Page 159 of Love in Riverbend
Marilyn turns down the music as she backs up her car. Maneuvering a three-point turn, she heads out on the lane. “Where did you go on your date?”
“Empire Quarry.”
“I thought that was blocked off,” she says.
“I think it is. Justin knew a back way to get in.” My smile grows. “It was beautiful. He packed a picnic.”
“A picnic,” they both scream and aww.
“It was super sweet,” I say.
Jill wiggles her eyebrows. “Did you do more than eat your picnic?”
“Yes, we had wine. From Oliver.”
Jill laughs. “He’s pulling out all the local flair.”
“Oh,” Marilyn says, “We should plan your wedding shower for the winery. Remember how great Crystal’s was?”
“Whoa,” I say. “Jumping the gun. We’re dating.”
Marilyn slows her car and pulls to the side of the road. “We’ll be in town in a few minutes. Tell us…”
“Tell you?” I say, playing dumb.
“Are you still a virgin?” Jill blurts out.
“Yes.”
They both look sad.
“Jeez, we became official last night.”
“I know,” Marilyn says, “but he’s older and I wanted stories like I read in romance novels about an older guy.” She shakes her shoulders. “You know, being all instructional.”
I don’t say a word.
“Devan,” Jill screams.
“We didn’t go all the way.”
“How far did you go?”
Their pressure is killing me. I let out a long breath. “It was amazing. I’ve never come so hard in my entire life.”
Both of my friends have their eyes open wide.
“Justin asked me if I am a virgin.”
“You told him?” Marilyn asks.
“No. I didn’t answer him. He said he wants to go at my speed.”
“What is your speed?” Jill asks.
My smile grows. “After last night, I’m thinking about the speed of light.”
“Oh my God,” Jill says, turning to Marilyn. “Our little girl is about to become a woman.”
