“Yeah, it's a great opportunity. I wanted to be with you so I wasn't going to do it, but since you aren't going to be here, there's no reason for me not to accept.” He played with a lock of my hair. “Besides, since we're both going to Columbia, we will see each other every day, especially if you agree to move in with me.”
“I do agree.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
“I'm going to hold you to that, Lark.”
I grinned as I held him even closer. “I was so hoping you would.”
***
The week that followed went by so quickly. The closer we got to my birthday, the more nervous and excited I grew. I knew Bastian felt it too, since he started to look at me in a way that made my whole body respond: my stomach felt all fluttery, my palms were perpetually sweaty and I had aches in places that were really distracting.
He was planning a surprise for my birthday and all he was willing to share was that I needed to dress up and that Poppy, Shawn, Sophia and Tyler, who was still Sophia's main squeeze after almost three months, were invited.
Poppy, Sophia and I were at the mall shopping in Neiman Marcus looking at cocktail dresses. Normally I shopped at far cheaper stores, so seeing the price tags was a shock. I'd have to dip into my savings if I bought a gown here, but I suspected the hit to my bank account would be worth it.
Sophia jerked me from my financial concerns when she blurted out rather unexpectedly, “I had sex with Tyler.”
Poppy reached for both of our hands. “Oh no, this is a discussion best had with ice cream.”
Once we were each sitting behind a huge dish of sugar and cream, Poppy and I turned our undivided attention to Sophia.
“Details.” I said.
“I really like him. I don't think he's my Shawn or Bastian, but we really click and we were both ready.”
“How was it?” Poppy asked.
“The first time was a bit awkward and painful, but each time since it's better and better.”
“Wait, how many times have you done it?” Poppy asked.
“Six.” A smile spread over Sophia's face, “It's incredible.”
I felt overly warm again just thinking about Bastian and me together especially since the wait was over. One look at Poppy, and I knew she was thinking about Shawn. My attention turned back to Sophia.
“I remember playing Barbies together, killing Ken in any way we could—the more gruesome the better. And our club where no boys were allowed and the love of our young lives was Mr. Snuffles, our clubhouse hamster. But we're getting older now and sex is a natural part of growing up. I'm happy for you, Sophia. Happy if you're happy.”
“I really am. Have you guys taken the plunge?” She asked me.
“No, but we're just waiting until after my birthday,” I said.
Poppy's eyes flew to mine. “You didn't tell me that. Your birthday is tomorrow.”
I grinned like the cat who ate the canary. “I know.”
“Why didn't you tell me?” Poppy sounded almost hurt.
“Well, we just recently discussed it.”
Poppy was silent for a minute and I realized that she didn't just sound hurt, she was hurt. “You haven't known each other very long. Are you sure you're ready?”
Her words stung, even though her comment was a valid one, because there was a small part of me that also wondered if I was rushing into something with Bastian. My reply sounded more confident than I was feeling. “I am. I want him, he wants me. We also talked about next year. Since we're both going to Columbia, we decided to get a place together. Financially, it'll be a challenge, but Bastian has a trust and I've applied for grants.”
“No way!” Sophia said in genuine surprise.