Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 95340 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95340 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Bethany’s jaw drops open. “You did not just say that!” She cackles. “Stop it right now, Jill. I can’t with you.”
“I wanted to see your reaction,” she admits. “I’ll stop. This is serious.” She pulls a finger across her lips as if she were zipping it.
“Lizzy, maybe he’s feeling the same way but doesn’t know how to bring it up?”
Maybe.
I shake my head, feeling a knot form in the pit of my stomach.
“We haven’t really talked about it, and I have zero idea how to bring it up.” I sigh, biting off a huge chunk of pizza. “But I know I can’t keep avoiding the conversation forever.”
“You’re right,” Bethany says, voice filled with encouragement. “You deserve to have your feelings heard and validated. And if Brodie cares about you, he’ll listen and respect what you have to say.”
“What guy wants to be lectured about feelings and validation and respect?” I ask, swallowing.
No guys.
“Uh, ’scuse me. This isn’t all about him. This is about you—and him. And if you can’t have a talk about this then what the hell are you wasting your time with a guy like this for.” She pauses, her expression softening. “Food for thought.”
Bethany nods in agreement. “But it’s important to approach the conversation with honesty and openness,” she adds, and did I mention she’s a psychology major? Who wants to be a family therapist?
Yeah. Totally helpful having her in the house, she’s gotten me out of more funks than I can count.
“Try to find a time when you’re both relaxed and comfortable, and be clear about what you want and need from the relationship.”
“Thanks, Dr. Bethany.” I’m grateful for their advice, but I’m not sure when I’ll have the opportunity to talk with Brodie. It’s not like the dude is asking me on dates and crap. “I’ll definitely keep that in mind.”
Knowing that I had their support gave me the courage I needed to have the difficult conversation with Brodie.
“Speaking of men being impossible to deal with, you guys won’t believe what my Jon did the other day.” Bethany swallows the pizza in her mouth, voice filled with excitement. “He tried to cook dinner for us, but he ended up burning everything to a crisp.”
Jill and I burst into laughter, unable to contain our amusement at the image of Bethany’s helpless boyfriend attempting to navigate the kitchen.
“What was it?”
“Baked chicken and some side dish, couldn’t tell you what. It was incinerated before I could identify anything in the pan.”
“Classic boyfriend move,” I tease, shaking my head in mock disbelief. “Maybe he should stick to Door Delivery next time.”
They order takeout a lot.
Bethany rolls her eyes playfully, a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of her lips. “Hey, at least he tried—A for effort.”
“Did it get him laid at least?”
She nods. “Of course it got him laid. It’s the thought that counts, right? I just hope he doesn’t keep trying to cook.”
Bethany pulls a face.
Jill’s eyes twinkle with amusement as she reaches for another slice of pizza. “But maybe he should consider investing in a fire extinguisher, just in case.”
We erupt into laughter once again. Moments like this are what makes living with Bethany and Jill feel like a never-ending sleepover, a.k.a. the sorority I was never part of.
We may come from different backgrounds and are pursuing different paths in life, but our shared experiences and unwavering support for one another have forged a stronger connection than any friendship.
Squad goals is our tiny trio.
“Hey. Rando thought,” Bethany blurts out. “What if you text Sully for advice? You said he was like, trying to play matchmaker or wingman after your date.” She uses air quotes around the word date. “He’ll probably give you a nudge in one direction or another.”
I nod. “Yeah, I could do that.”
He lost interest in me romantically the second I asked about Brodie on our dinner date; as well as he should have. I clearly was only in it for the free meal. And he was gracious enough not to be a complete dick about it like some guys would be.
After dinner, when I’m back in my room—alone—I take their advice and shoot a note to the other neighbor guy. The one who hasn’t had his face down between my legs, not for his lack of trying…
Lizzy: Hey Sully, you have a second?
Sully: I’m on the toilet, so plenty of time. LOL
Sully: What’s up, gorgeous?
Oh brother. Isn’t he the charmer?
Lizzy: I feel like I might need your advice about something.
Why am I being so passive? I don’t think I need advice. I do need advice. I just don’t want to seem pushy or needy, and UGH, why am I like this?
Sully: Talk to me, Goose.
Goose? Who’s Goose?
Is that some guy code for something?
Lizzy: It’s about Brodie—and I feel weird texting you before I’ve talked to him myself. I just can’t figure out how to talk to him, ha ha.