For a moment I want to say no, but then I’m just like my mom. I don’t want to say one thing and mean another. “Yeah. I’m scared. I don’t want to end up like my parents.”
His expression softens and saddens. “I get that. And it’s okay to be afraid. I am, too. But as long as we’re in it together, we’ll be okay.”
I love you.
I don’t want to lose you.
I bring his hand to my cheek and kiss the back of it.
I don’t know why I’m suddenly on the verge of tears. “I need to use the bathroom for a moment.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” I clear my throat. “I’ll just be a minute.” I bend and kiss him on the cheek as I pass, hoping to wipe the concerned look off his face.
I walk down the low-lit hall and push through the door to the bathroom. It’s just for one person, so I lock the door and spin to face my reflection. My cheeks are flushed. I don’t know what’swrong with me. Maybe it’s exam stress, or how certain Flip seems about our future together.
I smooth my hands over my hips and turn to make sure I don’t have panty lines, which is the moment I discover why I’m unreasonably horny and my feelings are on fire.
It’s shark week.
And not only are my brand-new panties ruined, so is my dress.
CHAPTER 44
FLIP
Ialmost worked up the nerve to tell Tally about Fiona, but then I thought about how much stress she’s already under. It’s unfair to put more on her plate just to get this thing off my chest. I also don’t want to do it in public, so I kept my mouth shut. But when she’s through exams and settled, I’ll be honest with her about that piece of my past, even though it scares the absolute shit out of me.
I glance over my shoulder. Tally has been in the bathroom long enough that I start to worry. My phone buzzes with a new message.
Tally
I have a problem.
Flip
Do you need me?
Tally
I need a new dress and new panties.
I frown and push my chair back.What the hell is going on in that bathroom?
Flip
Coming to you.
I weave through the tables and walk down the hall, scanning the row of individual bathrooms. Three are occupied.
Flip
Which bathroom are you in?
Tally opens the door a crack. Her lips pressed together in a thin line, and she looks like she’s barely keeping it together.
“What happened?” I reach out to touch her hand. “Tell me what you need so I can fix it.”
