Chapter seventeen
Someone who already knows the shape of me
Lulu
Icollapse into my chair as the last of my students tumble out for lunch, already hollering down the hall about cafeteria pizza. My phone buzzes against the desk, and before I can even think about grading the pile of essays glaring at me, a new flood of notifications lights up the screen.
That’s Between Us and God
Zoe:Okay, Lulu. It’s officially check-in time. How’s theYear of Yesgoing?
Charlie:Yeah, how’s our girl? Tell me you’ve finally found someone worth all those swipes.
Tamara:Or at least someone who doesn’t eat soup like a serial killer.
Claire:Translation: How many frogs have you kissed since January?
I groan, forehead dropping into my hand. I knew this was coming. The whole “Year of Yes” thing has been a brunch bet since May—me swearing I’d stop saying no to dates, even the weird ones, because “what’s the worst that could happen?” Apparently, the worst is having a hype squad with receipts.
Me:Define “going.”
Zoe:Goingas in… going. Like dates. Drinks. Lingering eye contact across candlelight.
Charlie:Oh my god, candlelight? You’ve gone soft in your relationship era.
Zoe:Shut up, you’re just jealous.
Tamara:Ladies. Focus. Our girl is dodging.
Claire:Which means the answer is either amazing or terrible. Spill.
I bite my lip, hesitating on what to say. Technically, they’re right. Iwasgoing on dates—plural. Coffee, tacos, that one guy who wouldn’t shut up about CrossFit. But somewhere along the way, my “yes” fizzled. I haven’t swiped in weeks. Every match waiting in my inbox just looks like static compared to the one person I’ve been thinking about. Who has also eaten me out on his kitchen counter and agreed to my absurd idea of a sex ideas wishlist.
Me:Okay fine. I might’ve ghosted the apps.
Three dots blinking rapidly, then chaos.
Zoe:WHAT??? Why?
Charlie:Wait. You?? Miss “new year, new me, say yes to everything”??
Tamara:Hahahahaha oh my god, Lulu.
Claire:This is like scandal level nine. Do I need wine?
I snort, covering my mouth even though the classroom’s empty.
Me:It’s not a big deal. I just wasn’t feeling it.
Zoe:Tallulah Parnell. You made a whole PowerPoint about how this was going to be your year of adventure and “expanding horizons.”
Charlie:And you color-coded it. I’ve never seen someone color-code dating apps.
Tamara:Honestly, it was impressive. Borderline terrifying, but impressive.
Charlie:Not to mention the yoni empowerment classes…
Zoe:You nearly made me name my vagina, Lulu. MY VAGINA
