“Do you know why?”
“Because I told him that we couldn’t have sex.”
Tossing her napkin at my face, she flopped back with a deflated groan. “Here I was, blaming him, but that’s on you.”
“But I also said it was a one-time thing, and I went back on that.”
“That’s different than sex. You’re going to have to flat-out tell him.” I opened my mouth, but she read my mind and talked over me. “And begging in the heat of the moment doesnotcount.”
I hung my head back and let out a grumble. “Ugghhh, I was worried you were going to say that.”
“Well, if you want to escalate to sex buddies from… whatever you are.”
“Friends-with-benefits,” I filled in.
“Really puts a different spin on your work benefits. But if you want those benefits to include a little PTO, you need to talk to him.”
“PTO?” I asked haltingly, not sure I wanted to know.
She confirmed my hesitancy was correctly placed when she said, “Penis Time Orgasms.”
“Oh my God.”
“Yes, I’m sure you’ll say that.” Her laughter at her own bad joke faded, and sincerity softened her face as she smiled. “You shouldn’t be nervous about telling him. He likes you.”
“I guessed that when he went down on me until I nearly passed out.”
“He did?” She shook her head. “Wait, no, that doesn’t matter. I mean, yes, it does, but?—”
“Sorry, sorry, sorry. I know I’m late, but I’m here.” Wren, that beautifully curvy goddess, chose that moment to sit. She looked between us. “What did I miss?”
Maddie looked two seconds away from a freakout, so I did the nice thing.
I took the focus off her and eased us into a conversation that likely wasn’t appropriate for mid-day in a public place, but whatever. “That my boss goes down on me until I’m on the verge of passing out.”
Her immediate glee was quickly smothered as worry clouded her dark eyes.
“Consensually,” I tacked on. “As friends-with-benefits.”
That allowed her to fully rejoice in the turn of events. “Amazing how your boss is providing services that your long-term boyfriend didn’t.”
I grimaced and stuck out my tongue. “Oof, don’t bringhimup.”
“Still radio silence?” Maddie asked.
“Blessedly.”
“And now that you’re getting those benefits you were missing out on, there is no reason for you to let him worm his way back into your life.” Wren picked up the waiting mimosa and clinked it against mine. “A reason to celebrate. Even if it is shocking.”
“If you think that’s shocking, wait until Maddie—ouch!” I lifted my leg to rub where she’d kicked me in the shin. “It was a good opening.”
“What Tripp says to you at night,” Wren joked.
“I was easing you in,” I continued.
“Whatyousay to Tripp at night,” Wren joked again. That time just as the server came to take our order.
The guy flushed bright red and hustled away, which was a shame since I was really hungry.
