“That’s because they’re too nice, girl. Seriously, at least brush your hair and put on clothes that don’t have stains,” she says, eyeing a weird splotch near my crotch. “But is this all because of Bridge? Are you still depressed about that?”
I nod.
“Yeah, that whole thing has me feeling down. I mean, he lied!”
She pats my arm comfortingly.
“Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry. I take it things didn’t go well when you finally talked to him?”
I shoot her a look.
“Yeah, it was bad,” I say in a glum tone. “He admitted to lying.”
She nods.
“Figures. I know Sanctuary inside out, girl. I’d know if there was a secret ceremony like that going on. I mean, I’d be the first to volunteer because it’s so nasty and delicious!”
I let out another snort then, my whipped cream blowing in bits onto the table.
“Seriously?”
“Hell yeah!” Kaci exclaims with a smile. “That shit is right up my alley. And that’s why I’m going to say I love you like a sister, girl, but you’re overreacting to all this.”
I pull back for a moment.
“No, I’m not! What do you mean?”
She shrugs.
“It was one little lie,” Kaci says. “It doesn’t seem that bad.”
I stare at my buddy.
“But Bridge told me the ceremony was all about repentance and making amends for my evil ways. Not only that, but hethreatenedme. He was going to tell the congregation that he caught me watching X-rated stuff on my work computer. That’s not serious?”
But Kaci doesn’t look too put out.
“I’m sure he was just having some fun with you, Renee. Guys do that all the time.”
I squint.
“Yes, but this was my reputation at stake, not to mention the fact that I engaged in the dirtiest ritual at his house! And it was all fake!”
Kaci nods, pursing her lips. But then she shoots me a sideways look.
“But you liked it, right?”
I pause for a moment, staring at her.
“Yes, but still!”
She nods.
“I know this is tough to hear, but I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. I mean, if Bridge made you feel good and you enjoyed it too, then why make a mountain out of a molehill?”
I stare at her.
“Because he threatened me and lied in the process?”