Page 67 of Beyond the Bright Lights

“What about the sex?”

“Girl.” She fans herself. “He’s so big. Like, huge. I’ve never orgasmed so much in my entire life.”

"Guess we’re both having hot summer flings.”

“Hell yeah.” Ginger holds up her fist and I bump it with mine.

Ginger has had more long-term relationships than I have. She was even engaged once, seven years ago. The wedding was called off when she found out he was cheating. She vowed to only have hot summer flings from there on out, until finding the quote, 'right one.' Part of me wants Bruno to be that for her.

We sit there for a few seconds, listening to the booming music inside before Ginger sighs.

“Filming starts Monday,” she states.

“I’m nervous. Rebecca will be there.”

“Ugh. Not a fan of hers.”

I snort. “Because she didn’t include you in the book?”

She tosses her hands up. “I was downgraded from best friend to girl who had a couple classes with you!”

She laughs, I laugh, then we both frown because she didn’t really want to be in the book about our best friend who passed away.

“Are you sure you and the rest of the staff are cool with covering the bar while I'm on set? I don’t have to stay all day. I can come in later to help.”

She taps my scrunched-up nose.

“Don’t you dare feel guilty. We shifted everyone’s schedules while you helped Mylan become Tyler, and it’s worked out wonderfully.” She reaches across the table and takes my hands in hers. “Banana, you’re my best friend. Always have been, always will be. I will go to the ends of the earth and back for you. We all would. Especially if this movie is one step closer to the closure you’ve been needing.”

The way her voice inflects on the last word, she has more to say.

“And?”

“And . . .” She grins, mischievously. “Maybe this movie is also your future.”

Ah. She hopes my ‘hot summer fling’ with Mylan will turn out to be more.

Won’t it?

“I’m just saying that you two together, it . . .” She sighs like she’s dreading saying the next words. “It reminds me of you and Tyler.”

“Because he’s literally learning how to become Tyler.”

She shakes her head. “No ma’am. He’s Mylan Andrews around you. I’ve only seen him as Mylan Andrews with you. I’m telling you right now, you two look comfortable together. Like, two lost souls that finally found each other.”

I stand up, not wanting to hear this.

Because maybe it’s true.

“Don't be ridiculous. He’s only been here two weeks.”

“You think love gives a shit about a timeline?”

I start walking back to the bar. “Love can go fuck off.”

“I’d like to revisit the evidence!” Ginger screams at my back.

“Request denied!”

---