Page 108 of Just for Tonight

“And so, I get seduced by appearances and fall into the trap,” Cameron says. “One day I’ve got to live and learn.”

“And what’s it like?” I ask. She looks up. “Sleeping with an asshole?”

“Well, it sucks, of course. Because they’re always self-absorbed. You never end up having an orgasm unless you take care of it yourself after he’s passed out.”

“Nice guys for the win,” Sylvia says and Daphne gives her a high five.

I’m not interested in their domestic bliss. “Every time?” I ask Cameron.

She winces. “Every time.”

I take a drink of my wine. One of the mysteries of the universe has just been solved for me: I know why I’m sure that Jake isn’t really an asshole. “You see, that’s the thing. Jake Cavendish is supposed to be an asshole. He’ll tell you so himself, without any encouragement. But he is awesome in bed. It doesn’t tally that someone who is completely self-absorbed would be an amazing lover.”

There is a beat of silence.

Okay, maybe six or eight beats.

Then Cameron leans forward. “You’re sleeping with Jake Cavendish.”

“We haven’t slept much actually.” I take an olive and toss it back.

Merrie smiles. “You are doing Jake Cavendish and it’s good.”

“More than good. Possibly best ever.” I take a breath, then decide not to elaborate on that. “It’s good,” I say. “Very good.”

“That’s who you were talking about,” Merrie concludes triumphantly.

I nod.

“I think we need a second opinion,” Cameron says. “I think you should give me his number.”

“Mackenzie,” Daphne says, giving me a look. “What’s really going on there?”

“Why are you telling us this?” Cameron says with a nod of agreement. “Are you trying to make me jealous?”

“No! I just don’t know what to do with this. It’s awesome. He’s great. He’s thoughtful. He listens. I criticize what he’s done and he changes his plan.”

“You,” Merrie whispers. “It was because of you that he helped Candace.”

I nod. “And Madison, too, now.” I have to tell them the Madison story, which they agree is one that makes Jake look good. “We agreed that it would be just sex, but I want more. All the time, I just want more. It’s all I can think about. He’s all I can think about.” I toss back the rest of my glass of wine and don’t even taste it. “He insists that’s impossible, so I don’t know what to do.”

“Sounds like love,” Merrie says.

“It can’t be,” I protest, although my heart isn’t really in it. I think she’s right, actually, but give my standard excuse. “I don’t have time to fall in love.”

“I didn’t know you had to put it on your schedule,” Sylvia says with a smile.

“Is that the trick?” Cameron asks. “I have to write it in? Fall in love: Tuesday four p.m.”

“This isn’t a joke,” I say and they all pretend to be solemn.

“No, of course not.”

“Not amusing at all.”

“Even if Mackenzie is the single-forever one-and-done queen.”

“Even if Jake Cavendish is an asshole.”