I close my eyes, savoring the taste as I slowly sip the hot beverage.
“Is Art fucking anybody?”
I jerk, spilling coffee on my arm. “Shit.”
“I’ll get you some ice.”
“How would I know who he’s fucking?” I snatch the ice-filled Ziplock bag offered to me, pressing it to my reddening skin.
“You could’ve overheard him on the phone talking to a girl or something.” She takes her seat again.
“Well, I haven’t.”
“Oh, okay. Bri and I were wondering why he hasn’t taken us up on our offer for a threesome.”
It takes Lilah awhile to get over a crush, but I was sure Bri—who has the attention span of a fly—would’ve moved on by now. They must really like him. If my secret comes to light, Trevor won’t be the only one affected by my betrayal.
“So now you and Bri are okay with sharing?”
“I guess so. Fighting over Art wasn’t getting us anywhere, so we decided on a temporary truce.”
“It could be that he’s not interested in either of you.”
“A boy doesn’t have to be interested in a girl to have sex.”
“Is sex the only thing you want from him?”
“Of course not, silly. I plan to fuck him so good he’ll be pussy whipped and want to be my boyfriend.”
“Sex won’t hold a guy’s attention for long. Anyway, what about Bri? Doesn’t she want Art to be her boyfriend too?”
“He’ll choose me over her.”
This conversation is giving me a headache.
“Don’t be stupid. You and Bri have been throwing yourselves at him for the last few weeks like complete idiots. If he wanted to fuck, he would have by now. He obviously doesn’t want either of you.” I want to kick my own ass for causing the crestfallen expression on her face. “I’m sorry.”
“You know, Cin, not everyone can have the perfect relationship with the boy next door. Trevor wants a future with you. You have a 4.0 GPA, and you’re a track star with a full ride to an amazing school. You have a big, bright future. I envy you.”
“You have a lot going for yourself.”
“I’ll be lucky if I graduate. I haven’t applied to a single college.”
“What?”
“I’ve been lying to my parents about that. College isn’t for me, but they don’t understand. I have no idea what I’m going to do.” Tears spring to her eyes and spill down her cheeks.
I reach over, giving her a one-arm hug. “We’ll figure this out, together. You like hair, nails, and makeup, so there’s cosmetology school. Community college is also an option.”
She kisses my cheek. “What would I do without you?”
“This is a lovely sight to see first thing in the morning—cousins bonding over coffee.” Katrina helps herself to the coffee before joining us at the breakfast nook.
She is almost the exact replica of my mom, only a little taller with thinner lips and wider eyes.
“Good morning,” I say.
“Morning.” Katrina takes a sip of her drink. “I’m cool, right?”
