“Last night, when we were drinking, the boys were in the house talking.”
“Yes, ‘man things,’ they said.”
“Which is code for either penis problems, or something to make us think it’s penis problems so we don’t go sniffing around for information.”
“Do you think JP was having penis problems last night? Is that why he wouldn’t have sex with me? I mean, I was naked in front of him and he wasn’t even hard.”
Lottie shakes her head. “No, I don’t think he was having penis problems, because even Huxley was irritated last night and I doubt his brother’s penis problem would make him irritated. This was the kind of irritation that I always associate with work.”
“So, they had a work problem last night?”
“No, I bet you they were dealing with this email. If Dave Toney knew about it last night, he would’ve told the boys. My guess is, someone got their hands on the email that shouldn’t have and the boys were trying to take care of it.”
“But when was it sent?”
“Probably before you guys were together. There’s no way he sent it after. He really likes you, Kelse.”
“I like to think that he does, but... there’s this feeling I have, this feeling I think I’ve always had when getting involved with him. I’m not good enough, not up to his level. I’m not going to fulfill what he needs in life. We’re so different.”
“But you are exactly what each other needs, too.” She grips my cheeks, forcing me to look at her. “Your insecurities are misshaping your view of JP. He’s a good guy. And the more I think about it, the more I’m convinced this is the boys trying to shield us from the truth.”
“The truth being... JP didn’t want to take me to the wedding.”
“Stop it. You don’t know that.”
“Then why didn’t he want me last night?” I cry. “And where was he this morning? Do you think he was with someone else?”
Lottie shakes her head. “No. He’d never do that. You should know him well enough at this point to know he wouldn’t do that, either.”
“But... he didn’t get hard. He didn’t hold me. He’s been so possessive of me ever since we got together, and then, all of a sudden, that just ends? Something is off.”
“Maybe he was worried you’d find out.”
“Because he’s hiding something?”
“Or maybe because he’s afraid of losing you.”
I lean back on the settee and shield my eyes.
“Just text him.”
“Text him what?”
“Text him anything, see what he says. Here, give me your phone.”
I hand it over to her and she types away.
“What are you doing?”
“Showing you that everything is okay. I really think this is all a misunderstanding. JP is crazy about you.” She types away and hitssendbefore flashing me the screen.
Kelsey:Hey, how’s it going over there? You guys having fun?
“See? Casual, easy. We’ll see what he says.”
“That’s if he texts back.”
My phone beeps and Lottie gives me a know-it-all look before she leans in and we read his response together.
