The Gray Effect - Chapter 25: Chapter 25

S O P H I A H O N E Y
"NICE ASS."
I scowl instantly, my head snapping toward Tory, who's sitting beside me, staring way too closely at Theo's backside with my camera.
"Are you serious right now?"
"What?" She grins, completely unapologetic. "I'm just appreciating good art."
I roll my eyes so hard they might disappear into my skull. "You asked for these pictures, not an ass analysis."
She hums, tilting her head as she zooms in on the screen. "Hmm, yeah I did say take some pictures of him but... never this."
"So you're saying you don't like the pictures."
She shakes her head. "No. They're actually pretty neat, and the angles are really nice."
"So what's the problem?" I ask, trying to figure out where she's going with this. She's complimenting my work, yet something in her tone suggests the opposite.
She tilts her head, giving me a pointed look. "You're naive, aren't you?"
Naive?
"Explain."
She exhales, handing back my camera before fixing me with a knowing stare. "You realize you just showed me a picture of Theo Gray... and he's not at the hockey rink, or anywhere remotely normal. You took this in his bed, didn't you?"
I blink, my mind taking an extra second to catch up. "Well... I mean-" And then it hits me like a slap to the face. "Oh, shit." My eyes widen as she smirks, nodding in confirmation.
"Bingo." She chuckles, clearly enjoying my panic. "Can't believe you actually live with him. I knew something was off with how easily you agreed to it. So... are you guys dating or-"
"We're not dating." I cut her off before she can finish that awful sentence. "Not even close. Not even a thought." I groan, dropping my head onto the table, feeling like the biggest idiot alive.
This wasn't how I planned things out. I was so focused on the money, on making this arrangement work, that I completely overlooked the fact that I took a picture of Theo in his bed instead of the hockey rink.
How stupid can I be?
"Hey." I feel her hand on my shoulder, and I lift my head slightly to meet her amused gaze. "Don't sweat it. I can tell you don't even like talking about him, which means you're not into him, right?" she grins
I sit up straight, frowning. "How did you come to that conclusion?
She shrugs, biting back a smirk. "For starters, you have a picture of his ass and didn't say one dirty thing about it. And when we were at the rink earlier, every time girls screamed his name, you had this look on your face like you wanted to commit murder."
Murder is a strong word. Okay, maybe I did glare at him. But that was only because I caught him looking at me. And knowing Theo, he wanted me to catch him. He gets a kick out of annoying me, especially when I felt him staring at me during the time I declined Scott's help at the rink.
"So..." She leans back in her chair, arms crossed. "How do you know him, since you're living together?"
I hesitate. It's not like we're best friends or anything. And I barely know this girl-should I even be sharing this?
She notices my hesitation and sighs. "Relax. It's not a big deal. I used to hook up with him."
I blink. "Oh."
"Yeah. First year." She says it casually, like it's nothing, but there's something in her tone. "Throughout the semesters, we hooked up, but when he noticed I was starting to like him, he pulled away. Said we should stop."
Of course he did. Classic Theo. String someone along just long enough to get bored and walk away.
Such a guy move.
"Oh, you have the look now." Tory points at me and laughs. "Don't hate him too much, though. Honestly, I'm glad he ended things." She shrugs like it's no big deal.
"You are?"
"Yep. He made a valid point." She leans back in her chair, crossing her arms. "He told me he never wanted a relationship, never had a girlfriend in high school, and that the only reason he started hooking up was for a release."
A release?
"Then he said his focus was on making it to the NHL draft and he didn't want anyone holding him back."
Ouch. That would've stung if I were in her shoes. She just wanted a relationship, and he basically told her she was a distraction. That must've been a lot to take in.
"It's in the past. I got over him." She waves it off. "Riley helped me through the heartbreak. Theo was the first guy I liked in college, and I was a mess for a while."
"Riley?"
She nods. "Yeah. My girlfriend."
Oh.
"We've been together for two years now," she continues. "But don't tell anyone. We're keeping it low-key for now."
I blink. "Why are you telling me this?" I ask, genuinely curious. "I mean... we don't really know each other, and this seems like something you'd share with a friend, not a stranger."
She twirls a strand of her hair, looking amused. "I just wanted to calm you down. You were freaking out, so I distracted you with something you didn't expect."
Whoa. That's... actually kind of genius.
