“What? I bet he has just the right tools for the job. A screwdriver to loosen you up.”
“Nope.”
“A hammer for a good pounding.”
“Stop it.”
“A truly impressive set of chisels. Endless depths to be plumbed.”
I swat my arm at her, sending the porch swing we’re perched side by side on careening.
“Hey now, don’t assault me just because you like a guy.”
“I don’tlikehim,” I protest. “Honestly, it’s just sex.”
“Just incredible sex, based on the way you’re still all flushed.”
I can’t help but grin in concession. “Just…amazingsex. I think maybe this is just what I needed. A fun, no-strings-attached summer fling. Something to get my mind off all the drama back home for the next six weeks, before it’s back to the real world.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
“What is mmm-hmm?”
“Mmm-hmm is the sound I make when I’m calling you out on your bullshit.”
I scoff. “What bullshit?”
“Allow me to enumerate.” She ticks off on her fingers. “First of all, you’re still wearing his shirt.”
“I… I had company. I wasn’t about to just disappear on you for a wardrobe change.”
“Marissa, I’ve known you since you were twelve and stuffing tissues in your bras. I am not company.”
I flush at the memory of one particularly awkward day on set, when the corner of one such tissue escaped the top of my shirt and Jonathan Tyler Green asked if I had a cold.
“Two,” she continues, “you don’t have fun, no-strings-attached summer flings.”
My mouth falls open.
“Of course I do!” I protest after a beat.
“No, you don’t.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Yeah? Name one guy you slept with after fewer than three dates.”
I flush under her pointed gaze. God, the audacity of best friends, knowing you better than anyone else. She’s right, though: I never would have slept with Jesse if I hadn’t caught feelings for him. But it’s not like anything is going to come of it. Our paths might have temporarily intersected, but long term, we’re on completely differenttracks. Summer will come to an end. And when it does, I’ll get back to my real life, and he’ll get back to his. That’s all there is to it.
If only the thought didn’t make my stomach turn over.
Eager to avoid her scrutinous gaze, I twist away from her, fixing my attention on the lake.
“Well, things have changed this summer. I’ve changed. I’m turning over a new leaf. A new, casual-sex leaf.”
She snorts out a laugh, clearly unconvinced.
“Whatever you say, Captain Monogamy.”
