I think for a moment.
“Sunday Scoops? The diner over on Fifth Street? Why, where?”
April squeals.
“I wish he took me to Sunday Scoops! No, he took me to meet his grandma!”
I stare at her.
“But wasn’t this your first date?”
April squeals with outrage again.
“Yes, exactly! Who takes a woman to meet their grandma on their first date? But evidently, his grandma has a touch of dementia and she’s been telling Joey to find someone. So he figured he could bring me to her nursing home, show me off a bit, and that would settle the matter.”
I shake my head.
“OMG, I’m so sorry, girlfriend. But it was just an in and out, right?”
She nods.
“Yeah, it was only twenty minutes because his grandma can’t remember much. She’s a sweet old lady too. But still, I’m never forgiving Joey for this.”
I giggle a bit.
“Well, did he make it up to you?”
April nods smartly.
“Yeah, he bought me a necklace as a thank you gift, so I guess that makes it a little better, but still! OMG, you’re so lucky not to deal with high school guys.”
I can’t help but smile because my time with Carl has been amazing. It sucks that our relationship still has to be a secret, but in just a few months, we’ll be free to come clean. After all, my plan is to graduate from high school, move in with Carl, and then pursue my dreams. Once I’m out of the house, Judy and Bill can’t say anything. At least, I don’t think they can.
“Thanks. Carl is pretty great, but never fear: we’re going to find you the perfect guy, too.”
April rolls her eyes. “I don’t know about that. I think I’m destined to be an old maid. I’m going to shrivel up and die alone, with my carcass eaten by wild dogs.”
I giggle then.
“Don’t say that, hon, because that’s way too morbid. Just see what life deals you. After all, I didn’t expect to fall for Carl, but we’ve been dating for months now, and it’s been amazing. Everything can change once you meet the right person.”
April sighs, her brown eyes hopeful.
“You’re right, but not everyone has a hot guy move down the street from them.”
“True, but we’ll still find someone for you.”
My friend chews her lip.
“Does Carl have any friends?”
I laugh when I think of Dylan and Frank, but immediately dismiss the thought. Those two guys are too raunchy for my friend, or at least I think they are.
“I’ll ask,” I say by way of compromise. “Promise.”
Then, we try to study, but the words of my history textbook jumble before my eyes. I swear at this point, I can’t even remember if I’m supposed to be learning about the American Revolution or the Civil War, it’s that hopeless.
“I need a snack,” I announce, slamming my book shut.
April jumps. “Really? But didn’t we just have a snack?” she asks, nodding at the open bag of chips on the bed next to us.
I blush. “Yes, but I guess I’m burning a lot of calories with Carl. I think I’ve even lost some weight, as a matter of fact. Maybe my parents should have had me do this to slim down instead of pestering me about exercising all the time.”
April gasps and hits me with a pillow. “You naughty girl!”
“It’s better than any diet,” I say with satisfaction before raising three fingers in a salute. “Cub’s honor.”
My friend nods approvingly.
“You do look good. You’re basically glowing, girlfriend, and you know what they call it: it’s the ‘sex glow.’”
I giggle.
“And it’s all because of Carl. Honestly, I wish he were here right now because he’s the best cook and whips up amazing snacks.”
April’s eyes widen. “Wait, he cooks for you too? Holy cow, this guy is a dream come true!”
I smile.
“Yes, he definitely cooks for me. We don’t go out that much because we don’t want to see anyone we know, and because he’s a firefighter and likes to stay fit and healthy. You know restaurant food is filled with butter and fat, right? So most of the time, he cooks our meals for us. I swear, if he wasn’t a firefighter, he could’ve been a chef.”
April whistles, impressed.
“Damn, girl, you hit the jackpot. I’ve never had a guy cook for me before because they usually just want one thing and it has nothing to do with food.”
I laugh. “Trust me, Carl is into that, too. For the first month, I was sore every day and I had to hide from my parents so they didn’t see me limping.”
April’s eyes go wide.
“OMG. But are you still achy? Or have you gotten used to how big he is?”
I think for a moment.
“I’m still a little sore occasionally, but it’s more in the behind now. You know that we do back door most of the time now, right? I was afraid at first, but it feels soooo good.” At that, April can’t even speak, she’s so scandalized, but I continue. “Carl’s really gentle, you know what I mean? Like he gives it to me little by little, making sure to stretch me out. And then when he cooks for me afterwards, it puts me on Cloud Nine.”