hot shower.

  For the first time, I want the place to myself. I’m not in a social mood. I feel drained, and eating chocolates in bed with power ballads blasting is my kind of heaven right now. I exhale in happiness to see no one is home.

  I pamper myself before falling asleep to the movie She’s All That.

  At some point during the night, I do hear muffled voices, but I’m too tired to give it any thought. I just fall back asleep, the noise drifting off to nothing.

  Waking up this morning, my body is a little stiff. I think the running I did the other day has finally caught up with my limbs.

  I climb out of bed, head out of my room, and wish I didn’t.

  I’m so glad I was in a deep sleep last night as the pillows on the couch look like they’ve been thrown across the room. The lamp has been smashed and I cringe when I see condom wrappers on the floor.

  I would say something, but no one is ever home.

  No. That’s not completely true. They are home in time to have sex.

  It's Friday today. It's scary to think I’ve been here for five days already. There is no way I won’t see my roommates over the weekend. I’ll stay in all day if I have to. I need to speak to them about this and it's not really fair to have to witness what they’ve done sexually.

  I take a scalding hot shower to ease the aches and pains in my back and legs. I wonder if one of the rooms has a bath. If I’m going to be coffee boy’s new running partner, I’m going to need to soak my muscles.

  I blow-dry my hair, leaving it in long waves. I keep my make-up natural. If I’m running later, no point going all out with my appearance, only for me to sweat it off.

  I’m closing the front door when I hear something moving inside. I pause for a moment, debating if I should go back in and introduce myself, but looking at my phone for the time, I know I’ll be late if I do.

  It can wait.

  I scroll through my phone to my music list and decide to play Madhouse, Like a Prayer. Placing my earbuds in my ears, I head to campus.

  I’ve just got to the parking lot when I see a black car pull in. I don’t know anything about cars, but this one looks expensive.

  My mouth drops open when I see guy number one, Devon, and coffee shop guy jump out, their hair wet, like they’ve just got out of the shower, and images of them all naked at once enter my mind.

  I shake my head to clear the dirty thoughts and start walking again when I faintly hear my name being called. Pausing the music, I look over to see it’s coffee guy calling out to me. I smile, walking over.

  My body starts to heat with all three set of eyes on me. Devon is looking between me and coffee guy, probably wondering how he knows me. I didn’t even think he knew my name. I feel bad that I don’t know his.

  “How do you two know each other?” Devon asks coffee guy, standing straighter, his eyes moving to me.

  “She’s my new running partner. This girl can really go. Good thing she’s not on the track team; she would definitely be my competition.” He pulls me into his side, smiling warmly down at me.

  I smile back at him. When I look over to guy number one and Devon, they don’t look pleased. I clear my throat as it’s starting to feel a little dry.

  “I’m not that good,” I reply.

  “You are. We still on for later?”

  “I am if you are.”

  “What’s happening later?” guy number one asks, his eyes solely on me.

  “We’re going for a run,” I mumble. Their bodies relax. I wonder what that was about.

  “Yup, I think with this girl at my side, I’m going to beat my own record.” He pulls me into him again. The guys’ eyes are staring at his arm around my waist and I start to feel a little uncomfortable.

  “Zeal, we better start heading in,” guy number one says. Coffee shop guy nods in response, his arm leaving me. I beam at myself, happy I know what his name is now.

  I don’t think I’ve heard that name before. It's unique. I like it. It suits him.

  I start walking away when I feel an arm around my shoulder. “Where do you think you’re going?” Zeal chuckles, causing me to laugh.

  “Zeal!” Devon calls out to him, but Zeal ignores him, and we start heading inside.

  Walking down the hall, each head turns, looking in our direction; a few whisper and point. Girls are looking me over with cattiness in their eyes, and the guys look at me with intrigue.

  I look behind me. Devon and guy number one are right behind me. Devon doesn’t look happy, and guy number one is looking right at me. Our eyes connect, and they’re different from the other times I’ve seen him. They’re normally warm and friendly, but now, they look heated.

  Looking away first, I just keep walking, and when we get to class, Clarissa is in her usual seat. Her eyes bug out when she spots me. Everyone in class is looking over.

  I get that Zeal and his friends are hot. Well, they’re more than hot, but the way they’re looking at me, it’s like they’re judging me. I’m not dating them, but I definitely know now that they are way out of my league.

  I step out of Zeal’s reach and head towards Clarissa. A yelp escapes me when I’m lifted. Guy number one has me in his arms, holding me like we’re going to cross the threshold. Out of instinct, my arms go around his neck and he smiles sweetly.

  “I think if you are going to be Zeal’s new friend, you should sit with us. We are a package deal. If one of us likes someone then the rest of us have to like them too.”

  “So, you’re going to force yourself to like me?” I mock.

  He laughs. “It's not really force with you. I liked you back when you first fell into my arms.”

  I have no words. His eyes stay on mine and I can’t look away. He holds me tighter. I can feel his fingers gently stroking my skin at the bottom of my back. If I was a cat, I would purr right now.

  “I’m glad you caught me,” I say softly.

