Page 73 of C*cky Best Friend

“—Terrible.”

“It sounds terrible?”

That was a Freudian slip. Or just an honest reaction that I would never have let slip. Who knows which is the correct description, because my brain has turned to slush. “Sorry, Lexi pointed to something and I was answering what she was pointing to and it wasn’t at all what I was talking about I think that’s a great thing that you have a girlfriend I’m really happy for you.” Clamping my mouth shut, I close my eyes.

His voice deepens. “This is awkward for me, too, Sam. I’ve been wondering how to tell you. I don’t know why it was this hard, but yeah, I’ve been seeing someone.”

“That’s great.” He must have waited until it was serious. Which means it’s serious. My gut hollows as I ask, “When did you meet her?”

“Right after we came to Paris. She joined the production.”

“Is she a singer?”

“She’s playing Izzy.”

My heartbeat fades. “I’m so happy for you. Thank you for calling a day early. Have a great time.”

“Sam?” he asks.

“Lexi’s crying over here, Logan,” I lie as my sister tilts her head and chomps on the claw. “It’s Brad again. She’s really upset. I have to go. I really am happy for you. Of course I am. That’s so neat that you finally have a girlfriend.”

Zoe and Lexi stop chewing.

“Oh good,” he exhales. “For a second there I thought…but that’s crazy. I don’t know. Anyway, tell Lexi I said that guy’s an asshole and I would’ve thought that she’d have gotten rid of him by now.”

I don’t bother to tell him the truth about Brad. “Talk soon.”

“Next Monday.”

Zoe and Lexi are watching me.

I hang up, stare off for a moment, blink up to ask, “When do we start this business?”

Lexi’s eyes narrow on the decision of whether or not to let me slide. “No day better than yesterday.”

I nod and mutter to myself more than to them, “Good. Let’s do this.”