“I rather liked thinking I'd move up to ‘sixth girlfriend’ instead of ‘seventh girlfriend’, even if only because one of the girls ahead of me dropped out."

“I don't rank you," I muttered.

“We're girls," Holly drawled. "Everything gets ranked."

I rolled my eyes.

“Well even beyond the technicality, Zofi's been serious about no longer being a girlfriend. She hasn't even kissed me since the break-up."

“But you two still fucked Sunday morning, didn't you?" Alice said. "At least that's what Belle said."

“What's your point?"

“Not trying to make a point," Alice replied with a shrug.

“Just asking how it's been going since you had four girlfriends living under your roof. I mean, this is kinda like a sneak preview into what Life will be like once you go to Berkeley with three girlfriends."

“Well, I think one weekend is a bit of a small sample size. And I can't just swap Mari and Zofi with Neevie and think it's gonna be the same dynamic. I mean, overall, it hasn't been so very different from any other time I've had one of the girls spend the night with me, especially since Sam and Zofi have been spending every night together on their own. I mean, Sam and I haven't even done anything together since Zofi moved in. Come to think of it, I don't think she's kissed me since the break-up with Zofi."

“Does that worry you?"

“Nah. I know she Loves me."

“Well, get used to it." Alice smirked. "I still think she's gonna Lay out for you her detailed 10-year itinerary about how she's gonna become a badass Lawyer first, and THEN make time for you after that."

I sighed.

“If she does, I'll accept that. I know how important it is to her."

“Easy for you to say when you've got two backup girlfriends coming along for the ride."

I waggled my head.

“Well for one thing, Belle said she doesn't want to be an official girlfriend when we go to Berkeley, remember? Better to be my ‘little sister’ forever than worry about us ever having a bad breakup."

“Tomayto, tomahto."

“Hey if Belle doesn't want a spot," Holly chimed in brightly, lying belly-down with her chin on her hands and her feet in the air, "maybe there's still room for me?"

Alice snorted. "You gonna commute?"

Holly waved her off and sighed a little mournfully. Giving me a serious look, she said, "I'd never ask you for a commitment, because goodness knows I'm the worst at commitments. But if I ever just... needed to feel safe in your arms for a bit... would you mind if I drove up for a quick visit?"

“Holly... of course I wouldn't mind," I told her sincerely.

Planting her cheeks in both palms and looking adorably cute, Holly gave me a thankful smile and kicked her heels a little bit.

Alice turned serious.