Free Magnetic by Robin Alexander Page A

My life might not be perfect, but I do just fine without them.”
    “Ronnie says almost the same thing.”
    “I think that’s what bonded us,” Layne said with a smile. “We met when we were both ousted. We were roommates for a long time.” Layne groaned. “God, those were some lean years. There were nights we shared a bag of potato chips for dinner. But Ronnie could always find a party. That’s how we met Molly and Jenny. The four of us just clicked.”
    “So they’ve been together since college?”
    “Since high school. Jenny was a jock and Molly a cheerleader. They met on a basketball court their senior year when Jenny transferred to Molly’s school. Jenny said she took one look at Molly, and that was it.”
    “I know that feeling,” Stacy said wistfully and stood. “I have to go sketch something. Ronnie tried her best to get me to go shopping, but honestly, I’d rather chew off my own foot.”
    Layne laughed as Stacy leapt over the three steps from her porch. “It was nice meeting you, Stacy.”
    Stacy turned and looked over her shoulder. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”

Chapter 10

    “Thank God you and Stacy got everything sorted out,” Molly said later that evening as they walked up the trails to dinner. “I told Jenny that I didn’t know how to act.”
    “So she’s not going to tell Ronnie unless things get serious?” Jenny asked. Layne nodded. “Then Ronnie will never know.”
    “Don’t be so sure.” Molly glanced at Layne. “This time, it’s different with Ronnie. She’s pretending to be the same ol ’ player, but I think she’s gotten a little attached.”
    Layne smiled, but the tiny bit of jealousy she felt swelled a little larger. Once the ice was broken, it was very easy to talk to Stacy. She liked her. And even though she tried to suppress the memories of their night together, they’d creep in from time to time. The taste of Stacy’s skin, the way she kissed would come back unbidden, and Layne couldn’t help but think she’d missed out on something that could’ve been good.
    “So what’s the deal with you and Stick?” Jenny asked. “You don’t appear to be all that interested, but she sure is. She asked all sorts of questions about you today.” Jenny bumped Layne with her hip. “Did you do something to her on your walk last night?”
    “She’s a nice girl, but I’m not interested in a fling. You see what that got me the last time. Maybe I should tell her that.” Layne looked at Jenny.
    “Maybe you should,” Molly agreed. “Be upfront and honest.”
    “I’m going to,” Layne said resolutely.

    Stick joined them again as they finished dinner, and since Layne had bowed out on the shopping trip, she agreed to go to the barn dance, which truly was in a barn. A small stage was set up at one end for the band. The stalls had been removed, and tables were set up along the walls, leaving the middle of the building open as the dance floor. The doors on either side were left open, and a breeze wafted through aided by fans. Women of all age, color, shape, and size scooted along the straw-covered dance floor.
    “I know this is probably a stupid question, but would you like something to drink?” Stick asked Layne with a smile. “There’s water and soda at the bar.”
    “Water would be great.” Layne watched as Stick weaved her way to the corner. Her long legs looked good in the tight jeans she was wearing. She’d traded in her work shirt for a black tank top that showed well-developed muscles in her arms and shoulders.
    “She’s a tall drink of water,” Ronnie said as she moved alongside Layne. “Jenny tells me you’re not interested. Have you gone straight on us? She’s hot.”
    “I’m just not in that place.”
    “I’d do her in a heartbeat,” Ronnie said, eyeing Stick appreciatively. “Look at those damn arms. I bet she fucks like a—”
    “What about Stacy?”
    Ronnie didn’t immediately meet Layne’s stare. “She’s strong, too,” she