Page 19 of Second Chance

Is she joking? This is a side of her I’ve never seen.

“I’m pretty sure he’d do anyone, so you’ve probably got a shot.” A gruff comment. It’s not meant to insult her but to insinuate Denton is promiscuous. Realistically, I have no idea how willingly he does women. He might have a girlfriend. He might even be married, although I did check his relationship status on Facebook which said: single. But I’ve heard men lie about their status all the time on social media in hopes to lure in women. At least, that’s what Hollilyn tells me. However, I don’t think Denton needs to taunt anyone for attention. I also realize I’m instantly jealous of Alyce’s willingness to do him as well as her eagerness to have him do her. My head falls back again. I don’t know why I care. I don’t care, I mentally tell the ceiling. “He’ll be at the pub.”

I don’t have to look over at Alyce to know she’s jumped up in excitement. I sense her enthusiasm, plus the little clapping she does. Two. Four. Six. Eight. Who do we want to fornicate? Go Denton.

“What are we waiting for? Let’s go.” Alyce smacks the outside of my leg and steps around me. I wish I shared her enthusiasm, but I just don’t. I don’t know what I feel, but after our awkward exchange on the gym floor, I’m certain I’d rather be mauled by a bear than face him.

“I think I’ll head home.” My heart sinks with the suggestion. I don’t want to go home. I look forward to spending time with others, especially at the pub, where I’m the center of attention. I’m not trying to be vain, but it helps suppress the knowledge I’ll eventually go home—alone.

“Oh no, girlfriend.” Alyce sucks in a huge breath and I wonder when she started speaking like a teenager. “We go together. Wingman and all. Or wing woman, I guess, but that just sounds weird. Never mind. Team sport. I’m ready to set. You need to attack.”

Now, she’s using volleyball terms as euphemisms.

“What are you talking about?”

“I saw him talking to you, Mati. It’s time. It’s time to serve.”

What the hell?

“Ace. Point. Match.”

“Alyce?” What the…

“You need sex, Mati. Time to get back out there. Spike the ball.”

“I’m not doing anything to the ball,” I admonish, sitting forward to glare up at my overeager, sex-encouraging friend. And then I’m suddenly thinking things I shouldn’t, like the young adults I coach, and I’m wondering about something Denton said.

There’s no such thing as too big.