Why are we mad? You got the orgasm and the carbs?
It’s the principle, Phi.
Phi
Right. The absolute nerve of him. Pleasuring you virtually and feeding you? What a monster.
Mack
Wait. How warm was the coffee? And was it a toasted bagel? Details matter.
Nessa
Tbh? An orgasm and a bagel bringer? Men have done worse.
Guys. What does this say about me? I can't trust him, and I just jump into—well, onto—him the second I get a little lonely?
Phi
Babe. You didn’t jump into bed. You jumped on a call. Technically, you’re still a modern woman with a cell plan and boundaries.
Mack
You are not the problem here. He blew up your life. You deserve orgasms and bagels and not to feel guilty for both.
Nessa
Duality, babe. You can be mad and still need release. They are not mutually exclusive.
Their support hits me like a warm hug wrapped in sarcasm. And they’re right. I bet guys don’t spiral after phone sex and pastries. I won’t either.
I take a big bite of the still-warm bagel and sigh. Okay, maybe nothing is fully resolved, but at least I’m fueled up for the day.
I slide into my car to run some errands and see the gas meter is on F.Wait, when was the last time I filled up my car?I didn’t, Sam did. Of course he did. Fixing things I didn’t ask him to fix, like it makes up for what he broke.
And the worst part? It works.
18
BECCA
The farmer’s market is louder than usual. Music is playing from opposite corners by local artists, people are laughing, dogs are weaving through legs, the smell of kettle corn and citrus and something fried is wafting in the air.
A low hum cuts through the noise; one of the vendors is testing something electrical. My stomach drops. It’s stupid. And it doesn’t even sound the same. But my body doesn’t care about logic.
For a split second, I’m back in bed. His voice in my ear. The way he said he already knew exactly what I needed.
Heat rushes through me, sharp and immediate. I shift my weight, crossing my arms like that’ll do anything to fix it. Absolutely not, I am not doing this here.
“Earth to Becca,” Phoenix says beside me.
I blink, forcing my focus back. “I’m fine.” I grab my coffee and take a sip, too fast. “Just … distracted.” It’s too hot, but I drink it anyway, scalding my tongue. Something to focus on that isn’t him.
Phoenix walks beside me, her iced coffee in hand,scanning booths like she’s conducting an inspection. “This is dangerous,” she mutters. “I came for produce, and I’m leaving with candles and a dent in my bank account.”
I huff a quiet laugh. “You were always leaving with that.”
She nudges me with her shoulder. “Fair.”
