Page 81 of Famous Last Words
Aside from my parents, I’ve never had anyone tell me they’re proud of me before. It takes a few seconds to collect myself. And then, without even realizing, I’m tapping out the one thing I’ve been wondering these last few days. The one thing I’ve been too terrified to ask.
Me: Robbie, what are we doing?
Message sent.
Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit.
Message Delivered.
Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck.
Message read.
I already know there’s no way to retract a read text message; trust me, I’ve Googled it before. Instead, I toss my phone onto my desk, and I bury my head in my hands, groaning at my own stupidity. I swear, I’ve never wanted anything more than to go back in time two minutes. Where’s a DeLorean when you need one?
When the device vibrates, I refuse to look at it. But then of course, curiosity gets the better of me.
Robbie: wdym?
I stare at his reply, over analyzing it. He’s either playing dumb, or he’s naturally clueless. And, sure, I could play dumb too, but honestly, what’s the point?
Me: A month ago, you were nothing more than a horrible high school memory. Now we’re doing things high school me would never imagine she’d be doing with Robbie Mason.
Robbie: High school Robbie Mason would be so fucking confused if he knew that 8 years later, Fran Keller was going to end up coming all over his face.
My cheeks flush at the memory, and I feel a familiar ache settle between my legs, and damn him. This is hardly the time or the place, Robbie.
Me: So, the question remains – what’s going on?
Robbie: I don’t know. We’re friends who fuck?
Me: Friends who fuck… while also pretending to be in a relationship. It’s all levels of messed up.
Robbie: What’s so bad about a fake relationship with real orgasms? It’s ingenious.
I can’t help but smile as I stare at his messages. I know he’s right. But the truth is, I’m not sure how I feel about it. I’m worried my feelings might have become entangled in this weird situation-ship over the last few days, and now, if I’m honest, I don’t know iffriends who fuckis enough for me.
I tub on my bottom lip, considering myself. I know I should let it go. He’s made his intentions abundantly clear. But that doesn’t stop the painful tug I feel in my chest.
Me: No. You’re right. A fake relationship with real orgasms. All pleasure, no pain.
He doesn’t reply for a while, and I stare blankly at nothing in front of me until a response comes through.
Robbie: So… we good?
No. I’ve broken the cardinal rule and developed stupid ass feelings for you.
Me: Yeah. We’re good.
I roll my eyes.Idiot.
Less than five minutes later, my phone starts ringing, and I bristle, thinking it’s Robbie. Like hellI want to rehash any part of that text conversation. But when I glance at the screen and notice it’s Andy calling, I relax some, answering the phone.
“Hey, Andy.”
“YOU STUPID MOTHERFUCKER!”
I pull the phone away from my ear, gaping at the screen before trying again. “Um… hello?”
