“As long as you know what you’re doing, man,” JT says with a slight shake of his head. “I only want you to be happy, and if the no-sex-sex thing with Viv brings you joy, who the hell am I to stand in your way?”
See? This is why JT Norris is my OG bestie. He gets me. “It’s all good,” I assure him. “I’ve got it under control.” It’s a fucking lie, and I should feel guilty because I don’t have jack shit under control—not my feelings for Viv, not my future plans, not even plans for next year. But what’s that advice people always give? Fake it til you make it? Yeah, I’m a pro at that.
11
Viv
Making t-shirts to wear at Regionals is now an annual tradition. It started last year when my best friend was carrying the goalie’s baby, and we’re doing it again this year because now that she’s not eight months pregnant, she needs a new shirt. And I’ve been a cheerleader since kindergarten. You don’t have to talk me into using glitter glue or cutting up some fringe. I own three different be-dazzle machines. My last cheer season might be over, but I’m always up for a good craft party.
The crowd is a little bigger this year than it was last year, and not just because Calla’s on the outside with us. Fallon’s here, busy making a shirt that saysMrs. #69in silver sparkles. God, I love that girl.
Bridgette’s hogging the baby, but I can’t blame her. That little one is adorable, and Maggie can use the break, especially now that Calla is pulling herself up and trying to take steps. She’s still at the fall-on-her-butt stage, but I have no doubt she’ll reach that milestone before I graduate. At least, she better. Maybe I should coach her? If I can whip a cheer squad into shape, I can probably teach a baby to walk, right? I just hate the thought of her hitting all these major stages and me not being around to celebrate.I know I’m just being dramatic. Maggie and her adorable little family will be in Oregon by summertime, so even if I stick around Bainbridge, Maryland and increase my hours at Mind and Body Yoga, I’ll still witness the rest of Calla’s firsts from afar.
I’ll also witness them from afar if the job I really want pans out. I pull up the email on my phone and reread it for the forty-seventh time. Yep. The words are still there in all their digital glory. Destination Cruiselines still needs a yoga instructor. They’re still interested in interviewing me. And my appointment is still two weeks from today. It all seems too good to be true.
“What are we looking at?” Maggie asks, setting down a plate of food and taking the seat next to me. “Oh my god, tell me you’re shopping for butt plugs. I’m so intrigued. Also, terrified, so I think I’ll just live vicariously through you.”
“I’m not shopping for butt plugs,” I tell her. “The three I have work great.”
“Three? Are you joking?”
“Who jokes about butt plugs?” I ask her, stealing a cookie from her plate. “And yes, I have three. I think the beads are their own category, don’t you?” Everything I’m saying is completely true, but I also live for shocking the hell out of my best friend.
“What’s the website? Do they only sell butt stuff? Because I kind of think a blindfold might be hot? I mean, I guess I don’t need a special blind fold. I could just use one of JT’s ties, right?”
“Ties are very useful,” I agree. “But a silk blindfold? Yeah, babe. You need one. We’ll go shopping soon. I need new bras anyway. We’ll make a day of it. We’ll do a sex toys and lingerie day.”
“Yes,” Maggie agrees, nodding enthusiastically. “Count me in. I can probably talk Bridgette into babysitting,” Maggie says, reaching for my phone. I hand it over because there are no secrets between us.
“You can absolutely talk me into babysitting,” Bridgette calls over her shoulder.
“You’re the best,” I say back to her. Okay, Calla’s not technically my child, so Bridgette’s not actually doing the favor for me, but Maggie and I are closer than most sisters I know, so I consider her family, and that obviously extends to her daughter.
“Vivian. Charlotte. McDonald. Are you for freaking real right now?” Maggie’s eyes are wide when she sets the phone on the table and looks at me.
I can’t keep the smile off my face. “It’s not a done deal, not at all. But, I have an interview. A million other people do too, I’m sure. But Maggie, if this works out? If I get the job? Can you even imagine? And they dock twice a year in Vancouver, which isn’t super far from where you’ll be. And I would get time off and I could stay with you and that way I won’t miss all of Calla’s big moments.”
“You won’t miss any of them,” Maggie tells me with confidence. “That’s why there are video chats and message apps.”
“I know. But it’s not really the same,” I say, breaking off a piece of chocolate chip cookie and popping it into my mouth.
“It’s almost as good,” Maggie assures me, picking up the other half of the cookie and takes a bite.
“Almost,” I whine. “You know, if the cruise ship thing doesn’t work out, I bet they have yoga studios in Portland.”
“Don’t tease me like that,” she warns, sliding the plate of snacks a little closer to herself. “I’m going to miss the hell out of you. But I also know you’ll never be happy in just one place. That’s why the cruise ship is the perfect job for you. It’s the adventure you need. As much as I would love to drag your ass all over my new city with me, and as much as I’m going to miss seeing you every day, I know you need this. You’ve always had this wanderlust about you. Honestly, it’s kind of surprising thatI’m the one who went all the way to California for school, and you’re the one who stayed here.”
She’s right. On the surface, it is surprising. But when you add in the fact that Maggie’s grandmother was trying to control every aspect of her life, it makes more sense. Plus, I got a full scholarship to cheer, and free money is the best kind. “Yeah, part of me really, really wants this job. I want to experience everything the world has to offer. I’m trying not to get too excited about it because god only knows how many other candidates there are at this point.”
“It doesn’t matter how many other people are up for the job. You’re the best one,” Maggie says, proving once again that I have the best taste in best friends.
“Let’s hope I nail the interview and the cruise ship people agree.”
“They will. And I’m just glad you’re going to go for it. I was kind of worried that you might decline the interview because of…well, certain things.”
“What certain things?” I ask, clearing our space so we can get to work. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Maggie busies herself with laying our shirts out and taking time to smooth out every wrinkle. I’m about to start pelting her with tiny little gemstones, but I don’t want to waste them because then my tee won’t be as sparkly. Finally, she looks at me with a mischievous smile. “Things like your situationship with a certain redheaded hockey player.”
