Chapter 6 Tate
CHAPTER SIX
TATE
“I’m excited to go to the aquarium today,” Daija says with a small smile, grabbing a chia pudding from the fridge and adding fresh raspberries on top. “How ’bout you, boo?”
We’re still in our pajamas after a chaotic yet fun night.
The party was an absolute hit, and thankfully, nothing dramatic happened besides me rocking another “straight” boy’s world.
Although it’s not unusual for me, the fact that we’re friends is.
I’m not usually in the same social circle as the guys I hook up with, and I definitely don’t go to the aquarium with them.
But Jake invited us last night, and everyone was drunk enough to say yes.
I shrug nonchalantly, feigning indifference and hoping to get out of a barrage of questions about what happened between Spence and me last night.
“Mhm. Right.” She raises a doubtful brow at me.
Ignoring her, I grab my chia pudding from the fridge and add fresh blueberries before a hefty sprinkle of homemade granola. “Want some?” I offer, holding out the mason jar of crunchy goodness. Daija loves to bake, and she makes the best coconut almond granola.
“So, are you going to tell me about you and Spencer?” she asks, taking the jar and adding some to her breakfast before screwing the lid on tight.
“Are you going to tell me about you and Jake?” I volley back, not actually believing anything happened between them last night. I’m just not ready to talk about whatever the hell is happening with Spencer and me.
We narrow our eyes at each other, trapped in a stare-off, before I inevitably lose, blinking rapidly and glancing away as my eyes start to water.
“Fiiine. I’m excited for the aquarium. I’ll give you that,” I finally admit. “But that doesn’t mean it’s a date!”
I don’t date, and I don’t do relationships, either. Daija knows that.
“If that’s what helps you sleep at night,” she mumbles.
“What was that?” I narrow my eyes at her.
“Oh, nothing. Just that it’s going to be so much fun,” Daija says with a little smirk before digging into her breakfast and humming at the flavor.
And that’s what I’m worried about. Spencer is kind and charming and fun. I have to make sure I don’t fall for him, because I refuse to let myself get hurt again.
Freshman year isn’t something I’m willing to repeat. I wouldn’t recover. That’s why I only do casual hookups. Even friends with benefits is risky. If Spencer and I take things any further, I think we need to have some sort of arrangement in place first.
Daija and I finish breakfast in silence before getting ready for the day.
After a rejuvenating everything-shower, I step out and wipe the mirror with a towel, looking pink, shiny, and smooth, without a single body hair in sight.
It’s way too steamy to get dressed in here, so I peek my head out, hearing Daija’s shower running behind her closed door.
Completely naked, I quickly dart back to my bedroom and shut the door behind me.
I apply my favorite vanilla-scented body lotion before I’m completely dry in order to lock in moisture, and then I browse my closet for the perfect, casual outfit that says I didn’t try too hard, I’m just naturally this cute.
I go with a pair of baby-blue Bermuda shorts and a striped tank top, knowing I have the perfect nail polish color to match.
Just as I’m finishing up the last step in my skincare routine, my phone buzzes on the nightstand. I wrap a fuzzy robe around myself, tying it at the waist, and belly flop onto my bed, kicking my feet up behind me.
“Hey, Mom,” I answer with an easy tone. I like to think we have a good relationship with open communication and all that, but she does tend to ask me some pretty invasive questions about my love life, as well as constantly informing me of the dangers of unsafe sex.
Like I’m some horny teenager. I mean, I definitely am horny, but I’m twenty-one now, and I have plenty of experience.
I don’t need her advice when it comes to dating or sex.
“Hey, honey bunny. How’s your summer goin’?”
“Good so far. A group of us are going to the aquarium today.” I keep it vague because I really don’t need an interrogation right now.
“Oh, that sounds fun. Is anyone special going?”
I know what she’s trying to get at, but she could waterboard me with Sprite in a dark basement for a month straight, and she’ll still never get the details of any of my escapades out of me.
“Just Daija and a couple of our friends from CBU. How’re you and Dad doing?” I ask, attempting to redirect the conversation away from me.
“Well, your dad’s been working long hours at the firm, and I’ve been at the hospital more than home, but other than that, we’re doin’ just fine, honey.”
She works hard as an ER nurse, taking care of everyone else but herself, and my dad has his own law firm.
I don’t have any issues with my dad—he was cool when I came out back in middle school—but we don’t really keep in touch outside of my visits home. He’s not a texter or a talker, and honestly, he’s just way too serious for me to relax and freely be myself around.
“That’s good. When’s the cruise again? Are you getting excited?” Sounds like they could both use a break from work.
“It’s not until August, and you’re still more than welcome to come. It’s going to be a blast,” Mom insists.
I love my parents, but the thought of being stuck on a boat in the middle of the ocean with them sounds absolutely terrifying. Call me dramatic, but it is what it is.
“Thanks, but we’ve got some big events at work this summer that I can’t miss,” I say, even though it’s only half true.
If I wanted to go on the cruise, my boss wouldn’t have a problem with it.
But there’s no way I’m missing cowboy night or the leather and lace party we’re planning. Not a fucking chance.
“I’m glad to hear you’re so dedicated to your work, sweetie. It’s an admirable quality to have. Dad and I are so proud. You know that, right?”
“Thanks, Mom. I know you are.” I’m their only child, so they don’t really have a choice, and Dad just goes along with anything Mom says. “I’m gonna finish getting ready for the aquarium. Talk to you later.”
“Okay, honey. Have fun with your friends. Love you bunches.”
“Love you too, Mom,” I reply before hanging up and rolling over on my back. Staring up at the ceiling fan, I can’t stop the smile from overtaking my face.
I shouldn’t be as excited as I am to see Spencer.
It’s dangerous fucking territory.