“Yeah. Or semi-friends, anyway. That was actually what I liked about her. We could hang out and it was no big deal.”
“?‘Was’? So, I’m guessing things have changed?”
Yes? I mean—no?
“Honestly? I have no idea.” I sigh. “What should I do about tonight?”
“I mean, do you actually wanna go?”
“Maybe… I’m confused. I can’t tell whether the Carrie thing is just physical, or…” I clench my fist. “This is so fucking annoying! Did you see how she just ran away like that? Like, ‘Okay, Donny—you got this, see you tomorrow’?” I shake my head. “She doesn’t give a fuck. Maybe I should see how things work out with Cheyenne first.”
“I don’t know what to say, man.” Adam shrugs helplessly. “Idoknow you can’t date this other girl just to prove a point to yourself, though.”
And that’s pretty much what I would be doing. Adam knows his shit. He’s the only virgin I know who actually turns down easy sex.
I rake a hand through my hair. “Man. My life was so much easier when I was just picking up girls, doing my thing.”
“Why change that, then?”
Don’t go there, Adam…
“And don’t give me your usual bullshit, Don,” he warns.
The big scary secret I’ve been keeping for so long suddenly doesn’t seem like such a big deal after all. And if I’m going to tell anyone, it’s Adam—he gives the best advice.
In a few quick sentences, I bring him up to speed, and it’s insane how good I feel once I’ve got it off my chest—all that weight I’ve been carrying since summer suddenly floating away.
He stares at me in silence for a while.
“Man, I gotta tell you. You’ve handled this like a pro. It’s too bad you didn’t come to me earlier—I would’ve told you what an amazing job you’re doing.” He punches my arm. “Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, you bounced back. Now you just have to set things straight with your sis.”
I shake my head. “Amelia is still pissed at me. She’s not ready to forgive.”
“She doesn’t know how hard you’ve been working on yourself since you found out what happened, though. I’m betting she’s going to really appreciate that.” He smiles at me. “Give her some space, and she’ll realize it was all just teenage bullshit. What’s done is done.”
“Would you bet money on it?” I flash him a smile.
“Call it fifty.”
“Somebody’s feeling confident.” I laugh.
I turn on the faucet and start washing my hands.
“So, what’s the plan for tonight, my friend?”
I watch the water flow down the drain, weighing up my options.
“Let’s skip the mall.”
“Good answer.”
“I already have a date outfit.”
He jerks his head up. “You sure?”
“I think better on a full stomach,” I say, toweling off my hands.
He shakes his head. “It’s your call, man. Can’t wait to hear how it works out for you.”
