“Go ahead.”
“In private.”
Slash had been leaning against the center island. She glanced at Carrera before following Jazz onto the porch.
“Can I ask you a question?” Jazz began.
“Go for it.”
“It’s about men… I haven’t had a ton of boyfriends, but they all wanted sex. Russell, well… he wants to wait until we’re married.”
“How do you feel about that?”
“I’m not a super sexual person, but I thought we’d at least see if we’re compatible. I mean, we don’t even make out that much.”
“Have you talked to him about it?”
“I mentioned it, but he’s so busy with the campaign that we usually just see each other at his campaign headquarters.”
This was the first actual conversation she’d had with Jazz. A sliver of hope filled her heart.
Maybe Carrera’s family won’t condemn me for the rest of my life.
“He told me he thinks of me like the Madonna,” Jazz continued. “I’m pure, and he wants me to stay that way.”
“Even after you’re married?” Slash asked.
Jazz shrugged.
That’s fucked up.
“Do you spend the night together?”
“No,” she replied. “We have dinner at his restaurant.”
“What do you talk about?” Slash asked.
“The campaign, our lives in politics, how famous we’re going to be.”
Yup, this is messed up.
“Marriage is supposed to be forever,” Slash said. “I know people get divorced, but if you pick the right person, you’llwantto be with him.” She held up her hand. “I know I’m the last person you want to get marital advice from?—”
“I had a talk with G-ma on the river cruise,” Jazz said. “She asked me to stop being a B to you. She said that you risked your life for her, that you’ve endured our crap for fifteen years, and you deserve our respect. Then, she said that Carrera is in love with you and he isn’t falling out this time, or she’ll kill him herself.”
Slash laughed. “That sounds like Elsa Santini, doesn’t it? Have you talked to your friends about your relationship with Russell?”
“I talked to my friend, Gracie. She told me that every couple is different, and that we have to find what works for us, even if that’s different from everyone else.”
“That’s good advice,” Slash said. “What do you want to do?”
Jazz started moving her hips like she was playing with a hula-hoop.
Slash laughed as Russell poked his head out. “Ready to take off?”
“Gotta go,” Jazz said. “Thanks for talking. Maybe we can become friends, you know, one day.”
“Maybe we can,” Slash replied as they headed inside.
