“I guess so.”
“That’s not a bad thing. You’ve been sheltered most of your life. It’s okay to not want to move fast with the guys.” CeeCee backed me up.
“No, it’s not a bad thing,” Gwyn agreed. She was staring at me through narrowed eyes. “But I’ve seen you around them. There’s plenty of chemistry and attraction, and anyone can see you’re comfortable with them.” She paused, but I didn’t have anything to say. She was right. “Do you want to go further with any of them?”
I picked up my water and took a sip. “Yeah.”
They both perked up.
“There have been times when things have gotten a little hot and heavy, but we always stop. The desire’s there, and I know if I said I was ready at least some of them would be too, but it feels like such a big decision.”
“It is,” CeeCee agreed. “And you should only listen to yourself and your heart.”
“But,” Gwyn grinned, “it’s also okay for you to change your mind.”
I huffed out a small laugh.
“Can I let you in on a little secret?” She leaned almost all the way across the table. CeeCee and I met her in the middle. “You don’t have to go all the way to sex. There is plenty that comes between that and kissing. It’s not an all-or-nothing thing.”
CeeCee giggled before covering her mouth and falling back in her chair. “She’s right.”
I looked between them as I settled back. Even though this conversation was uncomfortable, I was grateful for it. They both said things I needed to hear. I didn’t need anyone’s permission, except the guys’, to take things to another level physically, but it helped.
“You make a very good point,” I replied. She was right. I stopped Vince the night at my mom’s house because it felt like there was only one possible ending, but there wasn’t. Not everything led to the one big bang.
I nearly laughed at my own thoughts.
“How about protection?” CeeCee shocked me by asking.
I looked around, horrified that someone overheard, but there were only two other parties across the room.
“Good grief,” Gwyn barked out a laugh. “Calm down, girl. We’re not being watched.”
“I’m on the pill,” I offered.
“That’s good, but you shouldn’t only rely on that. So many things can go wrong with the pill.”
I scrunched my nose and made a face at her. “I found out most of the guys were carrying condoms, but I told them that made me uncomfortable. I’m not sure if they still are or not.”
CeeCee raised her brows. “Oh, honey. You don’t need to rely on them to be prepared. You can buy and keep your own condoms.”
I rubbed my cheek.
“Oh, no. She’s embarrassed again,” Gwyn said, only slightly teasing. “I’m running low. After this, we can go to the store and buy some together.”
Before I could protest, our crepes arrived, and they changed the subject to discuss their summer plans like our conversation hadn’t rattled them to the bone.