Liv: Amazing what happens when I’m not responsible for the education of young and impressionable minds.
Jamie: You’re a saint, Liv.
Sarah: Seriously, I only have two teens. I don’t know how you deal with classrooms of them!
Asher: Can’t make it this week, ladies. Have fun without me!
Maeve: Asher’s out? Who will play bartender?
Val: I mix a mean drink. I’ll cover for him. Don’t forget, Rosalie is out of town. She’ll miss Friday, too.
Maeve: Oh, that’s right! Rosalie, how’s your trip going? Where did you say you were again?
I have an airtight alibi, along with some photos as evidence to back up my lie. Still, my gut twists, a familiar knot of betrayal taking root when I think of misleading my friends.
Me: I’m in San Diego. Sitting by the beach now.
I include a photo of my toes in the sand with the shoreline in the background. They don’t need to know the original was taken over ten years ago. Thankfully, feet don’t gain wrinkles, stretch marks, or laugh lines like the rest of my body.
Asher: JEALOUS.
Bernadette: I love San Diego! Have a blast. You deserve this! Can’t wait to hear all about your trip next week.
Maeve: Yes, I want ALL the details.
Uneasiness twists my stomach. Maeve couldn’t possibly know I’m here. Could she? Jackson would have told me. I exit out of the text thread and find a message waiting from Jackson. I didn’t notice it before. My heart skips a beat as I press his name and read.
Jackson: I can’t stop thinking about last night.
Jackson: And this book isn’t helping. I can’t wait to do all of this with you.
The idea of acting out one of the scenes sends a thrill down my spine. I’ve never been with a partner who was open to role play—or anything outside of vanilla, really. Jackson is pretty much the opposite of everyone I’ve ever been with.
Me: Even the threesome?
Jackson: Spoiler alert! I’m not there yet.
Me: You’re in for a treat.
Jackson: Just to be clear, when I said I’d be up for reenacting any of these scenes, that did not include other partners. I’m not sharing you with anyone.
Me: Would you share me with Mr. Darcy?
Jackson: The guy from the movie?
Me: My dildo.
Jackson: Fucking hell, woman.
Me: Is that a yes?
Jackson: I’ll make an exception for cocks of the silicone variety.
A chuckle escapes my lips.
Me: That’s so generous.
Jackson: You haven’t seen generous yet.
