Page 31 of The End of Summer

“No cap. And, not for nothing, Cosmo is exit only. Once you’re gone, you can’t come back.”

“Oh.”I didn’t know that.“Seriously?”

“Deadass.”

“Why not?” I wonder aloud.

“It’s just my policy.” She shrugs, tracing a sparkly purple fingernail along her ear to keep her hair from hanging in her face.

“Oh. Um. Okay,” I say. I can’t imagine Jenna doing anything to piss Arrow off (other than not wanting to pole dance for the rest of her natural life) but Arrow’s a bit of a strange bird, in my opinion, so I opt to just leave it alone. Instead, I gather my things, turn off the music, and head out. “Well, I was just about to get going. I’ve got some errands to run, but I’ll be back for tow lot later,” I tell Arrow.

“’Kay. And hey, don’t forget. No fishnets if you’re dancing. Wear the lower heels so you don’t have to worry about falling. And, since you’re new at this, I would recommend a bra and booty shorts – that way, all your business will stay tucked in. Get the ones that are ruched down the crack – you know, with the pads? That’ll give your ass more curve. I need you to give me as much skin as you possibly can. None of this tank top bullshit. Nothing kills a vibe quicker than a pole dancer who’s dressed like it’s wintertime.” She waves at my current ensemble, a boyfriend tank from Old Navy and a pair of Soffe shorts – which would only keep one warm in winter if one livedon the actual Equator.

"Got it," I reply, and escape to my car. I dial Cherry, who picks up on the third ring.

“Hello?”

“Hey. It’s Summer. You okay?”

“Ugh,” she moans. “It’s been arough night.”

“Arrow told me. I’m so sorry,” I offer. “Anything you need? Anything I can do?”

“Nah. Thanks, though. I have to stay in the hospital for one more day, but then I’m stuck home for two to three weeks until I get clearance from my doctor to come back to work.”

“What happened?”

“So I got home last night after the party, right? And I ate some leftover pizza. It had been sitting out for a while, so when my stomach started to hurt, I figured, ah, fuck. It was probably bad cheese. You’re not supposed to eat pizza if it’s been left out, right?”

“How long was it out for?” I ask.

“Mmm. I’m not sure. Maybe like a day or so?”

A day or so?

“I just assumed it’s so chock full of preservatives that it would be fine. But then my stomach started to turn. I’ll spare you the gory details. Let’s just say, there was lots of cramping, and all on one side, and it just kept getting worse and worse. So finally, I called Bobby and he came over. When it wasn’t getting any better, even after I got sick, he convinced me to let him bring me to the emergency room.”

“Good thing,” I say. “Your boyfriend’s got good instincts.”

“Yeah, I guess. They got it out before it burst, but the whole thing still sucks,” she adds. “Anyway, now I’ll never eat pizza again.”

“You feel better now, though?”

“Tons,” she says. “Although I have stitches now, and I’ll have a scar, which sucks.”

“I’m glad you’reokay, Cher.”

“Thanks. Sorry I’ll be missing work for a bit. I know Arrow’s freaking out about it.”

“Um, not going to lie, I’m right there with her.”

“Nah. You guys will be fine.”

“Everyone else, maybe. Not me.” I swallow. “Arrow has me dancing tonight.”

“That’s cool,” Cherry says. “You’ll do great.”

“I’m terrified,” I admit.

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