Page 70 of Room for Us

“Tell me everything.”

So I do, the whole sordid story unfolding over the next hour. By the time I’m done, I’m sober again, while Celeste gulps down her forgotten drink. She sets the empty glass beside mine, then fixes her blue stare on my face.

“I’m flabbergasted.”

I snort. “Flabbergasted? Who says that?”

“I’m trying to be literary. You know, in honor of your paramour.”

“Oh God, stop.”

We giggle like toddlers after a potty joke. When our mirth fades, Celeste gives me her best serious face, the effect ruined by the mascara that’s slowly migrated south beneath her eyes.

“Best sex of your life? Really?”

“I only have one person to compare it to,” I grumble.

“Doesn’t matter. If you’re orgasming nonstop and not thinking about grocery lists mid-coitus, it’s the best sex of your life.”

I press my hands to my burning cheeks. “Okay, yes, it’s amazing. He has this thing where he always wants eye contact when I… you know. I definitely don’t think about anything but him.”

She nods sagely. “Epic sex.” There’s a small pause. “You really have feelings for him, don’t you?”

I nod, then shrug. “I think. I don’t know.”

“Bullshit. You know.”

I groan. “Being in tune with my emotions is pretty new for me, okay? He’s new for me. I’ve never met anyone like him, never felt anything like this. It sounds corny saying it out loud, but it’s true. When I’m around him, I feel… different. Better, I guess. If that makes any sense.”

She nods. “I get it. I felt that way about Jeremy. He was so different from the other boys.” She smiles slightly. “Adolescent angst skipped him or something. He was always laughing, always looking on the bright side, never spoke a bad word about anyone. And it was totally genuine. Being around him was like standing in sunshine.”

I smile as a memory surfaces. “I have a Jeremy story.”

“Do tell.”

“After my dad split when I was ten, everyone at school pretended nothing happened. I think mostly no one knew what to say—except Doug Richter, who was merciless.”

“Ugh, he was such a bully. He’s down in Boise now. Sells life insurance.”

“Shocking.” We share a smile. “But one day after Doug said something really cruel—I can’t even remember what it was—I ran away from the playground crying and hid behind the basketball court. Jeremy found me before the bell, and he said something I’ll never forget.”

“What?” asks Celeste.

“He said, ‘Don’t listen to Doug. He’s an asshole and has a small wiener.’”

Her jaw drops, shocked laughter erupting. “What? No! Jeremey said that?”

I nod, grinning. “He sure did.”

She shakes her head slowly. “Turns out I didn’t know the man I married very well after all.”

I laugh. “He was a great guy. Special.”

Celeste’s lower lip quivers. She nods a few times, blinking rapidly. I see the moment she shuts the box on her memories—her face and eyes clear, and she smiles at me.

“I’m so glad you came over.”

“Me too.” I shift, looking down at my lap. “Thanks for… you know.”

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