Then the way he left hits me like a brick wall.That will never happen again.
“Definitely not.”
Tess’s laugh, a piercing shriek of delight, is loud enough for the whole bar to hear. People look over. I wave at our server in apology and turn to Tess.
“Shush! What you saw was an accident.”
Her eyes glitter across the table. “I’m sure if I hadn’t cockblocked you, there would have been an accidental kiss, too. Maybe some accidental groping. Your pants might have accidentally comeoff?—”
“Imeanit happened so fast I wasn’t thinking about where we were or who he was.” I drop my head into my hands. “I can’t believe I dry-humped Funny Bunny in my classroom.”
She lets out another giddy laugh, and bounces in her seat like she can’t contain her joy.
Leaning forward, she whispers, “I knew it! I just knew you two liked each other. The sexual tension when you’re together” —she fans herself with her menu— “I mean, I could cut it with a knife.”
“There is no sexual tension,” I say flatly.
But really? I want to scream and thrash and maybe even break something. I amnotan overly sexual person. I have no idea where this lusty version of Brie came from, but she had to come out of hiding forSawyer? Of all the men on Earth, it had to be him?
Tess’s grin is wider than the Cheshire Cat’s. “There’s sexual tension, alright. I get second-hand horny when I’m around the two of you.”
“Oh my god!” I glance around to see if anyone heard her. “What has gotten into you?”
She sips her water, cheeks high with a suppressed smile and tinged pink. “I just feel lighter since the restraining order.”
I can’t help beaming at her. Tess asked me to meet her Saturday morning after the Taco Tursday fiasco, and I went with her to the police station. I was so proud of her.
“I’m glad you still feel good about it.”
“I do! Now I’m free.” She lifts her arms up and flaps her hands in the air.
“What did Nash say when you told him about it?”
She shifts uncomfortably in her seat.
“Tess! Tell me you told your brother about therestraining order. He has to be worried about you after what happened that night.”
“Doubt it,” she says, ducking her head.
And then I understand. “You never told him about that night?”
She drops her chin. “He’s just so busy! I don’t want to add another thing for him to worry about.” Sitting up straighter, she adds, “Besides, it’s all over. I have the restraining order. CJ can’t bother me again.”
I don’t like it, but I understand her reluctance, I’m not one to spew personal details either. And all I know about her relationship with Nash is what she’s told me. I don’t want to overstep. Besides, she’s right about the restraining order. Thisshouldbe the end of her problems with her ex.
Still, I know that’s not always realistic. I read somewhere that abused women are statistically most vulnerable after attempting to leave, or after reporting the abuse.
And I also know from my many attempts that Tess is steadfast in staying at her apartment. She won’t even consider staying with Gia and me for a few weeks.
“Just promise you’ll be careful. And come to me if you ever need help,” I say. “With anything.”
“I promise. Two Emerson Ave.”
“Good.”
Our server comes by to take our orders. I hope it acts as a tidy little bookend to all things ex-boyfriends and bunnies, but as soon as she’s gone, Tess leans in again, eyebrows drawn up in expectation.
“Now, tell me why you’re here with me instead of anywhere with Sawyer.”
