Page 110 of Hope After Loss

“I didn’t mean how did itfeel, feel. I mean, you know, feelings,” Taeli explains.

“That clears it up,” Jena quips.

“It was exciting … and terrifying,” I admit.

“Any sex since you got home?” Jena asks.

“No. I’ve been with my mom and Sheila.”

“Hmm, so are you two dating?”

I turn to Taeli. “I don’t know. We didn’t really talk about it on the way home, and he hasn’t called or anything. I think he might regret it.”

“Do you regret it?” Erin asks.

I shake my head. “No. I was ready, and I wanted it. Even if it was just a booty call to him.”

“A booty call. What are we, sixteen?” Erin asks.

“You know what I mean. Even if it was just a casual one-night stand.”

“Two-night stand,” Jena corrects.

“You two work together. I’m not sure there’s anything casual about that,” Taeli says.

“I don’t want to read too much into it. You know?”

Jena leans over and places a hand on my shoulder. “Hey, it’s okay to want it to mean something more.”

“What do you want it to mean?” Erin asks.

I shrug. “I have no idea.”

“That’s okay too,” Jena adds.

“Ugh, I forgot how hard being single is,” I groan.

“It’s not hard. Just be assertive. There’s no reason for you to walk around, unsure. He’s not in control just because he’s the man. You grab him by the balls and let him know what you want,” Maxi advises.

We all turn to her.

“What? You’re a sexy, powerful woman. You can bring that man to his knees,” she adds.

“Have your way with him,” Brandee agrees.

“What if he won’t let me?” I ask.

They all laugh.

“Like he’d stand a chance,” Erin declares.

I’m afraid I’m the one who doesn’t stand a chance.

Weston

Istop by Langford’s house on the way to the office to pick up the contracts he had drafted so I can look over them and make a decision before the next meeting with his investors.

“Can you give Tucker a ride to school today? Isley had an early meeting, and I need to get out to the hotel. Some of the new seasonal staff arrives today, and I want to get there ahead of them,” Langford asks.