Transitions (A Thousand Words Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

frowned.
    “And a model. That was the whole campaign, if I remember right,” James said.
    “Yeah, well, doesn’t mean I liked it. Lindsay’s different. She’s a girl, sure, but she – honestly? I could have dropped her in at a place at the table tonight and she could have held her own. She knows computers, worships tech, and doesn’t give a damn about the side of me the rest of her gender can’t see past.”
    James nodded in understanding. “That’s why you’ll humor her and pander to her. It’s a bit more than just being your first girlfriend. You’ve met a lot of women and she’s the only one you’re comfortable enough with to be yourself. Interesting.”
    “I’m glad you found a new puzzle,” Dev said. “Now how do I get rid of George and Krista?”
    “Thinking,” James said, lapsing into silence.
    “Back to how do you know so much about women, James. I have a sister, cousins, and ex-girlfriends; I didn’t read into this what you did.” Noah leaned forward in his chair, eyes locked on the undisputed leader of their group.
    “My girlfriends may have been different. I went to a prep school that was near a regular high school, so everyone went to the same places to blow off steam. Girls from my prep school were selective, although I still dated some. They weren’t impressed with family money because they had it too. Girls from the public school though,” James exhaled sharply and shook his head. “It was a dangerous game. Any guy with the logo on their blazer was a prize. They were very accommodating too. It was nice, but exhausting. I didn’t have a steady girlfriend, so I was attainable in their eyes, much like Dev. My experience doesn’t compare to what you’re probably going through.” James pointed casually to Dev, and he acknowledged it uncomfortably.
    “Still, I know what it’s like to have girls only interested in what you represent. The relationship is shallow and has the expiration date practically printed on her forehead. It’s a crap-shoot, finding the one girl in the crowd you can genuinely listen to and trust. And identifying her before you make the mistake of brushing her off like the rest.”
    “Thanks, James,” Dev said. He needed someone to understand, someone on his side.
    “Yeah. Glad you two are bonding, never had that problem so I can’t relate,” Noah said. “How does that help with George?”
    Dev looked to James again at Noah’s reminder of the bigger problem.
    James paused, Dev wondered if he was thinking or if it was for effect. He had a habit of interlacing his fingers with just the index finger on either hand extended, and tapping those fingers when thinking.
    “Can you ask Lindsay for a picture from before the experiment? Or maybe have her put some effort into it and do a nice one? Sexy would be better,” James asked.
    Dev shook his head. “She’d clue in why in a nanosecond and I’d never get her calmed down. It’s not worth it.”
    “So she’s insecure?” Noah asked.
    “On this subject. She’d take on anyone presenting competition in Seattle, but I’m out of reach.”
    “Pointing out she’s apparently too young to fly out for spring break would be a bad idea,” James said, but Dev didn’t need to be told that.
    “Telling George and Krista anything seems like a bad idea,” Dev pointed out.
    James shook his head. “No, we can let things slip, we just have to make it look natural and be careful about exactly what we say.” He sat back and stared at the ceiling.
    “She spends a lot of time with my little sister now that I’m gone. Taking her to movies and the mall and whatever girls do,” Dev said. “I suspect they coordinated their disappointment about me not coming home for the week. That was disturbing.”
    James smiled. “Not ideal, but it’ll do for now. She has the support of your friends and family, George and Krista don’t.”
    “ Friend and family,” Dev corrected. “Kenny and Jess fight with her. Only Bryan gets along