Page 25 of The Opposite of Romance
“I don’t know. Probably. I’ve been out of the dating pool for so long, I have no idea what is appropriate anymore.”
“There’s no such thing as appropriate. The time is right when you feel it’s right.”
Her answer is simple, but there’s nothing simple about the whole thing to me. I haven’t had sex in years. My body would be ready at a second’s notice. But my mind, my mind feels vulnerable.
The last time I had casual sex, I was twenty years old with perky tits and an equally perky attitude. I didn’t have stretch marks, or episiotomy scars, or trauma caused by years of marital neglect. It was pure hormones and vibes.
God, I wish it could be like that again. It’s not that I miss the way I looked, not really. But I miss feeling invincible. I miss not caring about getting my heart broken, or worse, having my kids’ hearts broken.
I miss things being simple.
Or I miss who I was when things were simple.
Chapter Eleven
After a very comfortablepampering session of all twenty of my nails and a painful half hour waxing session, I’m leaving the salon when the girl who waxed me yells after me.
“Here’s your coupon, Ms. Next time you get a 10% discount for your Brazilian.” She shoots me a warm smile, handing me the coupon.
I say a quiet ‘Thank you’ before turning around. Will stands in front of me, his cheeks bright red, his gaze on the piece of paper in my hands.
‘100% off? More like a 110% off,’ scream the bright pink letters on the card, I guess a clever pun on the discount they offer for the Brazilian.
My cheeks match Will’s and I rush to put the card away in my bag.
“Sorry, I just wanted to say ‘Hi,’” he murmurs, obviously uncomfortable.
“Hi- of course, hi!” I respond, doing my best rendition of a parrot.
“How’ve you been?”
“Well,” I look back at the salon, “I’ve had better days.”
He chuckles, and the surrounding awkwardness finally subsides.
“How’s Olivia?”
“She’s good. Great. Kayla?” My nether regions are on fire.
“She’s great, too.”
“That’s good.” I’m trying to be present in this conversation, but all I want is to curl up on my couch with a bag of frozen beans.
This is why I hate this shit.
“It was nice seeing you, but I have to get going.” I point a thumb in the direction of my car, unable to stand here any longer.
“Sure. I’ll leave you to it. Hope I’ll see you soon.” His gaze lingers for a second and warmth travels through me.
Maybe it’s the third-degree burns on my pussy, but it could, might as well, be him.
On Friday,when I pick the kids up from school, Asher’s full of energy, but I know introverted Olivia can’t wait for the weekend.
“Guess who’s taking care of you tonight?” A flash of fear appears in Liv’s eyes, and I swallow my guilt. “Aunt Sandy,” I say in my most saccharine voice.
Liv lets out a deep breath. Even though they are different, Liv adores her aunt.
“Yes!” Asher pumps his fist.
