Lily:
Shut up
Lily:
What’re you doing?
Harlow:
Watching a movie with my hot date.
My breath catches until a photo appears in the text thread. It’s Daisy cuddled up on Harlow’s side, and she’s so adorable I could cry.
Lily:
Lily:
Omfg I’m so jealous
I’m staring at the small glimpse of Harlow’s thick thighs beside Daisy as the pan sizzle hits a crescendo. I glance up and lunge forward, taking my tongs and snatching the burnt tortilla from the oil. I curse and sayfuck it. This is too dangerous.
Harlow answers my phone call after the second ring. “Hello?” she asks hesitantly.
“Sorry, I’m frying tortilla shells, and you were distracting me so much I burnt the first one.”
“I’m sorry?” she says, and I laugh.
“You should be! I’m so hungry I just might eat this crispy ass shell, anyway.”
Harlow snorts. “I was going to ask if you can cook, but I think this answered that.”
“Oh, my god. Whatever!” I huff. “I’m a fantastic chef, thank you very much.”
She chuckles unconvincingly. “Making dinner for your own hot date?”
“The hottest,” I say. “My bottle of Pinot Noir.”
She laughs a little breathlessly and sounds shocked when she asks, “Seriously?”
“Yeah. Why’d you say it like that?”
“I … I don’t know. It’s Valentine’s Day. I kind of assumed … I don’t know.”
“You’re cute when you’re flustered.” I smile to myself. “But no, this day is too romantic. Even when women say they’re fine with casual, I’ve been burned one too many times after spending this night together. It’s easier to avoid it altogether.”
“That …” She pauses. “That makes sense.”
I can’t lie, the thought crossed my mind that the reason I hadn’t heard from Harlow is because she’s out on a date. Yet, I’m surprised by how relieved I am that she’s not. Sex with Harlow is great, and I don’t want to lose another casual partner.
I know she said she’s not interested in a relationship, but neither was Marisol—a gorgeous woman who lives by me in San Francisco. I could always count on her for a fun night, until she met her now girlfriend, Bianca. With Casey making things with Dakota official and then Marisol and Bianca, I can’t help but feel some type of way. It’s hard finding someone I enjoy hooking up with who won’t develop feelings. I meant what I told Harlow, I’d be a terrible girlfriend, and it’ll only result in hurt feelings if I try.
“My tacos are done,” I say as I pull myself from my thoughts. I flick the burner off and take my assembled tacos to the couch. “Tell me, what are you and sunshine watching?”
There’s a rustling on the other end like she’s getting comfortable. “It’s a psychological thriller, but the plot has gone way over my head. I have no idea what’s happening.”
“Damn. And now I have a newfound appreciation for the judgemental pug.”
“It’s probably the superior choice,” she concedes.
