True, but... “That doesn’t make it any less embarrassing.”
“Quit stalling. I know you haven’t given up on this ridiculous mission of yours.”
The server returns with our drinks, and I take a big ass sip of my beer. I’m not prepared to have this conversation stone-cold sober. Not with Bryan.
“Don’t sweat it, Quinn.” Bryan drapes an arm across the back of Haley’s chair, but the corner of his mouth is still climbing skyward in a half-smile. “Your secret is safe with me.” He pauses thoughtfully. “If you’re really serious, I can introduce you to some decent dudes who’d be DTF.”
Haley pulls a face. “Babe, none of your single friends are decent. Trust me on this. It’s why they’re single.” She turns to me. “And also why I haven’t offered to introduce you.”
“What about J?” Bryan challenges. “He’s cool.”
“J?” Haley echoes, voice high with disapproval. “Quinn is not losing her virginity to a guy who thinks the clit is an STD.”
Bryan has the decency to look chagrined. “He was kidding. I think.”
Oh. My. God. How is this my life?
“We both know J is—”
“Thanks for the offer,” I say, cutting Haley off before the discussion becomes a full-blown argument. “But losing my virginity by committee is not an option.” Not one I’m willing to pursue anyway. “It has to be totally spontaneous. No planning.” Bryan opens his mouth to protest, but I push forward. “Besides, it’s better if it’s random. That way, if it’s a complete disaster, I never have to see the guy again.”
“What exactly do you think is going to happen?” he asks, amusement coloring his words.
“With my luck, anything is possible.” I sigh and drag a finger through the perspiration on my glass. “I couldn’t even get laid at a frat party. That has to be a first.”
“Y’all are overthinking this.” Bryan shakes his head and takes a drink of his beer. “Trust me, if a guy gets to have sex, it’s all good.” He shrugs. “Guys are simple. It’s women that are complicated.”
Haley shoots him an arch look. “Which is why Quinn needs to find a guy who knows his way around a woman’s body. Someone who’s good with his hands.” She grins and turns back to me. “Someone like Cooper DeLaurentis.”
Like hell.
“So not happening.” This time I’m the one who pulls a face, one that shows exactly how I feel about the prospect of hooking up with the cocky wide receiver. “The guy’s an ass.”
“He apologizedandbought us breakfast.” She shrugs. “I say forgive and fornicate.”
Bryan’s eyes go wide and he chokes on his beer, spraying lager all over the table when he clears his airway.
“Jesus Christ woman! Warn me next time you say that shit.”
“Sorry, babe.” Haley grins and uses her napkin to mop up the mess. “Honestly, you should be used to it by now.”
She’s not wrong. Haley always says exactly what she’s thinking, consequences be damned.
“When exactly did Cooper DeLaurentis buy you breakfast?” he asks, a jealous edge to his voice.
Here we go again.
It’ll be a miracle if they make it through the night without breaking up.
Haley must have the same thought, because she tilts her head and says, “I love this song. Let’s dance.”
Without waiting for Bryan’s reply, she jumps up and grabs his hand, pulling him to his feet. Then she turns to me with an apologetic look. “You’ll be okay for a few minutes?”
“Sure.” I smile and wave them off. Better alone than caught up in another one of their arguments.
Besides, maybe if I’m by myself, it’ll be easier for guys to approach me.
I sip my beer as Haley and Bryan disappear into the sea of writhing bodies on the dance floor.
