Page 47 of From Fling to Ring

“But I think it will be about… relationships. Or something like that. You know, a self-help thing.”

Also true.

They look at each other and nod, wanting to be as supportive as they can, but also wondering when I cultivated an interest in the self-help genre.

“That’s interesting,” Gilly says. Then, her plastic spoon breaks. “Shit.”

Petal shakes her head. “I always tell you, Gills, you can’t eat hard ice cream with a plastic spoon. You should have brought some spoons from home.”

“I didn’t have time to stop there. I already told you that.”

Knowing I am about to be spewing bullshit, I already have a bit of an uncomfortable stomach. But now that I’ve consumed large quantities of caramel, chocolate, and dairy fat, I’m really feeling like shit.

I stifle a belch. “Here, take my spoon. I’m done anyway.”

“You’re not finishing yours?” Gilly asks.

I shake my head. “You want it?”

She ignores Petal’s scornful look and dives in.

“Never knew you were interested in writing a book, Lu, especially not one about relationships,” Petal says.

“Me too. It just… kind of crossed my mind one day. Writing a book is hard work. That much I know. Maybe I can start by interviewing you and Rake?”

Anything to throw them off the scent.

She shrugs. “Sure. Although we’re not exactly a normal couple. I mean, how many people get married on a dare in Vegas and then fall in love? We did everything ass-backwards.”

Gilly perks up. “What about me? I’m still in the dating scene. And you know I’ve gone out with a lot of men.”

She looks hopeful, and she has a point. She’s the exact kind of woman this book is for, not someone who should necessarily contribute to it. Gilly does not have a track record of dating what most of us would call ‘good guys.’

“Great idea, Gills,” I say, just to be nice.

“Now. What else?” Petal asks.

“What do you mean?”

“Oh my God, do not play coy with me. I heard Tyler took you out on a boat and that you puked your guts up.”

Oh. That. I share the whole sad story and by the time I’m done, they are laughing their asses off.

“I can laugh about it now, but at the time, it was pure misery.”

“Well, from what I hear about those whale-watching tours, at least half the boat usually gets sick,” Petal says.

I nod, although I can only remember my own wretched time.

“So what’s up with Ty-ler?” Gilly sing-songs.

“He got me ice skating the other day.”

“Oh, fun. But what’s up with Tyler?” Petal asks. “You’re really not telling us anything.”

Oh God. What can I say?

“He’s really nice and fun.”

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