Page 86 of These Secret Years

Me

Nothing. Why?

Sullivan

You’re being kind of an asshole, and that’s not like you.

Me

How would you know?

Okay, maybe I see his point.

Sorry. I’m not trying to be.

Sullivan

What are you trying to do then?

Me

Maybe I want to make an appointment or whatever

I stare at the phone, instantly wishing I could take back the text, but also—my heart is in my throat as he types a response.

Sullivan

What happened to the boyfriend?

I clench the phone in my fist, barely managing not to hurl it across the room.

Me

Does it matter?

Sullivan

Oh, okay. So you don’t want this to be friendly. My mouth costs fifty bucks to use for fifteen minutes. And there’s no appointment necessary. You just show up and wait your turn.

Why that gives me a painfully stiff erection, I’ve got no clue. But two things stop me from taking him up on the half-assed offer. One—I’d want more than his mouth. And two—I can’t be seen at that house.

Unfortunately, I’m so turned on and simultaneously drawn back to him, I don’t think I can let this go that easy.

Me

Do you ever arrange to meet anybody outside the parties?

His response makes me a little sick.

Sullivan

Sure

Me

Does it cost extra, or what?

Sullivan