“What? You didn’t have sex with him? Or was it that shit?”
“Nothing like that.” Chrissie swallowed. “It was amazing. I loved it.”
“So why do you sound down in the dumps?”
Rita was going to think she was an idiot. Chrissie closed her eyes and slumped in her seat.
“I ran away from him, Rita.”
“What? Why the fuck would you do that?”
“Because while I might have gotten him to have sex with me last night, it doesn’t mean it’ll happen again. I thought he was going to give me a speech about how last night was great, but it can never happen again, and we shouldn’t think of it more than that.”
“You think he would turn you down?” Rita barked out a laugh. “That guy is crazy about you.”
“Don’t get my hopes up, Rita.”
“I mean it. He clearly is nuts about you, and it’s clear when he looks at you.”
Chrissie didn’t want to get her hopes up. Sure, Forrest had mentioned wanting her and whispering what he had wanted to do with her, but it was one night of weakness. It wouldn’t be a long-term thing. Chrissie wasn’t the type to have a fling; she wouldn’t be able to keep her heart intact.
She certainly hadn’t succeeded this time.
“He and I can’t happen, Rita. He won’t let it happen.”
“How do you know if you don’t talk to him?”
“Because I know he’s going to say it’s an itch that was scratched, and I wanted to lose my virginity, so that’s it.”
Rita snorted.
“You seriously think he’s going to say that?”
“I’m sure of it.”
“I don’t think so. That guy is putty for you, and he has been for a long time. We were commenting on it last night with Coach Radley.”
“What?” Chrissie groaned. “You guys were talking about it?”
“Not intentionally. Coach Radley brought it up. He was laughing and saying Coach Brown had better finally get his leg over instead of staring at you like he wants to lick you all over. He’s admitted that he’s not the most observant of people, so if he’s noticing…”
Then it would be clear for everyone else. Chrissie was glad she was the only one in the room; she was sure that she was as red as a tomato. She slumped over her desk, her head in her hand.
“God, what am I going to do? I ran out on him because I didn’t want that awkward conversation.”
“Maybe you should talk to him sooner rather than later and figure it all out.”
“What if he turns me down?”
Rita sighed.
“Chrissie, are you listening to me? He’s not going to turn you down.”
“How do we know he’s going to do anything?”
“Just go to him, apologize for running off, and talk. I have a feeling things are going to be fine between you. It’s natural to be nervous when someone you’re in love with is going to have an intense conversation with you.”
Chrissie didn’t even ask how Rita knew; her best friend was far too smart for her own good. And she was right. This needed to be done sooner rather than later, and Chrissie needed to put on her big girl pants.