“Scarlett!”
“It’s an honest question.”
“No, we didn’tmake love.”
“Then why are your cheeks so red? And your ears? Your ears always go red when you lie.”
“I’m not lying.”
Her shrewd gaze raked over me. “Okay. Did he... did you show him... your treasure?”
“Oh my God, Scarlett. You are twenty-five years old. You really have to get over this aversion to body parts.”
“I don’t have an aversion. I just don’t like to say crude words.”
“This is what we get for putting you in the church daycare after school. Those nuns really did a number on you.”
She shuddered. “They were scary. I still don’t understand why I had to go to daycare and you didn’t. You’re not that much older than me.”
“I was just old enough that I could participate in after-school activities. I didn’t need extra supervision. But you, miss so shy she flinched away from a butterfly, couldn’t handle anything. That’s not my fault.”
I sighed. My phone chirped again, and my fingers itched with anticipation. I wanted to see who it was.
“Anyway, we’re talking about your new life as a puck bunny. Tell me the rest.”
I left the puck bunny comment alone and told her everything. “He took me home, and we did not make love. And yes, I let him see my treasure. Happy?”
She scoffed. “I can’t believe you gave him your treasure.”
“Scarlett, I did not give him my treasure. I just let him play with it.”
“Oh my gosh, you’re very naughty.” She threw a small glob of white buttercream at me, hitting me on the arm.
So I did the same, hitting her in the shoulder. “And you are very nice. Now can I please check my phone to see if he wants to go treasure hunting again?”
Her cheeks turned a deep crimson, the color rushing up her face and into her hairline. “I’ll just go make some butterflies.”
“Yes, that sounds like a fantastic idea.”
As she walked away, I grabbed my phone, flipped it over, and immediately deflated at the sight of my best friend Elles’ name on the screen.
Elles: What are you doing tomorrow?
Me: Apparently I’m hanging out with you.
Elles:
Me: What’s wrong?
Elles: I need a distraction.
Me: From?
Elles: Everything.
Me: Okay. I have to find a dress for this stupid charity function I’m going to. Do you want to go shopping with me? Do a preliminary run?
Elles: That sounds great.