Page 78
“Dax filled in his side. It’s quite a thing you two need to come to terms with. I want you to be careful. Don’t lose yourself and your dream job in a man who pre-purchased those ping pong balls six months ago.”
“I’ll be mindful. But I’m also falling hard and fast for the memories of him and the Hayden I know. All those pranks and passion for hating me has kind of flipped, and now it’s playful and perfect. He’s more caring and attentive than any man I’ve ever been with. Since I’ve been sitting here, he’s texted several times. Once with a work idea and once to remind me I need toothpaste.”
“Horse breath? Won’t kiss you?”
“No! I’m out of toothpaste and he noticed.”
“Fine. Fine.”
“How do you know Dax isn’t playing you?” I throw it back to her.
“That’s the difference between you and me. If he’s playing me, I’ll get even, then I’ll get over it. But you, you never even got over being ghosted by a boy you knew for twelve weeks. You spent a decade being sad, lonely, and disconnected. But also brilliant, vibrant, and amazing, don’t forget that part. The point is, I’ll be fine if Dax and I don’t work out. I don’t think you’ll recover a second time. Be cautious until the job is settled. Just trying to have your back.”
I flip her off.
Her laugh fills the patio. “Fair enough. Let’s get day drunk.” She gestures to a random waiter. “We need like thirty Aperol Spritzes. Or maybe one round, then straight shots of Don Julio.” He shakes his head no and turns back to his table.
I roll my eyes as she stands up.
“Never fucking mind, you twat. I’ll get them.” She takes off into the restaurant.
HAYDEN: Can you get some condoms when you get toothpaste? PLEASE. I seem to have used all my stash.
BETTE: I have some in my room.
HAYDEN: No. I will not fuck you with condoms meant for another man.
BETTE: They weren’t for another man.
HAYDEN: When did you purchase them?
BETTE: They’re fine. I got them like a month ago.
HAYDEN: Did you think you were going to see me?
BETTE: Of course not.
HAYDEN: Then they were for another man.
BETTE: By that logic, I used another women’s condoms. You’ll get over it.
HAYDEN: You’re a stronger person than I am. Please get me unsullied condoms.
BETTE: Let’s get blood tests? I have an IUD.
HAYDEN: Hmm. That’s an awfully big step after only being together for a week.
BETTE: Ten years and one week.
HAYDEN: I’m not sure this has staying power enough to go bareback.
BETTE: HA HA
HAYDEN: Shit. Now my dick is hard even thinking about it.
I laugh as Sophie places an Aperol Spritz in front of me and a bottle of tequila in front of her.
“What? It’ll save the waiter a trip. Now he only has to bring glasses, ice, and limes. Also. They don’t carry Don Julio.”