  I was so lost in this moment that, when I hear a cough, we both turn to see Devon standing there, glaring at us both. The rest of the room is also staring. I wiggle so guy number one has to release me.

  “I’m glad I caught you too,” he whispers in my ear. He takes hold of my hand and starts to guide me to our seats when I stop. He turns, looking at me, confused.

  “I can’t leave my friend Clarissa.” I turn, looking at her, and her mouth is still open.

  “Go get her,” he tells me.

  I beam at him. Without thinking, I go up on my tiptoes, kissing his cheek, surprising us both. Turning around quickly so he doesn’t have to see my flushed face, I walk over to the one person I know is going to shriek when I tell her where we’re going to be sitting today. I would run over, but I need to hold some kind of decorum.

  “Jamie…” she starts, but I interrupt her.

  “They want us to join them. Get your stuff and let’s go.” I start picking up her things.

  “Jamie, please don’t tell me you’re one of their girls?”

  Does she mean one of their groupies?

  “I am not one of those girls. They want to be my friend. Well, except for Devon.” I chuckle. “There is no harm in sitting with them for one class. At least we have something pretty to look at,” I joke.

  She laughs and stands, gathering the rest of her things. We walk over to the guys and I take my seat next to guy number one. Clarissa sits the other side of me.

  I look at the time to see we have a few minutes before our professor arrives and an idea pops into my head. I tap a guy’s shoulder in front of me and h
e turns, looking at the three hotties to my right before looking at me, confused.

  “Can you take a picture of us five please?” I smile sweetly.

  “Sure.” He stands, taking my phone.

  “Smile everyone.” I get into my pose, and after a few seconds, the guy hands me back my phone. I look at the picture and beam at it. All the guys are smiling; it really is a great photo.

  I send it to my mom first, messaging after, saying my new friends. I then post it on Facebook, saying the same thing. I’ve just hit send when my phone is taken from my hands. Guy number one is typing something on it.

  He’s adding his name, sending himself a friend request. I try and get my phone back, but it’s then passed to Zeal, then to Devon. I look at Clarissa and she’s watching the exchange too. Zeal whispers something to guy number one’s ear and he takes the phone, doing something before passing it back. I don’t have time to check my phone as class starts. I put my phone back, reminding myself to look later.

  Class flies by, even though every now and then I felt guy number one’s leg press against mine, and my mind went to the gutter. How can an innocent touch make me think of something dirty?

  We all leave, ready to head to our next class. I know none of my friends are in my next. I say goodbye to Clarissa, telling her I’ll see her at lunch. She gives me a quick hug; her eyes go from the guys back to me before walking off. I think she’s worried about me. I’ll tell her later that nothing will happen and we’re just friends. I say goodbye to them and start to walk away. I’m a few feet away, and when I turn, I see them still standing there, watching me, saying something to each other, but I can’t make out what.

  Lunch couldn’t come quickly enough. I had a message from Clarissa saying she needs to talk to me, but she has to help out at the reception office this lunchtime, so I messaged her back telling her she can come to my place tonight. We can watch a movie or something.

  I’ve just got in line when my phone pings with an email, informing me that my next class is canceled. I have no more classes after that. What a perfect end to a Friday.

  I’m not meeting Zeal for another three hours, so I decide I’ll go home there and come back later. On the way home, I look on my Facebook to see the guys have added themselves to my Facebook and accepted it. I smile when I notice that each of them has commented on my photo of us. This also answers a question I’ve had since my first day here. Guy number one’s name is Benjamin.

  I’m almost home when my phone pings again. It’s a message from my mom, saying the guys are yummy and that dad isn’t very pleased. I reply, telling her to tell him there isn’t anything to worry about. But I know he will still worry.

  I’ve just put the key in the lock, and once again, I hear groaning coming from inside. Anger starts to bubble inside me. I’m sick of this shit. I push the door open, ready to meet my sex-crazed roommate and tell her what I think.

  Surprise, surprise. I see a girl and three guys.

  The girl’s eyes are closed, but from the noises she’s making, it sounds like she’s enjoying herself. I slam the door shut, not being quiet, wanting their attention. There is no way I’m living like this. I don’t want to be seeing naked people in the throes of passion when I come home.

  They all turn to me. I have to blink a few times, not believing what I’m seeing. Who I’m seeing. My mouth is going dry.

  I have to be dreaming.

  Of course, it had to be them that are into foursomes and sharing.

  Benjamin, Zeal, and Devon. I remember seeing Devon the other day, but Benjamin and Zeal don’t look the type to be into this kind of stuff. They don’t seem like the sharing type.

  My life is never easy, so why would it be now?

  I had to be attracted to these guys.

  “Who’s she?” the girl asks.

  “I’m guessing your new roommate.” I place my stuff down. I need to pull myself together. “I don’t mean to sound rude, as I’m new here, but could you not have taken this to your room?” I place my hands on my hips.

  “What is she talking about?” the girl asks the guys, looking at them, confused. She grabs for her dress from the floor, covering herself with it.

  Why is she looking at them?