"Thanks," I say, offering a sincere smile. "But, uh... could you not mention... you know." I nudge toward my camera, hoping she gets the hint.
She snorts. "Don't worry. But maybe make a separate account for pictures like that. And next time, if you're gonna post his face, make sure he's not in a bed."
I chuckle. "Deal. And thanks again."
"No problem." She pauses, then tilts her head. "But seriously, what is your relationship with him?"
I shrug. "There is no relationship. He's just my brother's best friend from back home. My brother asked if I could stay at his place instead of the dorms."
"And he agreed?" She arches a brow. "Just like that?"
I nod. "Yeah, it was crazy at first, considering he's a pain in the ass and fucking annoying."
She looks at me like I just said something insane. "Annoying?" Her brow furrows. "Are we talking about the same Theo? Because with the girls he talks to, he's usually quiet, calm, and pretty smooth."
That's interesting. So he's only normal around other people. But when it comes to me? He constantly pushes my buttons.
Which means...
Does he see me as just one of the guys?
The thought settles in my chest like a rock. If I'm just another dude in his eyes, does that mean-
Does he call other guys "good boys" too?
A shiver runs down my spine as I remember his voice, low and smug, murmuring those words.
"Good girl."
My fingers tighten around the edge of the table, trying to shake off the way my body reacts. Those stupid, stupid words that have been stuck in my brain like a song on repeat.
It's not like it's the first time I've heard something like that. I've read plenty of-let's just say interesting-stuff before. Those words shouldn't mean anything.
But the way he said them?
The way his breath tickled my ear?
Yeah, I need to get a grip.
Or a vibrator.
A finger snaps in front of my face, jolting me out of my thoughts.
"You still here?" Tory asks, giving me a weird look.
I nod quickly, feeling like a complete idiot. "Uh, yeah." I push my chair back and stand, needing something to change the subject. "So, um... the pictures are good, right?"
She nods. "Yeah, they're great."
"Cool, cool." I shift awkwardly before clearing my throat. "So... when are you gonna pay for them?"
Did that sound too desperate? Probably. But I really need to get paid.
Tory raises a brow, then smirks. "Wow, you're in a rush. You got a class soon?"
Shit. Class. I almost forgot about it.
I yank my phone out and check the time. 12:58. Damn it!
"Yeah..." I mutter.
"Alright, let's hurry up then. Give me your account number." She pulls out her phone, ready to transfer the money.
Thank God. If I don't get some relief soon, I might actually lose my mind.
◇◇◇
The lecture is a blur.
I sit near the back, notebook open, pen in hand, but I haven't written a single word. The professor's voice drones on, something about economic theories or supply and demand-I don't know. I should be paying attention, should be taking notes, but my brain is stuck on one thing.
"Good girl."
I press the tip of my pen harder against the paper, nearly breaking it. Why is that still playing in my head? It's not like I haven't heard those words before. It's not even a big deal. But somehow, when Theo said it, it hit differently. It wasn't just words-it was the way his voice dipped, the way his breath brushed against my ear, like he knew exactly what he was doing.
Damn him.
I shift in my seat, trying to focus. The girl next to me scribbles something down, completely engaged in the lesson, while I sit here spiraling. I tap my pen against my notebook, willing myself to snap out of it.
But my body doesn't seem to get the memo. I feel warm, restless. Annoyed.
I need a distraction. Something, anything to get my mind off this.
I glance at my phone on the desk, debating if I should sneak a quick scroll through social media. Or maybe check my bank app-Tory should've sent the money by now.
An idea strikes in my head and since I'm having zero control on this situation, I open Reddit.
My fingers hesitate over the search bar before I type:
"What does it mean when a guy calls you 'good girl'?"
The results load instantly, and my eyes dart over the titles.
"Why do men say 'good girl' and why does it make me weak?"
"Help, my situationship called me 'good girl,' and now I can't function."
"Does anyone else feel weirdly hot when a guy calls them 'good girl'?"
I feel my face heat up.
Oh, no.
No.
I shouldn't have looked this up.
I should have just ignored it.
But now? Now I know this isn't just a me problem.
And that somehow makes it so much worse.
I quickly exit the page and lock my phone, shoving it back into my pocket like that will erase what I just saw.
But it doesn't.
My brain is such a traitor.
