In the Lyrics by Nacole Stayton Page A

through my hair under the hot water, my mind starts to race, and I think about our kiss. Not the first one, but the second, in her car. I could have held her face and kissed her sweet lips for hours, but I didn’t want to scare her. Knowing she is a virgin puts me at a slight disadvantage. I don’t want her to feel like I just strolled into her life and into her pants. I like her. Crazier things have happened in this world, than liking a total stranger. I think .
    Dusty told me she doesn’t let many people in. So when he texted me and told me where she was after she ran away crying, I knew he trusted me. Not that I feel the need to win him over, but still he is my roommate and her best friend. Having him like me is just a perk. Running my soapy washcloth over my body I hear the faint sound of the door opening on its hinges.
    “Colby,” Hensley’s voice softly calls out as my body stiffens from the cool air the door allows in.
    “Uh, yeah?”
    A few seconds pass before she says anything and I start having déjà vu of last night when I walked in on her in the shower. Honestly, to be fair, I thought I could just slide in and out, but I was caught and rendered speechless just like she is right now.
    “I just wanted to let you know that Mrs. Blair just called and Joshua is fine. He was actually looking for you to introduce you to his parents. He said you saved his life.”
    Smiling, I know Joshua is exaggerating, but if he wants to paint me as a hero, I’m surely not going to stop him. He reminds me a lot of my brother, innocent and adoring. “That’s awesome. I would have liked to have met them.” I say over the water’s noise as it beats down on my naked chest.
    “Well, you could always come back, like, tomorrow. Mrs. Blair is really upset at Logan for how he acted towards me in the car.”
    Puzzled, I ask, “How did she know?”
    “She said she was standing in the window and watched it all happen. After he walked away, he punched the side of his truck. He broke his knuckle.” She giggles.
    “Karma’s a bitch, huh?”
    “Yeah, it is. So anyways we need someone else to help me with the morning classes. Just until summer’s over. I only work there on break.”
    “Let me think about it, ya know, while I’m showering.” The room goes silent. Thinking that she walked away leaving the door open, I peek out from behind the closed curtain. “Hensley, you there?” I ask before I see her leaning against the wall staring at the window.
    “Wow. I’m actually…I’m good. I just realized I barged in here, just like you did yesterday. I’m an ass, you’ll get used to it.”
    “Yeah, you are an ass sometimes, and I am getting used to it. Either shut that door and join me, or carry on, Sunshine. I’m freezing.”
    “You’re nuts! I am not joining you.”
    Laughing, she pushes off the wall and exits the room, leaving the door open on purpose.
     

     
    AFTER MY SHOWER, the night goes without notice. We eat carryout Chinese food and watch re-runs of Duck Dynasty until the moon comes up. It reminds me of a normal Friday night at my house. Growing up, Levi was always there, in my shadow. We’d spend hours together, just watching TV, laughing until we were in tears. It’s moments like these, when all is right in the world, when my heart aches due to his absence.
    “Dusty, thanks for hooking me up with Mr. Jones.” I say out of the blue. “He did a phone interview and needed someone early tomorrow. I guess I am the proud owner of an apron with Burger Heaven embroidered on it,” I say, yawning with amusement in my voice
    Dusty opens his mouth and puts his finger in it, acting like he is going to puke.
    “Brother, I take it you don’t care too much for your day job?” I ask, wondering why he acted like he was gagging.
    “I’d take it you were right,” he grimaces and then turns to Hensley, who’s lying on the floor staring up at the blades of the ceiling fan. “What time do you work tomorrow, baby