“You don’t have to say anything,” Annaleigh said, standing up to refill our drinks. “You’re an amazing fucking person. Has anyone commented on the fact he named his kitten Phoebe? Because if that isn’t the cutest damn thing ever, I don’t know what is.”
“That was sort of my suggestion.”
“Are you serious? How did that happen?”
“When we got to his house, that episode ofFriendswas on—”
“Omg, that’s hilarious.”
“Totally, I’m just glad he kept her. You should see them together. He’s this big, silent, tattooed adonis who cuddles and coos over a kitten.”
“As if he could say no to you and your purple glasses, making you look like a sexy librarian. What was his name again? I wonder if the cop that helped me knows him. I have his card at my house and could call him if you like.”
“Um. Yeah, I guess. His name’s Mark Hansen.”
“Are you serious?” Annaleigh said, grabbing my hand and staring at me. “That’s the same officer that helped me. Covered with tattoos, mustache, but seems like a nice guy?”
“Oh, wow, but Mark’s a traffic cop. How did he help you with the stalker?”
“He’s my boss’s neighbor.” Annaleigh grinned. “Jake called him as soon as he got wind of what was going on. Jake’s a fantastic boss.”
“I’d say so,” I said, taking a moment to let it all sink in.
If Mark was the same officer that helped Annaleigh deal with her stalker, this would be the perfect way to thank him. It was the least I could do for him helping to protect my best friend.
“So Annaleigh, how are you and broody Max doing?” I asked, reaching for one last cookie. I needed to change the subject, and thankfully, no one called me out.
“Oh, good. Thanks. I told you, Benjamin, that jackass stalker harassing me at the bank was fired, but it feels like the drama with him isn’t over. Max is amazing, though. I’m crazy about him. I think this is it—he’s it for me.”
“Oh, honey,” Olivia said, standing up to hug her and almost spilling her sangria. “I’m so happy for you.”
Annaleigh hugged her back, and before I knew it, all of us were on our feet, embraced in one giant hug.
I loved these girls.
“Jason said I was too loud in bed.” The words tumbled out of my mouth, and I stared at the floor. “And when I asked him to do something different or said something like move lower or higher, he told me he didn’t need a roadmap, and that something was wrong with me if I couldn’t finish.”
They broke the hug to stare at me. I could feel the heat of their gazes as Olivia spoke.
“I will snap him like a butterbean. He still sells insurance, right?” She threw her arms up in the air and reached for her phone, probably about to creep his social media to find out if he changed jobs.
“Oh, stop, Olivia. I broke up with him not long after. I know he’s an asshole, but he got in my head.”I got up and walked to the kitchen, taking a few water bottles from the fridge.
I should never have gone out with him after that first date. There was never a spark, never a connection, and I haven’t dated since.
“A dickless asshole who wouldn’t know where a G-spot was if it bit him on the ass,” Addison yelled from the living room as I walked back and put the waters on the table. I cracked one and took a sip, pulling my hair out from its ponytail and blowing out a breath.
“The type to give your tits a squeeze, two pumps in your pussy, and expect you to thank him and make him a sandwich after?” Annaleigh said, taking one water and another cookie.
“Yes, I mean, no. He just thought he was God’s gift to women, and I should sit back and enjoy the ride.”
“Well, that’s a load of crap,” Annaleigh said. “Listen, I’m the last person who should tell you this because god knows how long I lived in the past, but you can’t let one thing determine your future.”
I couldn’t help but glance at Addison as Annaleigh spoke, and I noticed we all were looking at her, but she was focused on her wine glass like it was diamond-encrusted.
“So, yeah,” Annaleigh finished. “You want to be loud, scream. You want to give directions, freaking draw him a color-coded map. Do you want to invite Mark to stay with you? Do it. Just be smart. Don’t let one comment keep you from dating or from what you want.”
She shrugged and stood up, stretching and glancing at her watch. I checked mine and saw it was almost eleven. Even though my weekend was nothing more than volunteering at a local rescue, I still needed sleep. Addison followed suit, and with one more cookie, we said our goodbyes, making plans to go toB’s Barone evening next week.
