“That’s good.” I try not to make a big deal about it, but I know how rare it is for Shaw to open up like that and I know how much he’d been struggling with his feelings for Brooklyn. If he can be that raw with her, we might be onto something. It’s not a bad thing for us to have Brooklyn in our lives.
Shaw pulls into the parking structure under my building and pulls into the extra space he pays for every month. He cuts off the engine, but doesn’t make a move to get out of the car.
“What are you thinking?” he asks.
“I don’t know. What the fuck should we do?”
“Do you want to keep seeing her?” he asks.
“Of course I do, but I know part of that is coming from a selfish place. I like talking to her. I like hanging out with her. I definitely like having sex with her.”
“Yeah, I don’t hate that part.”
“What about you?”
“I cried in front of her.”
“Okay, yeah. Well, I guess all we can do is ask her how she’s feeling and play it by ear. I think she viewed the time we spent at your house as a one-time thing, but after last night...”
“Yeah, it didn’t feel finished when I left her place this morning. She wanted me to stay and I didn’t exactly want to leave.”
“I’ll text her and see when she’s free.”
“Sounds good. Let’s order something and then I’m gonna swallow your dick.”
“Sounds romantic.” I step out of his SUV, chuckling to myself as he comes around the car and takes my hand.
* * *
Brooklyn
“Does this fit?” Rayna steps out of the dressing room and twirls. I tilt my head to the side and take in the wonky-ass sack dress she’s wearing. It has these weird sleeves and shoulder cut outs. Her boobs seem to be fighting against the whole thing.
“Ehhhh…” Is my gut response.
“How does it feel in the shoulders?” Noa asks.
“Terrible. I actually want to go to this wedding. Why doesn’t the universe want to give me the nice dress I deserve to wear to this wedding?”
“Because the universe doesn’t want you to steal the bride’s thunder,” I say, winking at her.
She turns and checks herself in the mirror against the wall. I’m about to give her my full assessment when my phone vibrates in my bag. I pull it out and manage not to smile at the text notification from Vaughn.
Hey beautiful.
Let us know when you’re free.
Shaw and I wanted to talk to you about something
“It does make my butt look good, though,” Rayna says.
“I’m sure we can find another dress that makes your butt look outstanding,” Noa replies. “Where’s this wedding again?”
“Baltimore. I’m leaving Friday morning as soon as my uncle picks up my nana.”
“It’ll be nice to get a little break,” I add. I’m paying attention to my friends, I swear. My mind is definitely not thinking about Shaw and Vaughn, ass naked and making a Brook sandwich.
“I need to put in more time-off requests with my cousins. I need a real break. Not just a few hours here and there to see you guys and then one weekend a year to go to a wedding. I have rights!”
