Wes winks at me. “You’re pregnant?”
I give him a deadpan look with an exaggerated eye roll. “No, dumbass. I got the job as an environmental educator back home. It’s a nature day camp, and it pays pretty damn well, starting at fifty-five thousand a year. It’s only temporary until I can get my feet wet and start creating my own organization.”
I dip my finger into the small jar of fiber paste and rub my hands together to warm it up. I run my fingers through my hair, taming it so it doesn’t look like I just climbed out of bed.
Wesley’s eyes blow wide and his jaw drops. “Why didn’t you tell me, dude?”
“Surprise?”
He yanks me into a hug and pats my back, my arms spread out so I don’t get hair goop on him. “Congratulations, man.”
“Thanks! I can’t wait to tell Geoff. He’s going to be fucking excited.”
I haven’t told Mike yet either, keeping it a secret until I get back into town. I’d been hoping to find work back home, so I wouldn’t have to leave him behind. Is it weird that I’ve planned my life around Mike? Maybe. He never felt the way I did, but he’s still special all the same. But I miss Cannon Beach, too. It’s my home. The West Coast will always call me back.
Wes leans against the wall as I wipe my hands on a towel, grab my short-sleeve button-up, and shrug it on. “How’s that going to work with you back in Cannon Beach and him going to law school in Portland?” he asks.
“We’ll figure it out. Lots of people long-distance date, right? I mean, it’s only an hour-and-a-half drive. He can finally come visit. He really needs to meet my parents and Aaron. They’ve been nagging me to invite him to stay for a long weekend.”
Wes and I have grown really strong in our friendship over the years. The last two of which we’ve been roommates in a tiny apartment off campus. Unfortunately, he’s only going back to Cannon Beach for the summer before returning to the University of Oregon, where he’ll work in physical therapy for the football team.
“What are you going to tell Mike about Geoff? He’s going to meet him eventually.”
I eye my friend and wince. “Yeah…”
He runs a hand through his thick blond hair and rolls his eyes at me with exasperation. “Den… you have to tell him.”
“Iwill. It’s just weird, you know? I’ve been crushing on Mike since I was fucking twelve. Sure, we aren’t together and never will be, but it’s like… I don’t know. It’s hard to explain.”
“Like you’re betraying him.”
“God, it’s eerie how you get me. Yeah.Exactly. I’ll tell him when we get back into town.”
He scoffs at me. “You won’t have a choice if your boyfriend comes to town. You can’t avoid it forever.”
“Yeah, yeah… I know.”
Geoff and I met before winter break last year in environmental justice class. He’s going to be an environmental lawyer, which is so awesome. I love that we have so much in common, and I can’t wait for this next phase of our lives to start. I especially can’t wait until he visits Cannon Beach and meets my family. God, I hope Mike likes him. Even more, I hope Geoff likes Mike. If they don’t, I’m not sure what I’ll do.
Once my shirt is buttoned up and my socks and shoes are on, we head to the kitchen and pour one more shot of lighter fluid. I’m not sure cheap whiskey even qualifies as whiskey.
“I need a girl under me tonight,” Wes says, raising his glass and downing the harsh liquor. He winces and coughs because it’s fucking nasty, but perfect when you don’t have money and want a buzz for a party.
I toss mine back, too. “Wes, you have the worst luck with girls,” I wheeze from the burn.
“That’s why I’m just going to have fun. I’m tired of looking for Miss Right. Hopefully, one day, she’ll just fall into my lap.”
“Yeah, I’m not sure it works like that,” I chuckle. “God, I want some fun, too. It’s been a while since Geoff and I have been together like that, between classes, work, and finals. My dick is lonely as fuck.”
“Ugh, TMI, Den. Is lover boy meeting us there?”
“Nah, he said he’s got to work. Oh, and I have a meeting with Professor Mitchell tomorrow in the early afternoon. So, I won’t get to see Geoff then, either.”
Wes raises a brow. “On a Saturday?”
“Yeah, he’s busy with end of the year shit. You know, he’s been a great mentor for the past few years, so he wanted to see me off before I leave college for good. I’m not sure I would’ve survived college without all his support and encouragement.” I put my shot glass in the sink and rinse it. “Anyway, Geoff and I will meet up tomorrow night.”
“Cool! Now, let’s go party! I need to get laid!” Wes whoops, making me laugh.
