Page 49 of Shameless
Chapter Seventeen
Britney
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My friends and I decided to go shopping on London’s Bond Street because we’d only ever read about the cobblestone street in books. The shopping was cute, but the air in London was foggy and gloomy. However, they had designer names I’d known or seen only in magazines, so that was fun.
We hopped in and out of stores, but we finally stopped at a coffee shop. I folded my hands on a dark wooden circular table and said, “So shopping is almost like drinking cosmos.”
“It’s your norm when you’re stressed, absolutely,” Isabel said. “How were his parents?”
The waitress brought me my mint tea, and I slipped off my flats under the table and rubbed my feet. I had no idea pregnancy would make walking in heels unbearable. I had done so earlier that day, and my muscles still hadn’t forgiven me.
“Sad, actually,” I answered. “I’m glad I was there to help.”
Hope laughed. “Because you’re in love with him.”
My skin prickled. “What?” I picked up my mug like it was a shield.
Avril nodded as she joined Hope. “It’s pretty obvious. He’s everything you ever wanted and more.”
Hope lowered her voice an octave and mimicked me. “And we don’t go saying no to dukes with a trillion dollars.”
I laughed and put my glass down. When I was sure I could speak, I shook my head. “Don’t quote me to me.”
Avril asked, “Are we wrong?”
Heat rose to my face as I realized all five of my friends were earnest and waiting for my answer. I took a deep breath and answered as honest as I could. “Michael is kind, sweet, and the best man I’ve ever had sex with.”
No one said anything as we sipped, but I slipped my shoes back on as we weren’t home and no one needed to see my discomfort, which I was totally blaming on pregnancy.
Kelly broke the quiet. “Can I ask a really personal question, and we keep it just between us?”
Good. I preferred to think about someone other than me and nodded. “What’s going on, Kelly?”
She took a deep breath and stared into her black tea. “You’ve always seemed… to live your life out loud. I’m not like you.”
I narrowed my eyes. “What are you asking, exactly?”
Her face reddened in a blush that went down her neck. “I talk a big game when I’m with y’all, and I say outrageous things because I feel I’m supposed to be more.” Her blush probably went all over her.
I sat back as she was clearly uncomfortable. “What, Kelly? Just say it.”
She closed her eyes and said, “So, unlike the rest of you, I’m a virgin, and I have no frame of reference when it comes to men, but I have a major question.”
“I’d thought so since we met, three years ago.” I didn’t even blink because I’d noticed Kelly clearly chose men extremely carefully.
Isabel asked, “Is that why you’re scared to go out with Xerses?”
She shook her head. “He’s never asked, and I’m not wilting away or anything. Either way, that’s not my question. The thing is… I was wondering… how do you compare men’s skills in bed… to know which is the best… if I’ve not?”
Got it. Fair. I smiled and took her hand. “Look, in high school, everyone thought I was a slut, including my sister.”
Isabel pressed a hand to her heart. “That’s horrible.”
All of us assumed Isabel had been rich all her life and privileged. She probably never had half my problems, but Isabel was sweet, always wanting the best for us. Either way, I focused on Kelly.
“I hate this word,” I said, “but there is nothing wrong with being discerning like you clearly are. You know if he’s good… like you know… when you find the perfect outfit that fits you like it was tailored just for you.”
