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“Why are you just now telling me?”

“Because you hauled ass to the cabin, and every single night since then has been busy.”

“We talk every day.”

“I wasn’t sure I was ready to tell anyone, Ems. At first, I thought it was nothing.”

“And now?”

“Now, I think I’m in trouble.”

“Trouble how?”

“Trouble like I think he’s broken through my ‘sex is better than relationships’ motto.”

“When did you get that motto?”

“When I found my fiancé cheating on me and you started having sex.”

“Maren!”

“No, I’m serious. I didn’t say anything to you because you were so happy, and Walker is the real deal. But my plan was to have sex, not look for anything more for a while. Marcus has crushed that option. He told me this morning he was done with late night trysts and what he considers sneaking around. He’s invited me to happy hour tomorrow night with his work friends.”

“What you’re really saying is that you’re not only sleeping with him, you’re in a relationship with him. I think it’s wonderful he wants to introduce you to his friends.”

“No, it’s awful! He’s admitted these men know about Carlton.”

“So?”

“So, I don’t want to look like a hussy.”

“Hussy? Did you say hussy? You’ve been single for months, not dating and not sleeping around. You’re beautiful, brilliant, and one of the kindest people I know. Carlton is a world-class dick, and he treated you like shit. Don’t let him ruin the chance at something with Marcus.”

“That’s the thing. I let him change me. I finally feel like I’m living for me. Marcus has me in a tizzy.”

“Good tizzy or bad tizzy?”

“The best kind of tizzy. I find myself wanting to be with him, thinking about him when he’s not around. It’s maddening.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m scared it’s too soon. I recently ended a very committed relationship. Maybe I’m a leech.”

My hand flies in front of her face, the diamond sparkling. “Too soon!?! I fell in love on my first date. As for a committed relationship, I hate to remind you, but you were the only one committed.”

She pouts her lips, squints her eyes, and taps her fingers on the steering wheel, avoiding my glare.

“You’re right. I like him, and he seems to like me. I’m not going to let the ghost of my relationship with Carlton ruin this.”

“Awesome!” I fist pump in the air. “Maren’s got a boyfriend. Maren’s got a boyfriend,” I sing over and over until she’s giggling hysterically.

She drives into a parking space behind the dive bar on the outskirts of town and adjusts her wig, peering in the rearview mirror. I take out my compact and apply the hooker red lipstick that matches my hair for the night.

“In and out, a few pictures, and we’re done,” she explains again.

“I know. I’m your partner, remember? I’m read in.”

“Now, you’re even talking like Walker,” she teases.