“So, you’re really pledging Beta Kappa?” I ask.
She nods. “Courtney is sponsoring me.”
Courtney.
I should have known.
“Did Court put you up to this?” I ask.
“Yes. No?—”
“Because you know a lot of that Greek Row stuff is overblown, right? Beta Kappa Beauties don’t have to?—”
“This is my choice,” she says. “Sure, your sister told me I should ask a guy friend to take my virginity for me, but I think it’s a good idea. I want to do this, and I trust you. I know you’d make it a good experience for me.”
“That’s...” I exhale a laugh, turning to pace along the sidewalk. “That’s a lot of pressure, Dana.”
“You said you’d do anything for me.”
“Yeah. That was before you said what it was.”
Dana frowns. “I’m sorry. I really didn’t think it’d be this weird for you.”
“Well, it is,” I say, pausing my stride. “You’re like the sister I never had.”
“You have a sister,” she points out.
“A younger sister.”
“I’m two months older than you.”
“You know what I mean.”
She crosses her arms. “Clearly, I don’t.”
I sigh. “I’ve known you my whole life, Dana.”
“So, you only sleep with girls you don’t know?” she asks.
“No, that’s not?—”
“Or do you think I should just give it up to some stranger?”
“No!” I say, the idea itself twisting my gut unexpectedly. “I think you should wait to be with someone special.”
“Did you?” she asks.
I hesitate. “I...”
Her head tilts, awaiting my response.
“I’m a guy,” I spit out.
“So?”
“So... it’s different for girls.”
Dana scoffs.