Page 43 of Remember Me

“Wait, what? Back up. Your first kiss ever? Not just your first kiss with Jake?” She looks like she’s about to fall off the chair.

“Yep, as in my first kiss ever. You have to remember, Kay, I’m painfully shy when it comes to men. There was never an opportunity for a first kiss.”

Or is there another reason why I never kissed anyone else? Either way, I can’t believe I just admitted that out loud. What must she think?

Kayla goes to respond just as the door chimes, and Hannah and Alyssa come in. Puck Sluts Book Club is about to restart for the first time since the accident, and I can’t wait to change the subject. Kayla shoots me a look that screams, “This isn’t over.”

We head out onto the terrace as the sun is shining, and as Kayla said, it’s very important to get that vitamin D—although I can’t be sure we’re talking about the same thing.

“So, what did everyone think of Wren’s latest book? I know we’ve texted about it in the group chat, but what are everyone's final thoughts?” I ask around a generous sip of iced coffee. I need to distract myself from thinking about yesterday; my mind is all over the place. Why am I even overthinking this? Literally nothing happened.

“Can I start by saying what a swoon Bridger is? Where do I get one of those from?” Alyssa starts, a hand on her forehead as if she’s about to faint.

“He certainly gives Louis a run for his money, although when he speaks French to me, I swear I shed a tear from between my thighs,” Kayla chimes in.

Alyssa gags, “Jesus, Kay, too much information right there.” Kayla snickers, pleased she’s managed to gross Alyssa out.

“I’m still loving James over here, maybe it’s because he’s a bit older and Sarah is closer to my age,” Hannah smiles softly, and I can see Alyssa smiling too. Like maybe all isn’t lost for her sweet mom to find love again.

“I would also like to say I have never wanted to kick someone in the crotch as much as Darcy, what a bitch!” Kayla says as her face turns slightly murderous.

“Well, I’m still crushing hard on Carter over here. I hope I don’t have to wait too long for his and Lola’s book. It’s so clear they both love each other, but neither will do anything about it,” I say, jutting out my lower lip.

“Huh,” Kayla muses. “Where have I heard that before? Two people who are quite clearly in love with each other but refuse to do anything about it? Gosh, I can’t begin to think.” She raises an eyebrow at me. She’s wrong—I’m not in love with Jake, and he is certainly not in love with me.

“Who do we think will be next in the series?” I say, changing the subject. “Maybe Jamie and Maya?”

“Nah, that’s what Wren wants us to think. I think it’s going to be Amber, but I’m not sure who the love interest will be. Maybe it will be the lawyer she’s working with. They have that whole enemies to lovers vibe,” Alyssa mumbles around a cupcake.

“We will have to wait and see; I know she’s putting out a teaser later on this week, so we’ll soon find out who’s right. In the meantime, shall we pick our next read?”

“I actually have a suggestion. I saw someone talking about this book on TikTok and I am desperate to read it,” Kayla says, almost bouncing out of her chair.

“What’s it called?” I ask, Kindle in hand ready to download it.

“It’s called For The Fans by Nyla K. It’s basically about two stepbrothers who set up an OnlyFans account to raise money to stay in college, and the best bit? They’re doing stuff to each other!” She's almost vibrating now. “I’m not sure if you all would be into two guys getting it on, though?” She checks around the table.

“I must admit, I’ve never read anything like that before, but I’d be happy to give it a try,” Hannah says.

Alyssa wrinkles her nose and looks absolutely horrified at the idea of her mom reading anything like that. I think she forgets Hannah has had sex before, and from what Hannah’s said, it used to be a lot.

“I’ve actually read some MM romances before and I really like them,” I say as Alyssa and Kayla look at me slack-jawed. “What? I may be inexperienced, but I’m not a prude.”

That’s another thing I hate: everyone thinks, just because I’m a virgin at twenty-six, I must be some sort of innocent little schoolgirl. Am I a bit sheltered? Yes. Am I a bit nervous around the opposite sex? Also, yes. But it doesn’t mean I haven’t read or seen things to do with sex. In fact, romance readers probably know more about it than anyone else.

“So, it’s decided? For the Fans will be our next read?” I’m definitely ready to move on to something else.

“So, where’s Jake today?” Hannah asks whilst she strokes Bella.

That dog is obsessed with Hannah, and I can’t blame her. She’s so warm and affectionate, you can’t help but love her.

“He’s gone to morning skate with the guys and then I think he’s going back to his apartment for a bit.”

“I hate that place," Alyssa says. “It’s so…”

“Sterile?” Kayla finishes for her.

“Yes! It’s like no one lives there.”