“Um, Amanda? I asked you if Vincent had done something to annoy you, but ... maybe I should’ve been asking the opposite question.”
I played dumb. “You mean, did I do something to piss him off? Hmmm. I don’t think so. You’d have to ask Vincent, though.”
“That’s not what I meant, smartass, and you know it. Is something going on between you and my idiot brother?”
For a few moments, I didn’t reply. Back after our hook-up, I’d stayed mute about what had happened, because it wasn’t supposed to go anywhere or mean anything. But now ... I couldn’t lie outright to Ava.
“We’re ... friends.” It felt odd to say that, but I realized as I spoke the words that they were true. “I like Vincent. So, yeah. We’re friends.”
“Just friends?” Ava wasn’t going to let this go.
“Why do people say that?Justfriends? That’s terrible. Would you say I’mjustyour friend?” I wondered if I could distract her with semantics.
“Considering that in English, that phrase is idiomatic and means two people who like each other but aren’t currently bumping uglies, then yes, I’d say wearejust friends. Because I think you’re gorgeous, and you’re plenty sexy, honey, but I’m pretty sure we’ve never had sex. Also, stop trying to get me off track here. Tell me the truth. Is Vince putting the moves on you?”
“Did you ever think maybe it was me putting the moves on your poor innocent brother?” I countered.
“Totally. You’re badass, Amanda. And maybe if I was talking to my brother, I’d ask him if that were the case. But from the way you’re evading and eluding, I’m assuming that he’s the instigator here. Now, having said that, I’m not going to lie to you. I’m ninety-nine percent sure you two were together after my engagement party, so the idea that Vincent pursued you after that—well, it’s kind of mind-blowing. Is this really just a friends thing, or are you guys gettin’ jiggy?”
“Ava.” I didn’t know whether to giggle or to groan. “This is your brother you’re talking about. I don’t intend to talk about our sex life with you.”
“Aha!” she shrieked. “So thereisa sex life to discuss?”
“So, Ava,” I said loudly. “We’ll plan for dinner next week. I’ll call Giff, and then I’ll text you to confirm.”
“No way, Amanda! You’re not getting rid of me that easily. I want the details. Are you serious? Are you exclusive? Do you plan—”
“Look at the time! Gotta run. Love you, Ave, hug Liam for me, see you next week.” I hit end on my phone and dropped it onto the table as though she might yet reach through to make me talk.
I took a few deep breaths to calm myself before I ventured to pick up the phone again, this time to text.
Amanda:So your sister just brow beat me into admitting that something is going on between us. I’m sorry. I couldn’t lie to her.
I waited a while, because I knew that this time of the afternoon, he was busy putting the final touches on the evening’s desserts for Cucina Felice. Meanwhile, I turned Professor Nesbit back on and tried to concentrate. When my phone buzzed, I glanced at the screen and grinned.
Vincent:She’s a pain in the ass, isn’t she? I guess that’s why I have three missed calls from her.
I winced, wondering if he was truly pissed off.
Amanda:I’m really sorry. I tried to change the subject, but ...
Vincent:Hey, I’m not worried. I know you wanted to keep us on the QT though. Sorry my sister is a nag.
Now my smile was even wider. I’d been seriously concerned that Vincent might be annoyed that I’d spilled the beans to his sister.
Amanda:I’m relieved. I thought you might be pissed and want to cancel this weekend.
Vincent:No fucking way. I have plans for you this weekend, baby. So I don’t care who knows what or how or when. It’s just you and me ...
Amanda:And hours of meaningful conversation about life and other existential topics?;)
Vincent:If by conversation, you mean sweaty sex, sure.
Amanda:I thought we were about more than sex.
Vincent:We are. But more than implies sex is there. So you have the sex first, and then you add on the more than. I promise, babe, I’ll talk to you while I’m balls deep inside that tight, sweet pussy of yours.
Amanda:You sweet-talker, you. You’re setting my heart a-flutter.
Vincent:That’s not all I want fluttering. Shit, I gotta go. I have to pipe some cannoli for a tray that’s going out in a few minutes. Talk tonight?
Amanda:Talk, yes. Phone sex, no. I’ve decided since we’re going to be having all the sweaty sex this weekend, I’m saving myself.
Vincent:That’s cool. We’ll have some of that meaningful conversation.
Amanda:Good idea.
Vincent:I do my best conversations when I’m naked, btw. Just so you know.
Amanda:Of course you do.
