Page 48 of Bittersweet

I’ve triedmeditation.

I’ve counted to eight hundred and seventy-two.

I’ve had a glass of water, a cup of milk, read a few posts by some of my favorite wedding bloggers and peed. Andnothing.

Sleep just won’tcome.

Maybe it’s because of the pain shooting through my body. Day eighteen of boot camp and diet, and I’m really starting to feel theeffects.

Or maybe it’s because of the text Marc sent through earliertonight.

I open my phone and read itagain.

Marc:Can’t stop thinking about you. Seconddate??? : ) : )

I don’t know how to reply. I honestly have no idea what tosay.

Sure, our first date wasn’t exactly heart-eye emojis and butterflies, but it wasn’t entirely terrible, either. And now that the intense anger I felt toward Elio is starting to fade, maybe it’s something I should attempt. Going in with a clear head and a clearheart.

I tap out a quickreply.

Romy:Sounds good. How about nextThursday?

Marc:Perfect. You can come around to my place for a Moretti meal . . . and maybe somedessert.

Does he mean realdessert?

No. This is Marc Moretti. He would never endorse carbs, or cream, or carb-loadedcream.

Does he meansex?

I don’t know, and I don’t know if Icare.

I shuffle around the bathroom, stopping in front of the mirror. My oversized flannelette pajamas are decorated with images of hot pink dogs, the textI’m barking mad for youunderneath each one. Emma bought us a matching pair on a girls’ trip we did, back before she had a baby. We should do that again soon—or at the very least, have a girls’ night out. I pick up my phone from the nightstand and text the idea toher.

Emma:God yes, this child is sucking the life from me. Is now good foryou?

I chuckle and fire back aresponse.

Romy: No, crazy lady, I’m attempting to sleep. Clearly it isn’t working, but I’m free tomorrow night if youare?

Emma:Can’t. Drew’s out of town until nextWednesday.

Romy:Then we’ll do next Wednesday. You, me, wine, our pj’s, and RyanGosling.

Emma:I was thinking: You, me, a couple of killer outfits, and lots and lots of singlemen.

I screw my nose up at my screen, her words hitting me harder than I care toadmit.

Romy:I don’t know how single I am. Marc wants to see me again. Take things to the nextlevel.

Emma:Oh! You’re going to get More withMoretti?

Isnort.

Romy:Ha ha. And maybe. Yes. Do you think it’s a goodidea?

Emma:Me, your vajayjay, and probably even your mother think you having sex is a GREAT IDEA. As long as you’re ready forit.