Page 70 of Sweet Caroline
14
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The multipurpose room at West Valley Community Center is pretty dead, but I’m early. Only one other group member is here—a guy I haven’t seen in months whose name I can’t quite remember… Nick or Chris or Mike, maybe? I’m shit with names—and he’s out in the hall on his phone. Needing to do something useful, I set up about ten chairs in a circle, taking a seat in the one closest to the window. My knee bounces as I check my phone, waiting for everyone else to show up.
I try to ignore the way my heart rate picks up when I see her name.
Caroline
Hope I didn’t wake you up this morning when I left.
I guess we can add “walk of shame” to my list (and then cross it off)?
Walk of shame? Fuck.
A slight sting spreads through my chest. But maybe it’s just asaying, right? Last night there was no glimmer of anything like shame. Nerves, sure, but I’d put money on the fact that she had zero regrets about what we did. It was too good. Incredible, actually.
I’d found her list still on my coffee table this morning. When I picked it up for another perusal, I noticed she’d crossed off three items. The three exclamation points she’d added besidemultiple orgasmshad me grinning like a fool all through breakfast.
The little dots start jumping on my screen and I chew on my lip as I wait for her text.
Caroline
No actual shame though, for the record.
I had an amazing time with you. Thank you.
Relief has my shoulders sagging.Thank fuck.It wasn’t my imagination; ithadbeen amazing.
Okay, I just need to keep this casual, because that’s what this is supposed to be. Casual.
Me
So… more like walk of fame?
And you’re welcome. 10/10 would do you again.
Caroline
That was very frat boy of you…
I smirk at the teasing dig. There’s nothing remotely frat boy about me, but I guess my attempt at casual worked out. Or… wait. Did I overshootcasualand hitdumbass? Now I can’t tell if she’s flirting with me or thinks I’m a turd.
Shit.
Attempting damage control, I type out another text, cursing myself for getting in my head about how I’m coming across.
So much for casual. Why do I have no chill?
Me
Hope you’re okay today. Not too sore or whatever?
Caroline
Is that a humblebrag?
Me
