Page 107 of The Lessons

I crossed my arms and feigned ignorance. “What?”

“Come on, man, can you count? There are three of them and three of us. Look, I know you don’t date, like, ever, so let me explain to you how this works. If you can’t show up for Cassie, then none of us are getting laid.”

“Cassie?”

“The brunette who has been sitting next to you looking bored out of her mind for the last twenty minutes.”

Oh. Her. Right. “I’m good. Why don’t you just take two? I think I’m going to call it a night.” Saying this, I started to walk to my bike.

“What’s going on with you, bro? I thought you weren’t seeing that other chick anymore.”

I stopped and stared out at the half-empty parking lot.

“Why would you think that?” I asked, trying to divorce my voice of any tone or inflection.

“You were all out of sorts today.”

I turned around. “It’s just a slump.”

“Ha, yeah, fucking right it is. You never have slumps. But lately it’s like either you’re distracted, or you’re picking a fight with anyone who even looks at you halfway funny.”

I sighed and jammed my hands in my pockets. “I’m fine. Natalie is fine. Things are just—they’re just complicated right now.” Hmm. Clearly, I wasn’t ready to admit that Natalie and I were over.

Lam crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at me. “Well, fucking call her, man. I don’t know what you’re waiting for. You guys were clearly into each other, and chicks can be very forgiving.”

“You’re really concerned about the team’s record, aren’t you?”

“Well, yeah. Plus?and not to get too touchy-feely or anything?but it bums me out, knowing you’re not getting laid. We’re still young, dude. You need to be taking advantage of all life has to offer. I’m concerned, you know, about your dick. ”

His distress had me shaking my head. “My dick is not suffering, but thank you for the sentiments.”

He reached out and slapped me on my shoulder. “Go home. I’ll take one for the team tonight. And by one, I mean two.” He winked as he turned back toward the bar. “Cuz I’m just a quality friend.”

I sidled up to my bike and contemplated what to do next. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, Lam was right. Natalie and I were good together.

And I was the biggest asshole in the world.

I got out my phone, scrolled through the contacts, and as I pressed send, my heart started thumping.

One ring. Two rings.

“Ryan, what a pleasant surprise. Nice touch, but extra phone calls aren’t necessary.”

“Save it, Lisa. That’s not why I’m calling.”

“Is this about kayaking next week? Because I already rented us wetsuits. I got you a large. Didn’t want the family jewels to get too crowded.”

The fact that Lisa had seen me naked, let alone the fact that we’d had sex, made my stomach churn. Sex Ed shouldn’t stop at teaching you about STDs and pregnancy; it should include at least one class on the dangers of hooking up with horrible people. I could personally attest to some of the possible side effects.

“Lisa, look, I can’t do this anymore.”

“I ordered the sit-on-top kayak. We have to use that style because we aren’t certified yet.”

“Lisa.”

“But I was thinking that may be something we want to do if—”

“Lisa!”

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