Class finishes more then I expected and I quickly gather my things, ready to bolt. Maybe some fresh air will clear my head and help me stop thinking about certain words said in a certain voice by a certain infuriating man.
But before I can make my escape, a hand grabs my shoulder.
I turn and see Alex and Blair standing there.
"Oh hey, guys," I say, forcing a smile. "What's up?"
"We were about to ask you that," Alex says, crossing her arms.
"You good?"
"Yeah." I nod quickly. Too quickly.
Blair narrows her eyes. "You sure? Your face has been looking flushed for a while now. Kinda reminds me of the first time I watched porn with my gay cousin."
I freeze.
"You what?" Alex and I both turn to her with the same disturbed look.
Blair grins. "You heard me."
Alex shakes her head. "That's the craziest shit I've heard from you all week."
Blair just laughs and starts walking toward the door. "You guys need to chill. He's gay and wanted to see how heterosexual sex looked, so I showed him."
Alex and I exchange a look before Alex asks, "Couldn't he have, I don't know, watched it himself?"
"He's shy," Blair shrugs. "Didn't even realize he was gay until he saw hetero porn. You should have seen his face when the guy started putting his-"
"Too much information!" I slap my hands over my eyes, shaking my head.
There's a huge difference between reading smut and watching or hearing people talk about it. It's too visceral, too in my face. That's why I don't watch porn. I prefer reading.
I only even learned what vibrators were when I stumbled across a YouTube video about spicy books. They talked about how using them while reading made the scenes come alive.
And honestly? Totally true.
Join We make it to their dorm room, and the first thing we do is collapse onto their beds, exhausted.
"Okay, what are we ordering?" Alex asks, scrolling through her phone.
"Anything but sushi," Blair groans. "Had it last week, nearly died from wasabi overdose."
"Medium for mine," I say, stretching out on the bed.
Blair glances at me and smirks. "Damn, you're really taking this losing weight thing seriously, huh?"
I nod absentmindedly, but the look on her face shifts into something way too devious.
"You know..." she hums, her smirk widening. "There are other ways to burn calories."
I narrow my eyes. "Really?"
"Don't fall for it," Alex intervenes, not even looking up from her phone. "She's about to say some weird-ass shit." She sighs dramatically. "This is what I go through, living with her."
Blair pouts, standing up and making her way toward Alex. "Oh, come on, don't think so badly of me." She places a hand over her chest, feigning innocence, then turns to me with big, pleading eyes.
I hesitate. "Fine. What other way?"
Blair's smirk returns in full force. "Simple. Sex."
Why did I bother asking in the first place?
"And I called it." Alex throws her hands in the air before flopping onto her bed. "I told you. She's like a machine-just endless bullshit."
Blair plops down next to me, looking way too pleased with herself. "Think about it! It's a great workout. Gets your heart rate up, works all your muscles, and trust me, you feel it the next day."
Alex snorts. "Yeah, if you survive the embarrassment first."
"Sex isn't embarrassing." Blair rolls her eyes. "It's natural. And fun. And according to science, great for stress relief-"
"Blair." I cut her off, shaking my head. "I am not having sex just to lose weight."
She shrugs. "I mean, not just for that, obviously." Then she shoots me a pointed look. "But also, it's been a while, hasn't it?"
I freeze.
Alex looks between us and sighs. "And this is where I exit the conversation." She picks up her phone and starts scrolling again, completely tuning us out.
Blair leans in, her voice dropping like she's about to share some dark secret. "You can tell me. When was the last time?"
I hesitate before mumbling, "It's not important."
Her eyes widen. "Oh my God."
"Shut up," I groan, shoving her.
"No, but like... for real? It's been that long?" She gasps, grabbing my shoulders. "Soph, we need to fix this."
"There is nothing to fix," I argue, trying to pry her hands off.
"But-"
"There's not buts, Blair." I cut her off. "I don't need to have sex with anyone," I say firmly, then hesitate before mumbling, "but... it has been a while."
Blair gasps and places a dramatic hand over her heart. "Oh, dear. That's definitely not healthy for the body."
Alex scoffs from the door. "What do you know about what's good for the body? You literally once tried to use a vibrating toothbrush for other purposes."
Blair shrugs. "Meh, it's not that bad."
I gag. "I don't need to know that."
"Look, Soph," Blair continues, completely unbothered. "You at least need a release. Don't you have like a dildo or something?"
