“It was amazing, wasn’t it? Michael’s such a trooper. He’s tired today, though. Miller called him to see how he’s doing. He really is wonderful, isn’t he? I’m so in love with him. I can’t even tell you. Last night he managed to get past Titan so we could get in some alone time. I can’t wait until this semester is over.” She taps the steering wheel and bounces in her seat.
“How’d he manage to get past Titan?” Sunny’s little Papillon is super protective.
“Cookies.” Sunny giggles. That’s Miller’s nickname for her vag. She thinks she’s hilarious when referring to actual baked goods.
Sunny’s mentioned moving to Chicago more than once since the fall semester began. It makes me nervous. We were supposed to move into an apartment or a little house after we finished college. I received my bachelors in kinesiology this past April, but the jobs in my field aren’t the best unless I continue on for a master’s degree, which is expensive. I also don’t want to give up teaching figure skating, because well, it’s been my life since I could walk. Anyway, Sunny switched programs last year, so it’s taking her a little longer, but this has been the plan for the past three years.
I don’t know what I’ll do without her if she goes to Chicago. Especially since I broke up with Benji, and I honestly don’t want to get back together with him. We’ve been apart for more than a month. I’ve avoided all of his phone calls, aside from the one where I told him I wasn’t kidding about being done. He had some very choice words, none of which were nice, and all of which reinforced the reasons why I don’t want to be with him anymore. There’s nothing more heartwarming than being told I’m a “titless slut who deserves the next loser who fucks and chucks” me.
Anyway, Benji’s out, and if Sunny leaves, that’s another one of my ties to here severed. I don’t want my mom to be the only thing left for me.
“You know, Lily, we could both move to Chicago at the end of the fall semester. Between Alex and Miller, I’ll have a placement all worked out for the winter. It’d be the perfect way to start the new year.” She glances at me before focusing on the road again. “Alex is looking into buying a little house, and I’ll pay him rent or something. He thinks it would be a good investment. He has lots of contacts, and there are all sorts of opportunities in Chicago. You could teach skating to pre-pro hockey kids, or figure skating. Plus you have dual citizenship, so there isn’t anything holding you back, especially since you and Benji are done for good, right?”
“I don’t know. I can’t just leave my mom here.” I run my fingertip over a snag in my leggings. It’s a lame excuse, but I’ve never been much for change. Staying with Benji even though he was a terrible boyfriend is a good example of that. Moving to Chicago would be a huge change. Also, Randy’s there. My vagina is already aware and excited.
“Your mom can take care of herself. I don’t think it would be a bad idea for you to at least consider it. We’d have so much fun.”
“Why don’t you move in with Miller?” I ask.
“We haven’t been dating that long, and I want to live on my own first. I don’t want to move into his space and just try to fit in there, you know?”
“But you’ll move into his place eventually.”
“Probably, but it doesn’t need to happen right away. Alex is the one who likes to rush things.”
“He’s really pushing for this wedding to happen, isn’t he?” It’s weird. But then, that’s Alex.
Sunny sighs. “I think he might send Violet over the edge.”
Violet and Alex have been together for nine months, give or take. Ever since he put a ring on her finger this summer, Sunny’s mom has been hounding them to set a date. Violet hasn’t committed to anything yet. The only thing she’s allowed so far is this engagement party I’ve evidently agreed to go to. Not that I’m complaining. Mostly.
“Anyway, you still haven’t told me what happened with you and Randy in that bathroom last night.”
“Nothing happened. He barged in on me like the jerk he is and prevented me from being able to pee.”
“That’s not what Miller said.”
“What?” The squeak in my voice is far too telling.
“Come on, Lily. I know something happened in there. It’s nothing to feel bad about. I mean, bathrooms are kind of gross, but that one is cleaner than most. As long as you used protection and washed your hands afterward, I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“We didn’t have sex! Did Randy say we had sex?”
“No. I guess I assumed. I mean with the way you were freaking out—”