“That’s because I know why he does it.”
Nearly everyone in the group exploded.
“What?” they all said at the same time.
“How?” Jade asked. “No one has been able to crack that nut for years.”
“Pause.” Mollie held up a hand. “Crack that nut?”
“What? Is it too weird?”
“It’s ... new,” Grace said. “We’ll adjust.”
I laughed, but knew that the women couldn’t hold out forever. “Theo and I have talked quite a bit. So I know a lot about him.”
“Damn, you did that quick!” Jade shook her head. “Congratulations. Now let’s talk about you popping your cherry.”
“Jade!” Grace’s cheeks went dark.
I wasn’t bothered at all, so I continued. “I would definitely let him, but he’s not totally on board with dating me.”
“You could ask,” Mollie said. “I bet he wouldn’t say no.”
If it had been only twenty-four hours ago, I would have. “I won’t lie, I’ve pushed things. And he might be avoiding me now.”
“Oh, that’s why you looked a little sad.” Grace frowned. “I’m sorry, Piper.”
“It’s fine. If I did push it too far, I’ll back off. But I haven’t seen him and I have no idea what he’s up to. So I just have to wait.” I sighed and propped my head up on my palm. “It just sucks because he’s the only person I can touch.”
“Is that how you want it to be?” Grace asked.
“Not really, but it’s what I have to work with. I want to try it with other people.”
“You could try it with us!” Wren said.
“Yes!” Mollie said.
“Only if you want to,” Grace added, “but of course we would.”
I bit my lip as I considered. “That might be a good idea. Especially since I really have been pushing Theo.”
“Yes!” Jade said.
“So, how do we do this?” Mollie asked. “Should we try to touch you? Or you us?”
“I had to be the first one to do it with Theo,” I said. “So me first. Any volunteers?”
“Me!” Jade sat next to me. “I love being an experiment.”
“You would.” Grace chuckled before turning to me. “Is that okay?”
I let out a shaky breath. “I’ll do my best. I don’t know if I can.”
“It’s okay.” Jade’s voice was softer. “Even if you can’t, trying it is a great step.”
Nodding, I tried to imagine touching her. I’d only met her today, but it was a goal of mine to try to get used to touching others, even if I didn’t know them all that well.
My body tightened at the mere thought of it, but I told myself it was okay.
