Page 43 of Drive Me Wild
“More?” Her eyes are still wide, and she’s sucking down her shake like it’s food, and she is starving.
“We’re in a relationship.”
“Caleb Barone. And you. In a relationship. Holy cheese and crackers, I never thought this day would come.”
“What do you mean?”
“I never thought he would settle down. Even though he’s a few years older than us, I’ve known him my whole life. Or known of him. He’s kind of legendary. The women, the race cars—”
“Race cars?”
“Yeah. He’s been racing cars in Port Stratton for almost a decade. And winning, too. Anyway, congratulations. You’ve done what no other woman has achieved.”
“So he’s never been in a relationship before?”
“Not that I’m aware of. And considering how much this town talks, I think I would have heard.”
“I wonder what changed?”
“Maybe you’re just special, Zoe.”
I look at Avery as her eyes dance across my face.
“Thanks. That means a lot. Now, tell me your secret.”
She sucks in a breath and fiddles with her empty glass. “Do you remember when we were at the bar, and you were asking us about learning about sex?”
I nod in agreement.
“Well, if you recall, I didn’t have anything to say.” She pauses, and I nod again to let her know to continue.
“I didn’t have anything to say because I’m a virgin.”
“Oh. That’s nothing to be ashamed of—”
“That’s not all.”
“Sorry, I interrupted. Please continue.”
“I’m not ready.”
“What…like, what do you mean?”
“I’m attracted to people but don’t want it to go anywhere. Is that weird? I feel like a total freak.”
“No, it’s not weird. You’re probably looking for the right person. Someone who sparks something in you. So you want more.”
I think about Caleb and me. We are both reaching for more and together, we’re finding it.
“You’re probably right. It just feels… not normal.”
“I don’t know if there is any such thing as normal. Everybody is different, Avery. The world tries to convince you there is some sort of global measuring stick, and we all have to match up to it.”
“Huh.”
“What?”
“That’s wise.”