  “I think there’s a mistake.” Devon stands. I have to look away, extending my hand forward to hide away his package. “Shouldn’t you have knocked?” There’s some anger in his voice.

  “I live here, dumbass. I used my key.” I jingle the keys in front of his face. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to my room. If you could take this to hers, that would be great.” I pick up my stuff and start to walk away when my arm is grabbed.

  “Where the hell do you think you’re going?” he asks sternly.

  “Devon,” Benjamin says.

  I yank my arm away, glaring at him. “If you touch me again, I swear I will cut your dick off. I am going to my room.” I pronounce each word slowly.

  “Your room?”

  “Yes, my room. Are you all on stupid pills? Now move it.” But he stands in front of me, blocking me. Again.

  “I think it's you who is on the stupid pills. You don’t live here. I don’t know how you got in, but leave.” He points to the door.

  “I do live here, shithead. As I said, I used my keys, and I swear to God, if you don’t move, I will hurt you.” I try and walk past him but he blocks me again so I lift my knee, connecting it to his groin, making him double over.

  “What the hell?” the girl shouts out.

  “You fucking bitch.” Devon groans.

  “Told you not to mess with me. Now, I hope you’ve finished with your fuck making, and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” I walk quickly to my room, unlocking it and letting myself in. Once I’m in, I lock the door behind me.

  I place my things near my desk and lean against the wall, getting to grips with what I just witnessed. I’m disappointed that each guy I saw some sort of interest in is into this kinky shit. Taking a deep breath, I jump when I hear loud bangs on my door. Rolling my eyes, I stand up, going over to my bed and sitting on the edge.

  The door bangs again. “You better open this goddamn door!” Devon shouts. There’s a pause. “I am calm.” I’m sure he’s saying that to his friends.

  I don’t say anything, I just stare at the door. If he breaks it, I will call the police. I’m not letting this dick scare me off. This is my home. If this is going to put a damper on his sexcapades, then that’s just tough.

  “Open this door.” Another bang. “I swear this girl is getting on my last nerve.”

  I smile, glad I’m annoying him.

  I walk over to the door and I can hear them chattering on the other side. “Maybe if you weren’t shouting at her and scaring her, she would open up,” Zeal tells him.

  “She’s the one who kneed me in the groin!”

  I smirk at that.

  “What did you expect? You grabbed her. It's your own fault,” Benjamin says.

  “Fine. You go and talk to the she-devil if you think you can do a better job than me.”

  There’s silence. I jump back when there’s a light knock on the door. “Hey. I’m sorry about Devon. He’s an ass. We just want to talk. I promise nothing bad will happen,” Benjamin says softly.

  I debate with myself for a moment before I turn my key that’s still left in the lock. I open the door slowly, poking my head out. Benjamin gives me a warm smile.

  Why does he have to have a great smile? It doesn’t help that his shirt is unbuttoned, showing off his toned body.

  I take a step out, crossing my arms, and I try to keep my emotions in check. Devon is shooting me daggers, wearing boxers and an open shirt. Zeal is standing there in only his boxer shorts. Guy number one steps back, and with them all standing there like that, they look like they’re posing for a fashion magazine.

  “What you all do behind closed doors is up to you, but I don’t want to be seeing it happen in front of me,” I start to say.

  “She thin
ks she lives here.” Devon throws his hands up in the air. “I told you she must be insane. The hot ones always have something wrong with them.” He lifts his arms, stretching them, his shirt opening more. I have to look away.

  Did he say I’m hot?

  That’s not the point. “I do live here. I have a contract and keys were sent out to me. The point is why should you care? You don’t live here.”

  “That is where you’re wrong, princess. We do live here. We own this place.” I look at each of them, but no one denies it.

  “That can’t be right. I’m meant to be living with three girls.”

  “And a guy called Jamie Boydd should be moving in with us.”

  I’m more confused than ever. “I am Jamie Boydd.”

  “No, you’re Amy,” Zeal interrupts.

  “My name is Jamie.”

  “We know you’re called Amy. So, did this Jamie guy fuck up and you’re making him pay?” Devon sits on the edge of the couch arm, smirking at me.

  I’m starting to get annoyed. “Hold on.” I go into my room, grabbing my ID and bringing it back out, handing them it. “See? I am Jamie Boydd.”

  Each guy takes the plastic card, looking it over, and I think Zeal is about to say something when the girl from before walks out, fully dressed. Her eyes rake over me before she saunters over to Devon, pressing her lips to his cheek, but his eyes stay on me.

  “So, I take it she doesn’t live here?” I mumble.

  “That’s right,” Devon answers. The girl takes that as her cue to go.

  “I can’t believe this is happening. I live with three guys. Three guys who share their women.” I walk backward until I hit the wall and I slide down, hugging my legs. “Where have you been all week? I came home once and saw Devon with a girl and two other guys, but I didn’t stay long enough to find out more.”

  “We’ve been busy.” Devon shrugs.

  In other words, fucking around. At least they fuck out of the house too.

  “I need to lie down.” I stand back up and all the guys straighten up.