“First of all, don’t kink shame.” I point at her. “Second of all, insect pinning is a well-respected hobby.”
“Gross.” She points her finger down her throat. I give her a little shrug just as the lights lower and the previews come on the screen.
“Tell me, tell me, tell me!” Gia shakes me so hard I almost fall off the stool.
We’re three drinks in—maybe four? I can’t be sure about that, but I do know I feel great and I’m happy to be here with my friend.
Dinner ended up being us sharing an appetizer. The drinks were much more important. Besides, we filled up on popcorn—and chocolate—at the movies. Being with Gia makes me feel like a kid again, and I absolutely love it.
“Okay, okay, okay,” I laugh, putting my hands on the bar so I don’t slip off the stool.
I made the mistake of telling Gia Elliot’s favorite thing isn’t fucking me. I can’t quite remember how the words went, but she got what I meant and has been begging me to tell her what it is he’s obsessed with, even though I’m sure she already knows.
“Let’s go, Sera. Out with it,” she pleads.
“Fine! Okay.” I clear my throat and look into her eyes, grabbing my drink. “He loves eating me out.”
She squeals again, but this time it isn’t as noticeable since we’re in a pub that’s playing loud music, and the customers are all chatting loudly.
“He sounds too perfect,” she says. “He can’t be real.”
“I think the same thing,” I say around my straw before taking a sip.
“So, is this like a forever thing or just a having fun thing?” she asks, taking the last of her drink and pushing the cup to the edge of the bar. The bartender, a cute guy named Simon with red curly hair and lots of freckles, picks up the glass and asks if she wants another.
“Of course I do. My friend here is telling me all about her new sexy boyfriend. Bring on the alcohol, my friend.”
I laugh, shaking my head. Thankfully Simon laughs too.
“You want another?” he asks me.
“Damn right she does!” Gia answers for me.
I nod, letting him know that I do want another drink and I’m not being pressured into it.
By the time I get it, the one in my hand is empty.
“Okay, come on, Sera. Answer the question now.” She rolls her wrist, gesturing for me to get on with it.
“I don’t know.”
“How do you not know?”
“It’s new and we haven’t talked about it. But I don’t think it’s a forever thing, Gia. I mean, he’s Harrison’s father. Harrison is going to lose his shit when he finds out, and Elliot won’t pick me over his son. And I wouldn’t expect him too, either. Besides that, he’s more than twice my age. We’re on two very different walks of life.”
“That sounds like insecurities talking,” she sing-songs, picking up her full drink.
I don’t even remember what it is we’re drinking. All I know is mine is pink and hers is yellow.
“It’s not,” I assure her. “Since being with him, I’ve been nothing but confident.”
“I’ve noticed,” she says with a smile.
“Seriously, Gia. I feel so good. He makes me feel so good. I even stood up to Harrison.”
“I know, babe. I can see it in you. I’m proud of you.”
I lean against her, throwing my arms around her and giving her a hug. She hugs me back, and we stay like that for a while. Until emotion clogs my throat, and I pull away.
