“Hey!”
“Well, it’s true.”
Rebecca looked sheepish. “No,” she said. “But I have had sex, remember?”
“I don’t know what I want,” I said softly.
“If he’s a college boy, he probably just wants sex.”
Again, Alex’s handsome face popped into my mind.
“He’s older,” I said. “Five or six years.”
Rebecca rolled her eyes. “Alex is twenty-eight, and he’s still the biggest pig I’ve ever met. I don’t know how mature most guys are around that age, but I’d expect something better.”
I sighed. “Can we just not talk about your brother for like, ten minutes?” I asked, shaking my head. “It’s not that I don’t like him…”
“I know, you’re sick of my complaining,” Rebecca said. “I’m sorry. I’m just kind of mad – I really wish my family would come around!”
I nodded. “I know.” Suddenly, an image of a guy from school popped into my head. He wasn’t anything like Alex – he was lanky and lean, with dark hair in a braid, but he had smiled at me a couple of times. Once, he’d even told me that he liked my jeans.
“So?” Rebecca raised an eyebrow. “Who is this mystery would-be lover of yours?”
I wrinkled my nose. “Don’t say lover,” I said. “It’s so gross and seventies.”
Rebecca laughed. “Okay. Would-be suitor, then. Who is he?”
I swallowed hard and sat up straight. I’d never been a good liar, especially to Rebecca. I really hoped she’d buy my story.
“His name is Dan,” I said. “He’s the only guy in my class.”
“Oh, really,” Rebecca said. “Hey, I think I know him! Dark hair, always wears those sunglasses?”
I nodded. “Yep. That’s him.”
“He’s cute, he looks like a nice guy,” Rebecca said. “Wait – how do you know he’s older?”
I flushed brightly. “Um, I guessed,” I said. “He just seems to mature.”
To my immense relief, Rebecca nodded. “Yeah, you’re right,” she said. “So, you gonna do it?”
“Do what?”
“Ask him out,” Rebecca said. “God, Molly! You’re so dense sometimes.”
“I don’t know,” I said. My heart was pounding quickly just thinking about it…and I didn’t even like Dan in that way!
“Oh, come on – what do you have to lose?”
I sighed. “I guess you’re right. I’ll think about it.”
Rebecca grabbed my hand and squeezed. “Don’t think about it – just do it,” she said. “Oh, Mol! I’m so proud of you!”
I blushed. “Thanks, I think.”
Rebecca nodded. “Trust me, this is good!” She raised an eyebrow. “Maybe you’ll get a boyfriend!”
I bit my lip. I hope so, I thought. But when I closed my eyes, it was still Alex’s face in my mind.