Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 88742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
“So I’m guessing things with Coby didn’t work out.”
“God, no. Like I said, I tried with him. I really did. He’s a sweet guy. Such a sweet guy. But we just weren’t clicking. And he can be so dumb sometimes. Well-meaning, but dumb. We’re going to try to be friends, which means no more sex. He was fun to sleep with, though. So I think I’m going to miss that.”
“That’s too bad, but I’m happy you’re happy.”
“I know you are, but forget about me, girl. I need to hear all about this secret boyfriend of yours. I want to know everything. His hair color, his eye color, the type of car he drives, his salary. Is he rich? It sounds like he might be rich. Really rich, filthy rich.”
I start giggling at Mamie’s ridiculous facial expression. She looks ready to hear everything I have to say.
“I promise I’m going to tell you about him, but I really need to go to the bathroom first. I drank a little too much water on my way here.”
“Fine, go pee, but don’t dilly-dally. Know that I am waiting here in great anticipation, and if you take too long, this whole plate of cookies will be gone, and I will not be sorry.” With that, she leans back on the couch, the cookie plate resting in her lap.
I know what she’s saying isn’t an empty threat, and I would very much like to get at least one cookie, so I make quick work of going to the bathroom.
While washing my hands, I think about how just a couple of weeks ago, I was in such a different place in my life. Yeah, everything that has happened was unexpected, but all of it has been super welcome.
This has been the best time of my life.
I walk back to the living room and find Mamie in the same spot on the couch, this time with the TV on. She’s turned on some reality TV show, and about one-third of the cookies are gone. She turns in my direction as I come out of the bathroom.
“Tammy! Come sit down! I know you don’t like these shows, but I thought it could just be on in the background.”
I take the seat next to her, and she snuggles against me. I take a cookie from the plate, biting into its softness. It basically melts in my mouth.
“So tell me about your man,” Mamie pouts, placing her face on my shoulder.
“What do you want to know first?”
“His name would be nice.”
I’ve been keeping it from her all this time because Brick and I have been keeping our whole relationship a secret. But she’s probably going to see him tomorrow, so it’s all going to be out in the open regardless. It’s just a matter of when I want to divulge the secret.
Now is as good a time as any at this point.
“His name is Brick.”
“Brick?” Mamie lifts her head, her face scrunching up a bit. “That name sounds so familiar. Where have I heard it before?” She takes a moment to think, and then realization comes across her face. “Like that guy your dad works for? His name is Brick, right?”
“It is.”
“So weird that the guy you’re dating has the same name as your dad’s boss, given it’s not a common name,” Mamie observes. She hasn’t put two and two together yet.
“Yeah,” I nod. I’m going to let it stew and see if she connects the dots. I can feel my face heating up, which Mamie will see in a second. It shouldn’t take her long to figure it out then. Who knew telling someone would be so daunting? Even if it is my best friend. I don’t feel bad about dating Brick. It’s just odd actually saying all of this out loud.
“Holy shit!” Realization passes over Mamie’s face. She’s got it. “You’re fucking your dad’s boss! Oh my God, that’s amazing. That’s fucking amazing, babe! I am so proud of you.”
“It’s really not a big deal.”
“Oh, come on, Tammy.” It’s clear that Mamie can see right through any act I put on. She’s always able to tell when I’m lying. “Why would you guys be sneaking around, keeping all of this a secret, if it wasn’t a big deal? Also, even if the two of you were singing your relationship from the top of the hills, it would still be a big deal because I can tell that you really like this guy.”
I stay quiet for a bit, thinking about what Mamie just said. Everything she’s said is true; I’ve just been too chicken shit to admit it to myself.
“Yeah, I do like him a lot. He makes me feel beautiful, and we have fun together, and he makes my heart race.”
“Ugh! Yes! That’s the kind of stuff I like to hear.” Mamie has moved the plate from her lap since she’s gotten all excited. Thank goodness she did because she is wiggling all over the couch. “Okay, okay. So, tomorrow. Do you have any idea what you guys are going to be doing tomorrow? Is it a big romantic date? Are you going apple picking? Probably not because it’s not the season for that. Maybe skinny dipping? A picnic and skinny dipping to add that romance factor?” Mamie keeps on listing ideas that make no sense.