But before I can ask about her parade, she says, “We could really use something fun… a trampoline park, cat cafe, roller rink with a giant disco ball, and basically anything that stays open late—I’m a night owl.”
“Make note of those suggestions, Blake.” I pause until he picks up his phone to carry out the lie and also to steel myself for lying to her. The pause is useful, gives me time to realize I could make some of her dreams come true. My grandma left me a huge inheritance that I invested.
Everyone thought I was crazy for not spending it, but I didn’t know what I would spend it on. They’ll probably think I’m even crazier for finding my answer in Cecilia, my long-lost-son’s ex-girlfriend.
Cecilia’s continued ideas shake me back to reality. “Someone bought the old barbershop, maybe you could coordinate plans and turn this dead zone into a fun zone.”
I pretend to look for the barbershop. “There it is. Make note of that too.” I turn to Cecilia. “Speaking of fun, I wanted to ask you about that parade with no panties.”
“No Panties Day! It’s kind of self-explanatory. I’m planning a parade where no one is wearing panties. It’s going to take place right here. People got kind of pissy when I said I was going to do it on Main Street. My boss, Bev, worried it wouldn’t be hygenic for people to parade past the diner withoutproper attire.” She stops to laugh, no doubt remembering our last meeting at the diner. “So silly. It’s not like we won’t be wearing anything. I’m personally going for a sundress.”
“I’m with your boss. Advertising that you’re not wearing underwear isn’t the best idea.”
Blake adds, “Right here? On this street?”
She nods.
He continues, “How many people will be in the parade?”
“Don’t really have a headcount. We’ve just been telling people and they tell people.”
“What is the point?” Blake asks the question that’s on my mind.
“Mostly just fun. Technically, it’s National Go Commando Day, but Commando can mean too many things. I don’t want guys showing up with guns.”
Blake and I shift uncomfortably.
“Can’t you celebrate in your backyard or something?” Again, as soon as the question is out of my mouth, I know she’ll object. Her free spirit must be put on this earth to balance me. I need someone like her in my life to remind me to loosen up.
But a parade on the day and location of our bust… guys and guns will definitely be involved. Too risky.
She shakes her head. “You mean my parents’ backyard? Not exactly a fun vibe.”
That explains why we can’t go back to her place. Am I so desperate to get laid, I can’t think straight? Can’t see all of the signs pointing to why this—relationship—or whatever I want with her is doomed.
“How about a park? Somewhere contained.”
“How about you don’t rain on my parade. There are enough people telling me what I can and can’t do. Let’s revisit something more fun like the lesson for the day.” She points at the clementine on the dash. “Can I have that?”
I nod.
Blake chuckles. “Today’s lesson… the syllabus item you were about to mention.”
She finishes the clementine and boops his nose. “You know how in movies it looks like a guy’s just sitting in a truck then awoman lifts her head from giving him a blow job? I want to do that.”
“Did you forget part of the first lesson? You always come first. Any requests there?” Blake is playing right into her charade.
I wish I could let go like the two of them. I want to. I also wish that we could finish this job and get out of this town, taking her with us. And then there’s my wish that Henry would accept me and my side of the story. The chances of any of those things happening is slim.
She raises her hand.
“Yes, Cecilia.” The formality in Blake’s voice makes me laugh.
“In the interest of a proper education, we need to keep variety in the lessons. For instance, I want to come last so I don’t have to do anything afterward.”
“She has a good point, Professor Ackerman.”
I’m surprised Blake hasn’t whipped his cock out yet. Seeing that I’m going to lose this battle, I make an effort. “Fine, Professor Chamberlain. It’s worth exploring.”
