Page 70 of Lovetown, USA
Shayla groans, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Of course he did. Men are such clichés.”
“Right?”
I wait for her to drag Trey a little, but instead, she tilts her head and studies me. “Wait. Have you ever had a threesome?”
My laugh is automatic, high-pitched, and incredulous. “Um, no.”
“They can be fun,” she says with a shrug, like she’s suggesting a new restaurant for me to try. “As long as everybody understands the rules.”
The idea hits me sideways, and before I can stop myself, I’m actually picturing it.
“You’re thinking about it,” Shayla says, smirking.
“Maybe,” I admit. My cheeks feel hot. “But I don’t think so. I mean, you don’t even like men.”
“I likeyou. And he doesn’t have to touch me.” Her voice is low, teasing but steady. “We could both be there for you.”
My stomach flips as a nervous smile crosses my lips. “I don’t know…”
“You should experience it just once, just to cross it off your bucket list.”
“It’s notonmy bucket list.”
She laughs, stretching out like a cat. “Well if it was, and if you were gonna do it, what better place than in a town where nobody really knows you?”
It’s an intriguing thought. “You’re really good at peer pressure.”
“I’m good at being right. Call him and see what he says.”
“He’s at work. But I’ll text him.”
I hesitate, wasting another minute or so before I pull out my phone.
You busy?
Dr. Handsome
Very. What’s up?
I’m at Shayla’s house. We were wondering if you wanted to come over.
For?
water emojis
Let me close up real quick. Send me the address
I burst out laughing, turning my phone to show Shayla the screen. She laughs too. “Okay, then. Guess we’re doing this.”
My nerves buzz with anticipation as I think about the promise I made to Nadia. My mind hasn’t been this open in…ever, so that’s progress. And I’m reluctant to think about my mother right now, but she’s the one who told me to loosen up. There’s really no reason not to do this. I can even justify it as research.
I know that’s bullshit, but I’m nervous, and I don’t know why. Shayla’s padding around the house while I’m sitting here with my half-empty glass, my head spinning.
By the time Trey rings the doorbell, my pulse is a drumbeat in my ears.
“What are the rules, exactly?”
Shayla smiles at me as Trey lights candles around her bedroom. “We’re here for you. Me and him won’t be making contact. At least not on purpose.”