"Blair!" I shout, feeling my entire face heat up.
"What?" she whines, rolling her eyes. "Every girl should have one."
"Yeah, but you have five." Alex holds up her fingers for emphasis. "Five. What do you even need five for?"
That question makes Blair's expression turn positively demonic.
"Do you really wanna know?" she asks, tilting her head. "Because I could be blunt about it."
Alex immediately holds up her hands in surrender. "Nope. No need. I'm good." She grabs her phone. "Our sushi is here, I'll go get it." She's about to step out when she pauses and points at me. "Don't listen to a word she says."
She gives Blair a warning look before leaving.
Blair huffs dramatically. "Look who's talking. She has four, by the way."
I blink. "Four?"
Blair nods seriously. "Yep. And she judges me?"
I shake my head, my brain short-circuiting. "Why do you guys even need that many?"
She smirks. "Variety, babe. One for every mood."
"Oh my God," I groan, covering my face with my hands.
Blair cackles. "Don't act like you're innocent. So? Do you have one?"
I stare at her, speechless. "This conversation needs to end."
She just grins. "Oh, honey, we're just getting started." She leans forward like she's about to hear the best gossip of her life. "So? What do you use now when you're horny?"
I bite my lip, feeling my face heat up again. It's not like I have to answer. I could just lie or brush it off. But at this point, everyone's already throwing their shit out there, so why not?
I take a breath and mumble, "I use a vibrator."
Blair's eyes widen slightly before she makes an exaggerated 'O' shape with her mouth. "Damn, Soph. Didn't expect that from you."
I roll my eyes. "Yeah, yeah. But I need a new one this time."
Saying this out loud feels so weird.
"Then order one," Blair says easily. "I know a good website. Their main store is here so you can get it next week. I could even order it for you if you want."
I blink. "Really?"
She waves a dismissive hand. "It's nothing. Us girls gotta help one another, especially when one hasn't had a good scream of release."
I laugh, shaking my head. "I like you, Blair. You're fucking nuts, but I think I can handle that."
She grins. "Flattery will get you everywhere, babe." Then her eyes gleam mischievously. "Oh, what kind do you want? There's a ton of options."
I hesitate. "Could you possibly order a mini one?"
Blair's smirk turns devilish.
"Ohhh," she drawls. "So you can use it anywhere? You're such a naughty girl, Soph. And here I thought you were one of the holy ones."
I throw a pillow at her face. "Shut up!"
Blair cackles as she dodges the pillow with ease, then leans back against the bed, scrolling through her phone. "No need to be shy, babe. This is a judgment-free zone."
I cross my arms, trying to ignore the heat creeping up my neck. "Yeah, well, you make it really hard to believe that when you keep looking at me like I just revealed some dark, dirty secret."
She smirks but doesn't deny it. Instead, she tilts her phone toward me. "Okay, so we've got options. Do you want something basic or something with a little extra?"
I hesitate, narrowing my eyes at the screen. "Define extra."
She grins, scrolling through a few models. "Well, there's this one-it's small, discreet, super quiet. Perfect if you wanna keep things low-key."
I nod. That doesn't sound too bad.
"Or-" she drags the word out, eyes sparkling mischievously, "-you could get this one. It has multiple settings, plus a little suction action, if you're feeling adventurous."
I choke. "Blair, what the fuck-"
She laughs, slapping her thigh. "Oh, come on. Live a little! You literally just said it's been a while. Why not treat yourself?"
I groan, burying my face in my hands. "Why am I even having this conversation with you?"
"Because I'm an excellent influence," she says smugly. "And because you know I'm right."
I sigh, peeking through my fingers. "Just get the normal one."
Blair fake pouts. "Boring."
"Blair."
"Fine, fine," she waves me off, still grinning. "Normal it is. But don't come crying to me when you regret not getting the fun one."
I shake my head, exhaling sharply. "I hate you."
She winks. "Nah, babe, you love me."
Before I can argue, the door opens, and Alex walks back in with the food. She pauses, looking between us. "Why do I feel like I just walked into something deeply inappropriate?"
Blair snickers. "Oh, nothing much. Just helping our dear Sophie invest in her self-care routine."
Alex squints. "I don't trust you."
"You shouldn't," I mutter.
Blair just grins wider. "Too late."