Page 25 of The Best Friend Power Play

"What are you doing?" I ask.

"Well, I've been doing some research online looking into…first times." Her cheeks flush slightly as she says the words. "And well, let's just say, horror stories abound. I need some big sisterly advice."

Uh-oh.

She and Chester know I haven't dated much since I've never brought anyone home, but I guess she's under the impression that I must have some experience.

But nope, I've got literally none.

Which is becoming an increasingly depressing thought.

"What sort of questions do you have?" I ask.

She lifts her phone and starts rattling them off. They're good questions.

Solid questions.

Insightful.

Well thought out.

Which means…I am completely ill-equipped to answer them.

"So, here's the thing, Katie…" I've always encouraged them to be honest with me. It's time I lead by example. "Those are all great questions, but I'm afraid I can't help you."

"Why not?"

"Well…" I take a breath. "Because I'm a virgin."

Her eyes widen for a moment, before she quickly schools her features. "I'm so sorry…I shouldn't have assumed anything."

"Don't be. It's fine. You didn't know."

"Can I ask why?" she asks, almost shyly.

"I guess there are a few reasons." I get up and walk over to the shelves lined with alphabetically sorted books. "It's never been a focus for me, and I haven't ever had the time needed for a boyfriend." I smile as I pick up a photo of her and Dean at prom. "And I guess I've never had what you guys have. I've never been in love."

She thinks about it for a minute. "Can I ask you something else?"

"Sure."

"And I'm being completely serious here. This isn't a joke. But…why has nothing ever happened with you and Culver? You guys are so great together. It's like you're soulmates or something."

I rejoin her on the bed and give her an answer that hopefully doesn't sound like something I've obsessed about a million times in my head. "Maybe we are. But Culver and I are friend soulmates." My shoulders have slumped, so I straighten them. She's looking at me intently, assessing whether to believe me, so I throw in, "Besides, boyfriends come and go, but best friends stay forever."

She nods a few times. "Okay."

Good. I think she believes me.

I pick up her phone and re-read the questions myself, then place the phone screen down on the bed. "The main thing I will say is this: communicate. That's key. Let Dean know what's going on for you and encourage him to do the same. Don't ever do anything that doesn't feel right. Know that you can stop at any time and for any reason. And relax and try to enjoy it. I hear it's meant to be fun."

It's definitely not the best advice in the world, but it's the best advice I'm able to give.

"Thanks, Hannah."

"Sorry I can't be more helpful."

"No. You have been. Really. Thank you."

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