Page 2 of That First Night

She tips her head back and lets out a loud laugh, “Did I say fuck about dating?”

“Avery—”

“Pey, she’s got a point,” Kali chimes in as she walks down the hall to join us in the kitchen.

Changing the subject, I say, “Kali, you look absolutely stunning.”

Kali smiles and gives us a littlelook at metwirl.

She is wearing a deep maroon floor length gown. It has a halter top that dips low enough to show some cleavage. She has a rack that is perfect for this dress too. Her long, dark hair is pinned into a top knot bun, exposing her entire back. She makes a top knot look so elegant. I would give anything to have even an ounce of the confidence that she has.

Kali finishes twirling as she says, “Don’t try to change the subject. Back to you, Pey. You have needs. You don’t need to have a dating label,” she says making air quotes, “with someone to have the most epic orgasm of your life.”

How am I friends with these two, I swear.

I have a history of failed relationships. I don’t even know any more if it’s a me problem or athemproblem, but they always end terribly. I even had myself convinced that I had a sign on my head that said, ‘You should totally cheat on me.’ Because that’s how my last relationship ended. The sex was mediocre at best too.

And my problem? I think I get too attached too easily.

When I fall, I fall fast.

This has caused me to develop a whole bucket of insecurities when it comes to dating.

“You guys know how I am. I can’t let myself get into a situation where I become attached,” I say pouring a drink of tequila and lime. “One epic orgasm and I would spiral right into the needy girl wanting more.”

“That was 3 years ago. You have come so far since then, Peyton,” Avery says, taking a seat at the counter bar stool. “And besides, not every guy out there is like Dick.”

“His name was Richard.”

“Po-tay-to, Po-tah-to.” Avery laughs.

Kali touches my wrist so delicately as she says, “Listen Pey, I understand your hesitation because of your dating history. Ave is right-”

“Damn fucking rights, I’m right,” Avery says, punching her fist in the air.

“Bitch, would you shut up for two seconds and let me finish?” Kali says to her.

Avery lets out a small laugh while sarcastically rolling her eyes and takes a sip of her wine.

“Anyway, you can’t let the hurt that Richard caused stop you from going out there and being open to something coming into your life. You’re still a young spring chicken at a ripe 22 years old.” She puts her arm around me. “Not that you will find Prince Charming tonight, but you just need to go there with an open mind.”

“And open eyes,” Avery cuts in, fanning her face. “So many rich men in suits.”

“You’re such a horndog, Ave.” Kali laughs.

“I just don’t think I’m ready,” I say, looking down at my wrist, twirling my bracelet around.

“Let’s just see what happens, okay?” Kali says coming in for a hug.

“Yeah,” I say, wrapping my arms around my best friend to return her hug. “I’ll try my best.”

“You two get the fuck out of here,” Avery says, throwing herself on the couch. “ I have a date withFriendsand the rest of this bottle of wine. I need to figure out if Ross and Rachel were really on a break or not.”

“I’m so jealous,” I whine. “That’s my favorite show. Why can’t I stay home?”

“Because you have hotties to meet,” Avery says. “By the way, Pey. Did I tell you about my coworker who hates that show?”

“She does not!”