Page 78 of For the Love of Art

“You know I’m not a virgin, right?”

Frankie sat back, crossing his legs and waving a dismissive hand. “I think Jesus cleanses our bits and pieces after a shitty marriage.”

He sipped his wine, and Lianne shook her head in exasperation.

“Anyway!” Lianne shot Frankie a quick glare, then looked back at me with a kinder expression. “The rest of the story, please.”

I took a breath as I ran my finger along the rim of my wine glass. “Don called.”

Frankie gasped. “The asshole!”

“God! You didn’t answer, did you?” Lianne’s face was scrunched in utter disgust.

I felt my cheeks flush. “Maybe.”

“Oh God!” Frankie dramatically threw himself back on the couch, his wine barely staying in the glass at his sudden movement. “Who answers the phone during sex?”

“We hadn’t had sex yet,” I defended myself.

“What do you call having his dick in your mouth?” Frankie’s eyes were wide.

“Oral se–” I closed my mouth tightly and looked between my friends.

Lianne gestured for me to continue. “Finish that word, sweetie.”

“X– oral sex.” I took a long drink of wine.

“Why did you answer the phone?” Frankie asked.

I wanted to snap at him, but I couldn’t. He didn’t look angry or disappointed. He looked worried.

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Because it’s… Don.” I sighed. “He was such a huge part of my life, and I’m struggling to let go of that.”

Lianne wet her lips. “Do you want him back?”

“I don’t know.”

“Do you want Nathan?” Frankie asked.

I buried my face in my hands and groaned.

“Look, I’m not saying be with Nathan. If being single is what you need right now, that’s fine, but if you’re picking between these two men, just remember that Nathan has given you more in a few months than Don has given you in fifteen years,” Lianne said with vigor.

“Besides emotional whiplash, what has Nathan given me?”

Lianne’s face was serious as she answered, “Your dream. He gave you your dream.”