Page 53 of Pretty Please Me
I don’t miss the way Gwen and Elliot’s eyes dart to one another. “What? I mean as a friend. He just wants me to get a chance to relax at the beach before the reunion.” I pour myself another glass of wine. “Why? Do you think that’s a bad idea?”
Gwen looks to Elliot before speaking. “I guess I’m just surprised, that’s all. You know, if he’s trying to keep things casual, why would he bring you home to meet his family?” She shrugs. “But hey, what do I know? I’m just a knocked-up married woman. I may be out of touch with what the kids are doing these days.” She waves me off.
Just then, my phone pings in my pocket, and my heart races. I pull it out and am a little disappointed to find a message from Trent.
Trent
How’s everything going? You have any fun plans tonight?
I study the message for a minute when Gwen finally asks. “What? Who is it? Is that Sam?”
I shake my head, still staring at my phone. “No. It’s Trent, actually.”
“What did he say?” Elliot asks.
“He wants to know if I have plans tonight.” I shrug and start typing my response…
“Wait!” Gwen says, and I pause. “He’s feeling you out. Why not give him something to work with?” Her eyes twinkle with mischief. “He’s the end game here, right, Mags?” Her question hangs in the air between us.
I stare for a moment and shake to attention. “Uh, yeah. He is. What should I say?”
Gwen wiggles her fingers for me to give her the phone, and I hesitantly pass it over before sitting on the couch next to her. Elliot piles in beside me as we hover over the small screen.
I watch as Gwen types…
Thought I would meet my girlfriends for some drinks and then maybe go dancing…
His response comes almost immediately.
Trent
Dancing? I’m sad I’ll miss it.
Me, too. I could use someone to hold my purse and coat. What are you up to tonight?
Trent
Aw, now, I think I’m more useful than that… I thought I’d head into town and meet up with some friends. Maybe grab some beers and play pool.
I’ll have to decide that for myself. I’m a master pool player. Maybe I can kick your ass sometime?
Trent
I’d love that. It’s a date…
Well, I just pulled up to the bar. Have fun tonight… but not too much ??
“Gwen!” I snatch the phone from her and slide it into my pocket without looking as it buzzes again. “I can’t play pool, and you’re making me sound like a… a…”
“A woman who’s interested in his company?” Gwen answers for me as she quirks a brow. “Relax, Mags. You don’t really have to be good at pool. No one actually cares about that game. It’s just foreplay.” She wraps her arm around my shoulder. “You should be learning all about that, right?”
“Yeah, I guess so.” I wipe my hands on my jeans and then stand. “Since the cat’s out of the bag, I’m going to change into my pajamas. Could we please crack a window, so I don’t suffocate during the movie?”
Gwen laughs and fans herself with her shirt, “Yeah, I’m sweating my ass off over here.”
“Oh, thank God!” Elliot says as she jumps up and cracks a window.
I grab my overnight bag and head to the bathroom, where I peel off my sweaty turtleneck and reveal dark hickeys all over my neck and chest. There are some on my lower stomach and inner thighs. I don’t know the purpose of those, but it was almost like Sam was marking me…
