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“What do you mean?”
If I didn’t give her identifying details, I could talk to her about Ollie... and maybe she’d have some advice. “There’s this student, and he stopped turning in homework out of nowhere. He’s sad, withdrawn. He’s gay, but not out to the other students. His parents are divorced, but they have been for almost two years, so it’s all out of nowhere.”
“Is he being bullied?”
“Not that I can tell.”
“Broken heart,” she said easily, examining her nails.
I finished pouring water in Ralphie’s dish. “You think?”
“Come on, you were in high school once. Everything feels like it’s the end of the world, whether it’s a bad grade or a fight with a friend or losing a boyfriend.”
I thought it over as I put away the food and water containers. Could Ollie just be upset about a relationship ending? I didn’t know of any other gay students, but that didn’t mean they didn’t exist—or that he didn’t have a boyfriend outside of school. Maybe I’d ask Cohen about it next time I saw him.
I pulled a chair next to Ralphie’s cage and sat. “How soon is too soon to text Cohen?”
“Depends. Which century do you prefer to abide in?”
I snorted. “Preferably the present. I know I’m all about girl power, but clearly I did something wrong with Dax.”
Mara gave me a look. “In my opinion, whatever you did, you did it right. You got him out of here so you could get with the hot bartender who goes down on you!”
“But texting?” I said. “I have no idea how to date. It’s been so long!”
“My advice? If you want a relationship without games, you have to start it without games.”
She had a point. So I got out my phone and sent Cohen a text.
Birdie: Hey.
I let out a groan. “But what do I say?” I made my voice all breathy. “’Last night was amazing. Let’s do it again?’ It sounds so needy.”
“He’s the one who ate you out. I say a little clinginess is a natural consequence.”
“Stop making me laugh,” I said, staring at my phone.
Birdie made her voice breathy too. “Dear Cohen, please let me come sit on your face.”
I snorted with laughter. Then my phone dinged. Thankfully, Cohen had just messaged back.
Cohen: Hey, I keep thinking about yesterday.
I showed Mara the phone, and she giddily slapped my shoulder.
Birdie: Me too.
Cohen: Can I see you again? Saturday maybe?
“Yes!” Mara cried. “Tell him yes!”
I shook my head. “As if that answer were ever in question.”
Birdie: I’ll see you then. :)
I put my phone back in my purse and asked Mara, “Want to head to the beach?”
“Thought you’d never ask.”