Chapter Six #2
I stared at the table, my voice low. “Alex tried to call me, but I blocked him. I never went back for my things. I just moved back home and… tried to forget he existed. I didn’t date anyone for two years after that.
And when I finally did, it was never serious.
Just casual stuff. Nothing that could hurt me. ”
“That must have been incredibly traumatizing,” Lily said softly. “I’m so sorry you went through that.”
“That’s why I don’t trust men. Why I keep them at a distance. It’s not some feminist power move—it’s survival.”
“That’s what you need to remember. You survived, and I admire the hell out of you for doing it. For getting out. So many women don’t. They live a lifetime of abuse, or end up killed by their partners.”
I studied a tiny crack in the ceiling. “Sometimes I think I should’ve done more. Pressed charges, made him pay. But I didn’t want anyone to know. I just wanted it gone.”
She squeezed my hand again. “You did what you had to do to stay safe. That’s what matters.”
I nodded, the tightness in my chest starting to ease. “He was a scumbag. The worst kind of person to fall in love with.”
“And yet you walked away. That takes strength.”
I gave her a tired smile. “Is that your professional opinion?”
“One hundred percent. But don’t give up on all men.”
I shrugged. “I didn’t give up. I just start off by thinking I can’t trust them.”
“A self-defense mechanism.”
“Exactly. Works like a charm. Have some more.” I passed her the plate of waffles.
Once again, she cut into the golden treat. “Do you think it would work with Sebastian?”
I honestly didn’t know the answer. Sebastian was different in a way I couldn’t explain, and that made me uneasy. There was something that drew me to him, but made the rational part of my brain shout at me to run.
I shook my head. “I don’t know, Lily. Why risk it? Besides, we’re getting way ahead of ourselves here. Sebastian’s never asked me out.”
“Would you go out with him?”
I shook my head firmly. “No way. Nothing good could come from that.”
“You never know until you try,” Lily said with a maddeningly cheerful tone. She took a sip of water. “If he made me waffles like that, I’d be tempted.”
“I’m sure he would. He’s probably got a waffle iron in every woman’s kitchen across Manhattan.”
“I’m serious. Sebastian might surprise you. Sometimes, dwelling on the past costs you your present.”
I snorted. “I’ll learn to make my own damn waffles. I still can’t believe Dad gave him the recipe and not me. He wouldn’t even share it with my mom.”
At the mention of my mother, the air shifted.
I always avoided the subject of Moira—I’d stopped calling her Mom the day she walked out on us.
The emotional distance she put between us that day was exponential to the geographical distance.
I had no idea where she was or even if she was still alive, and I didn’t care.
Lily dabbed at her lips with a paper napkin. “Do you miss her?” she asked gently.
“Nope.” The word was automatic, flat. “Never.”
She let it go. That was Lily’s gift—knowing when to lean in, and when to back off.
I sighed. “Okay, enough with the therapy session. Tell me about you. When did you decide to sneak—I mean, move—in here?”
She laughed, clearly relieved by the shift in tone. “Last month, when my landlord hiked up my rent again. That place was already stupid expensive, but apparently greed has no ceiling.”
“So when Sue told you she was moving out…”
“I jumped at the chance. Closer to the office, closer to you—what more could I want?”
“A decent AC unit.” I pointed at mine. “Sue’s old one sucks. But if you want one of these, I’ll help you install it.”
“That would be amazing. My folks are coming by tomorrow to help with the move. Which means Mom will hover and direct traffic, while I try to stop Dad from lifting anything heavier than a pillow.”
I smiled. I looked forward to seeing Lily’s parents again. She’d been adopted when she was only a few weeks old and had never known her real origins. Her adoptive parents were amazing, had showered her with love, and had given her a wonderful upbringing. No one could ask for better parents.
“I’d love to see them again,” I said. “We can tag team—one of us distracts Mom, the other babysits Dad.”
“It’s a plan.” She glanced at her slim watch. “Speaking of plans, did I totally interrupt yours?”
“Not really. I just need to do laundry. Want to come? I’ll give you the full tour.”
I gathered my pile of laundry, and we headed downstairs.
I was glad Lily was with me. Last time I’d come down alone, Clarence from 1B had lurked way too close for comfort.
Sue always said he was harmless, but anyone who cared for reptiles at the zoo and looked like he might smuggle them home in his pants made me uneasy.
I pushed open the laundry room door and made a beeline for the first machine. But when I opened the lid, I froze.
“Oh my God,” I whispered.
Lily leaned in. “What is it?”
“Just… look.”
She stepped closer and peered inside. “What the hell… Is that—are those rubber toys? Did someone wash their dog’s stuff?”
“Take a closer look,” I said, trying not to laugh.
Lily reached in and pulled out a bright pink rubber cock. She yelped and dropped it like it bit her. “Jesus Christ!”
She gaped into the washer. “There’s dozens in here. Every size, every color. It’s like the Rainbow Coalition of dildos.”
I was wheezing with laughter, barely able to speak. “Definitely not dog toys.”
“Where did these come from? Are you stocking a secret aisle at the store? Because if so, I have notes.”
“They’re not mine,” I said through tears. “One’s enough for me—and I prefer battery operated, thank you very much.”
We were still gasping when the new girl from 3C strolled in. Savanna, from Georgia. Pixie haircut, nose ring, full sleeves of tattoos, and an energy that screamed sex club veteran.
“Hey, Savanna. Settling into the city life?” I said.
“I love it,” she chirped. “The clubs are fabulous. Nothing like this back home. And my job is aces.”
She made her way to the first washer.
Lily shot me a glance—should we warn her? But the elbow she jabbed into my ribs said: Nope. Let’s see what happens.
Savanna lifted the lid, peered inside, and didn’t flinch. One by one, she pulled out the dildos, shook off the excess water, and placed them neatly into the oversized tote she carried.
“No big deal,” Lily muttered beside me. “Just another Sunday night.”
Savanna zipped the bag and turned back to us with a smile. “Y’all have a nice evening.”
“You too,” I managed, biting my lip to keep from losing it.
She paused at the door. “Oh—did the entertainment I sent for the bachelorette party do the trick?”
“He definitely made an impression,” I said, voice strangled.
“Well, if you ever need anything else, I’ve got the connections.” She winked and sauntered out, dildos in tow.
The door clicked shut behind her, and Lily and I exploded into laughter. I doubled over, clutching my sides.
“I wonder what clubs she finds so fabulous,” Lily said through tears. “And what she does with all those…”
“I mean, she said she’s a hostess, but now I’m imagining her doing Tupperware-style toy parties with samples on the buffet table.”
“Do you think guests get to test drive the merchandise?”
We howled.
“I’m going to love this neighborhood,” Lily gasped.