Page 10 of Sing for Me
She nods and adjusts her cream and navy dress. Kara always looks put together, no matter the circumstances. Even first thing in the morning, her makeup, hair, and attire are always on point. Every day, without exception.
I feel like a frizzy, under-dressed mess next to her.
Last year, I was so busy studying for the MCAT that I never had time to pull myself together. But that was different. I was filled with purpose. I felt fine with my hair unwashed and my face unadorned.
Right now...
I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. My flip flops squeak as I take a step forwards. We're up.
I order a large grapefruit green bubble tea. Kara orders the lemon black tea, light on the sugar. She whips out her credit card before I can say a single word about paying.
"You're a generous date," I say.
She motions to the white booth in the corner. "And I won't even expect you to put out."
Damn, I'm blushing.
And she's smiling knowingly.
It's not exactly normal being a virgin at twenty-one. It's not that I'm avoiding sex. It's more that I'm busy and I don't have the time for a boyfriend.
Kara occasionally teases about my lack of experience, but it's nothing major. She teases me about my obsession withStar Warsten times as often. I tease her back. Her taste in films tends toward pretentious indie flicks.
Usually, the gentle ribbing doesn't bother me.
But right now...
My thoughts go back to that dream. It felt real, like his fingertips and lips really were touching my skin. Even now, my breath is hitching. My heart is racing. My body is buzzing with desire.
This is the only thing I've wanted since Rosie died.
It's equal parts terrifying and exhilarating.
I'm so lost in my dirty rock star fantasies that I barely notice Kara take the seat next to mine.
She slides my tea across the table.
I unwrap my straw, stab the plastic film covering my enormous cup, and take a long sip. Ah, citrus and sugar and caffeine. I can actually taste this.
And it tastes good.
It feels good on my tongue.
She takes a small sip. "I miss you."
"I miss me."
"I won't push you, sweetie, but... I am going to keep forcing you to leave the house."
"School starts Thursday."
"Besides school."
I take another long sip. "I'm here."
"Progress." Her smile is half-teasing, half-serious. "My friend... Drew. You remember me talking about him?"
I do remember Drew. He's Kara's childhood best friend. They grew apart back in high school. Then six months ago, give or take, he got back in touch. He's a sci-fi geek wrapped in a hotter-than-sin musician's body.
