Page 26 of Yours and Mine (Friends with Benefits)

“Are you okay? I heard a loud noise,” he explained.

“I accidentally knocked the lamp off my desk. I’m sorry for disturbing you.”

“No, it’s fine. But there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

He sounded serious. “Well, you’re seventeen now, and I thought that maybe we should have a chat about boys; I mean, men.”

No, no, no. I didn’t want to talk to him about sex.

“Honey, you’re going to grow more curious about—”

“Dad, is this about sex?”

“Ahm, I was going to start with dating, but yeah, I guess that leads to sex.”

“We had sex ed in seventh grade.”

“You did?”

I nodded.

“So, you’re safe?”

“Yes. I mean no.”

“No?”

“Yes, it’s a no because I’m not having sex.”

“Oh, okay. Good. Well, not good, but I’m glad that you’re being smart.” He rubbed the stubble on his face with his hand.

“Dad, if you feel this is uncomfortable for you, then it’s a hundred times as uncomfortable for me. But I’m fine. My sex life, or lack of it, is fine too.”

“But if you had questions, would you come to me?”

“Well, yes, I guess. It’d be easier if you were a woman. But really, there’s no need.”

“You can talk to Marge, if that makes you feel better.”

There was no way I would talk to Nick’s mom about my sex life, ever. It’d be weird.

“I know. And I will if I need to. I promise.”

“Good. The last thing I’d want is to be a grandfather before you’re ready.”

“I promise no grand-babies any time soon.”

“So, is there anyone special in your life? Have you thought about dating?”

“Nope. I like staying friends with everyone. And dating’s overrated.”

“Even Nick? I know you two have been close all your lives.”

“Dad, Nick’s like a brother to me,” I lied. But this was the most believable lie yet, because that was the way I’d explained our relationship to myself before our kiss in the woods.

My father let out a breath of relief. “Good. I’m glad you two have remained friends.”

“How about you?” I asked.

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