“Do you think he’s the one?”
“Who? Zac?” I ask, surprised by her question. “We’ve only seen each other four times since we met that one night, whichI’m not mad about, as I think he wants us to hook up.” I make a face at the thought and immediately feel guilty.
There’s nothing wrong with Zac. He really is cute, but he’s such a bro, and I’ve never been one who’s into preppy, cocky guys.
“You don’t want him to be your first?”
“Not at all.” I practically gag. “I want a real man … like …” My voice trails off. I cannot admit I’ve been lusting over my boyfriend’s brother. It would be pathetic and shady. “Well, someone older and wiser.”
“But Zac’s so rich, right?”
“I guess his family is.” I shrug. “I don’t care how much money he has. I do know his parents are paying his tuition to Columbia University and bought him his own apartment in Midtown West that he shares with his two friends. But it’s not likehe’srolling in money or anything.”
“He’s cute though.” Brielle beams as she sips her chocolate milkshake. “Do you think you’ll marry him one day?”
“Brielle”—I cross my arms and stare at her—“do you really think he and I have a relationship that’s going to stand the test of time?” I raise an eyebrow and grab my phone. “Look at our last text messages.” I scroll back on the screen and then hand her the phone to read.
Zac: Hey, babe. Tristan and I are thinking of going to Atlantic City next month. Do you and some of your friends wanna come? I got the hotel and food. Just bring a bikini.
Katherine: Hey, not sure if we can make it. Exams are coming up. :(
Zac: Ah, babe. I want some alone time with you.
Katherine: Soon.
Zac: Do you wear thongs or granny panties?
Katherine: ???
Zac: Was just lying here in bed, trying to picture you …
Katherine: Oh, ha-ha-ha. Sorry, about to meet Brielle and Willow. Chat later.
Zac: Do you think they’d be up for a foursome? They are both so hot as well.
Katherine: Zac! Really?
“He asked you if we’d have a foursome with him?” Brielle bursts out laughing. “Is he crazy?”
“You see what I mean? He’s totally not hubby material.”
“So, why are you still dating him?”
“I guess he’s better than nothing.” I shrug, but I’m not going to admit I still fantasize about his brother. “Man, that sounds horrible, doesn’t it?”
“I mean, it doesn’t sound great.” She giggles and then eats another fry. “But what can I say? I’m single, and I wish I had a boyfriend. And Willow’s not exactly batting them away either, unlike her horrible cousin, Charlotte. Did I tell you I heard she gave the gym teacher a blow job for two hundred fifty dollars?”
“Not Grumpy Jonas?” My jaw drops. “She did not …”
“She did. Charlotte will do anything for money.” Brielle laughs. “I swear she’d sell her soul for a Gucci handbag.”
“Does she have a soul?”
“Me thinks not.” She shakes her head. “I can’t wait until we can all get out of Whispering Haven. Willow can get away from Charlotte and her aunt. I can get away from my dad—I mean, I love him, but let me have a life. And, well, your family is perfect, so I guess you don’t want to get away.”
“My family isfarfrom perfect.” I let out a long sigh.
I hate complaining about my mom and dad because they get so much right, but they also get so much wrong. Like the fact that my dad spent the ten thousand my grandparents had given him to save for my college fund on an idea he had to make money and lost it all. He cried when his idea to provide entertainment for dog birthday parties hadn’t paid out. He’d bought a bunchof dog toys, treats, and outfits and then spent money on ads. He thought dog owners would be so excited for his parties that he’d be so busy that he’d never see us for months, but that was far from the truth. He’d received one call—from someone who thought he was a dog groomer—and that was it. The treats went stale, the toys were donated to an animal shelter, and the clothes are still sitting in the garage. To say I am pissed that I have no financial help for college now is an understatement.
