Page 122 of The Best Friend Power Play

Katie told me about her first time with Dean. It was his first time, too, and they were both so nervous. But they did it, and she feels like it's only made their love stronger. She said he feels the same way, too.

Chester, meanwhile, met an American girl in Croatia. He asked if I knew about his strategy, and I told him that Culver had let me in on it. He didn't mind.

He told me about meeting a beautiful girl named Hailey in a crowded Croatian bar and instantly feeling attracted to her. But when he found out she was American and could speak English and therefore foil his whole no speaking plan, he was crushed.

Only to discover that his stutter wasn't an issue for her.

They hung out together for three days until she had to leave, had sex on her last night, and—the best news of all—she'll also be starting at Berkeley in the fall.

I brought up that it was a little fast, and he acknowledged that it was, too, but he’s smitten with her and hopeful it could be the start of something more. I want that for him as well. I've never seen him smile so much in my life.

Beth: I'm sorry you're still not feeling well, but fill us in. PLEAAASE!

Amiel: Wait. Before you do, are we allowed to get all romancey about this?

I smile to myself as I update my friends about my relationship.

Hannah: Yes, you can get as romancey as you want about this. But this is for you guys, and for you guys only.

Evie: Got it.

Summer: Got it.

Beth: Got it.

Amiel: Because I don't want to be left out, Got it.

I share everything with them, from impulsively adding 'lose my virginity' to my hot girl summer list, to the conditions of Culver's grandfather's will, me proposing to Culver, our brief and straightforward wedding in Fresno, and how things between us started changing as we spent the summer together checking things off my list.

My fingers are getting sore from all the tapping but a lot has happened.

I only stop when Culver enters the room after his shower. "Just texting my friends since they've all heard the news."

"I'll leave you to it."

"You don't have to go."

"I've got some calls to make." His lips twitch. "Besides, knowing you guys, you could be a while."

"That's very true."

He leaves, and I finish bringing everyone up to speed about how Culver's nasty sister-in-law leaked our story to the media.

Evie: I don't even know where to begin.

Beth: I do.

Uh-oh.

Beth: WHYYYY didn't you tell us you were going through any of this? I mean, it's all good stuff, but we could have been there with you. Not literally. And definitely not while you and Culver were doing 'stuff' but you know what I mean.

Hannah: I know what you mean. Initially, I kept the wedding to myself because his dad asked for us not to tell anyone.

Evie: Not even us?

Hannah: Not anyone. But Culver was surprised I didn't tell you guys, so I think it would have been fine.

Evie: So I don't get it.

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