Page 55 of Getting the Grinder
Lainey frowns. “What if you don’t want the same things?”
I’ve been thinking about that question myself. My relationships haven’t lasted long in the past. Sometimes it’s been my fault and sometimes not. What if Leo doesn’t want us to be exclusive? I can’t do that. It’s hard for me to open up and trust someone, and when I do, I’m giving them the power to hurt me. I’ll be hurt if Leo still wants to see other people.
“I don’t know,” I say. “I guess we’ll have to see.”
“Just enjoy it for now,” Harry says. “No one has all the answers from the time they start seeing each other.”
“Have you and Aden talked about the future?” Suki asks.
“A little bit. We like where we are right now. Both of us work a lot of hours and that won’t change.”
“Well, I like him a lot,” I say. “I think you two are good together.”
“Thanks. I like him a lot myself.”
The trivia host is on a break, so we’re able to eat and talk without listening for the next question. Suki wordlessly puts some of her cheese fries on my plate and I put one of my potato skins on hers.
“Can we revisit my idea for a Pretty in Pink–themed bridal party at the wedding?” Dex asks. “I don’t care if Bash wants to do it with the groomsmen; it could just be us. As long as Lainey’s maid of honor doesn’t mind.”
“I actually told her about it when I talked to her a few days ago,” Lainey says. “She thinks it’s a great idea.”
I cringe and fake sob. “Has she seen Andie’s dress, though? It’s tragic.”
“That’s the point,” Dex says.
“The point is looking stupid? Are you planning to dress like Duckie?”
“I’m more of a Blane.”
“I just watched the movie with the girls a few nights ago,” Suki says. “There are other dresses in the movie. I don’t think any of us have to wear Andie’s dress.”
“I’d be open to that,” I say.
Pink isn’t my best color, but I’ll wear it if that’s what everyone else wants. Bash and Lainey are getting married on a beach in Hawaii, and I can’t wait for the trip.
I’m almost finished eating when I get a text from Leo.
Leo: Hey, beautiful. I know you’re probably at trivia, but I wanted to make sure everything’s okay.
I smile at the screen as I write back.
Mara: Hey, everything is good. I slept great in Dex’s bougie guest room bed with thousand thread count sheets. How are you?
Leo: I’d be better if you were here. Watching the game and not playing in it is my idea of hell.
Mara: What’s the score?
Leo: We’re down 2-1.
Mara: Try to think less about the game and more about the blow job I’ll be giving you when you get home from the road trip.
Leo: You have my attention...
Mara: It’s going to be a long, slow one. I want to taste every inch of you.
Leo: I’ve been thinking the same thing about you. I want you to sit on my face and get yourself off. And I want to tie you to my headboard and tease you until you’re begging me to let you come.
Mara: Five more nights?
