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CHAPTERONE
NATASHA
My best friend,Ollie, croons the lyrics to an upbeat pop song as he pilots his little Jeep through the busy streets of Knoxville. I hum along to the melody, noting how even the redbrick office buildings look downright cheerful, their faces lit up by the summer sun. Technically, there’s still a few weeks to go before the solstice, but as far as I’m concerned, summer began the moment our spring semester ended.
Nervous excitement spreads through my limbs like a fever. I’ve been looking forward to this three-month stretch of renewal, relaxation, and maybe even a little change.
A summer of change. I like the sound of that—carefully planned and thoughtfully executed, of course.
Ollie lowers the volume on the stereo. “Do you want me to go in with you this time?”
“No, thanks,” I say. “This appointment shouldn’t be any more complicated than a regular pelvic exam. I appreciate the ride though.”
“Please, it’s the least I can do. Knowing you’re coming with me to dinner tonight is the only thing keeping me sane.”
We pass twin parking garages, each one taking up the length of an entire city block, then make a right onto Highland Ave.
“The reservation is at seven, by the way,” he says.
“I know. I set a reminder on my phone.” I turn my gaze from the window to Ollie’s hands gripping the steering wheel like he’s trying to wring its neck. Normally I’m the one double- and triple-checking our event schedules. I’m not used to seeing my best friend so anxious unless there’s a big exam or a cute guy involved.
“I’m just saying we can’t be late if we want to get on my dad’s good side,” he says.
“What makes you think we won’t be on his good side from the beginning?”
“Twenty-one years of experience.”
I offer him a reassuring smile. “I know it’s been over a year since you saw each other, but he reached out toyou. That has to mean something.”
He makes a right onto Highland Ave.
“I doubt he moved back here just to spend time with me.”
“You don’t know that for sure. Even if he did move back for work, that doesn’t mean he can’talsobe happy to see you.”
Ollie sighs heavily.
“Look, Nat, I appreciate what you’re trying to do. But I just want to focus on getting through this dinner without it turning into an argument. You know how critical he can be.”
I don’t know, not really. All I know about Ollie’s dad are the stories he’s told me. If my pre-law studies have taught me anything, it’s that most people aren’t very good at discerning the motivations of others. Doubly so when it comes to family. There are always two sides to a story; Ollie’s dad could mean well despite what his son thinks.
Still, I can tell Ollie’s not in the mood to give his dad the benefit of the doubt.
“You’re right,” I say, running a hand through his messy brown locks. “One thing at a time. We’ll get through this dinner together.”
“Thank you.”
I turn back to the window. To be fair, I’m not especially close with my own parents. We spend Christmas together and I try to make it back to Maryland once every summer, but other than that, I’m extremely independent. Ollie feels more like family to me than my extended family ever has, which is probably why I’m so invested in seeing him patch things up with his dad. I know, deep down, he wishes his dad would make more of an effort to get to know him. I want that for Ollie, too.
“Instead of focusing on something wecan’tchange,” Ollie says, shooting a grin in my direction, “let’s focus on something wecan.You, Ms. Bellows, are now one step closer to losing that V-card.”
“Oh, please. Not this again.” I roll my eyes despite the smile on my face.
“Hey, you never know. Today could be the day.”
“Unless deflowering-via-speculum counts as doing the deed, I highly doubt it. And tonight we’ve got dinner lined up with your dad. So, no time for sex today, I’m afraid.”
“Not with that attitude, you don’t.”
