Page 117 of Talk Nerdy To Me
Chapter 33
BRITT
“…third dressing room from the back in that boutique, the eastern bathroom on the third floor of the mall with the pink flower wall paper, and the pier,” I say, finishing up the list that has taken me five full minutes to deliver.
Everyone blinks at me, including Corbin, who walked in mid-way through the list.
“Do I want to know what all these random places have in common?” Maverick asks from behind me.
Oh, I didn’t even notice him.
“I don’t,” Corbin says with a firm, certain nod before walking away with his drink in his hand, abandoning us to our corner as the night dwindles on.
The important fund-raising part is finished. Now it’s just the dancing and business talk surrounding us as we sit in a corner like we do at the end of any long event.
The guys keep leaving when they bring up Base.
“It’s all the public places I’ve had sex,” I tell Maverick, who closes his eyes and shakes his head, palming his face by the end.
“I walked right into it, because now I see how that should have been obvious,” he says behind his hand.
Salem grins as though she enjoys his misery as he walks away, flipping her off as he goes like he knows she’s smiling.
I’ve irrationally missed Base a lot tonight. It’s just one night. But my mind sees other couples doing small things like that, and the ease and familiarity of their exchanges is what makes me miss him.
“That’s a long list for a short period of time,” Bella says on a low whistle. “Impressive. You’re still being safe, though, right?”
Allie gives her a look I can’t decipher, and Bella ignores her in a way that seems intentional.
“Of course,” I tell her.
“And you’re still breaking up when he goes on tour?” Ash asks like she’s trying to understand.
“We’ll stay in touch and be friends, I’m sure. We get along great, so there’s no reason not to be friends,” I go on, even though my foot taps a little nervously.
“You have a toothbrush in his bathroom, and he has one in yours, but you’re still not in a relationship?” Ruby asks me as she studies my face.
“I never pictured her as one to be in denial,” Tria says on a sigh.
“We’re in a relationship,” I tell her. “All interactions with people on a continual basis put you in some sort of relationship with them. But it’s not the type of relationship you’re referring to.”
They stare at me. They keep doing this a lot. I know they think I’m being deliberately obtuse about something.
“A relationship requires work, maintenance, and active communication on the small problems that usually have the potential to escalate into larger, more damaging troubles if not addressed and dealt with,” I explain.
They all sort of bristle in their seats, clearing their throats and darting their eyes around.
“We don’t do that work. We enjoy the fun stuff like getting to know each other…and a lot of sex. It works so easily because we don’t deal with any issues.”
“Issues like squeezing the toothpaste in the middle? Or are we talking about deal-breaking issues?” Rain asks.
I don’t know what deals there are to break. We’re approaching our expiration date, and I really wish time would just slow down so I could enjoy it longer.
“Issues such as a black-tie event not being his thing?” Ash guesses when I don’t immediately respond.
“Issues such as him not being able to step outside his comfort zone,” I gently amend. “I like dressing up and going places in a variety of ways.”
She gives me a slow nod, lips tightening.
