Page 171 of All at Once

It’s actually pretty funny. I’ve said these exact same words to her maybe about a trillion times. Yet those were all in reference to the crushes I’d daydream about. This time, it’sreal. This time, it’s about myboyfriend.

“Well you sure did a 180,” she says, while laughing.

“Are you going to keep teasing me or do you actually want to hear about it?” I reply.

“Both, but go ahead.”

Where do I even start? “He’s funny, respectful, smart, stupidly attractive, and almost asfoolishas I am.”

“Are we sure this guy actually exists?” Georgia grins at me, but there’s a happy twinkle behind her eyes. And I know it’s there just for me.

I playfully hit her with a pillow.

Her lips curve a bit more mischievously. “So are you finally going to tell me if you hooked up or not?”

“More.” I glance at my fingers demurely. “We slept together.”

Georgia’s eyes immediately widen, almost the way mine didduringandafterthe fact. “You slept together?!!” she repeats.

I bite down on my smile. “A few times…”

She covers her mouth. Georgia looks as proud as someone would be after hearing their best friend got railed. “Well? How was it?”

“Devastatingly good,” I reply, feeling warm again. “Like I don’t even need a means to compare it with. He’sthatgood.”

“Okay now. Someone’s a little horny.”

“Georgia.” My eyes widen.

“What?” She raises her shoulders. “Am I wrong?”

“Okay, maybe I am.” I quickly add, “Idefinitelyam.” Both chuckling, I ask, “Is Prince Charming still a jester?”

She chortles. “You know our last date actually went pretty well.”

“So you saw him again?”

“I mean, he’s a pretty convincing jester,” she says as I grin. “No, but he’s really sweet. I think we were both just really nervous on that first date.”

“So we’re both in relationships now?” I say in disbelief.

“I know. What’s happening with the world?” She shakes her head, laughing. “Honestly, I’m still so shocked that you did all that. Like going to Spain, putting yourself out there like that. I’msoproud of you Jasmine. Although, deep down I always knew you had it in you.”

My eyes get all tingly with joy. “Thanks Georgia.”

Sometimes our best friends are the ones who remind us that we were always fearless, even when we didn’t know it yet ourselves.

“Who would’ve thought that a summer vacation would lead tothis?” she adds.

“I know,” I reply. “It still hasn’t really sunk in that I have a boyfriend. AH. I have aboyfriend!”

As she laughs, I pull her in for a tight hug, reminding me just how much I missed her. And how happy I am to be back even though I’m already missing Luca like crazy. Despite the one day that’s barely passed.

_________

Although I’d love to just sit in this bliss forever, I know that avoiding my parents can only go on for so long. So when my mom texted me to come over for dinner this weekend, I decided to go, missing them deep down but also fearing that I won’t hear the end of it once they learn more details about the trip.

Having prepared for the worst, I’m a bit surprised to say the least when my mom practically leaps into my arms as soon as I step foot in their front door. “Jasmine, we missed you so much,” she squeals.

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