Page 33 of Can't Always Get What You Want

Luca: The cup, Nova. Try to keep up.

Nova: Oh my GOD. Do not call it that.

Luca: We’re bonded for life now…

Nova: We are not bonded for life you weirdo.

Luca: Shared custody says otherwise. Do you want to see the cup again or NOT?

Nova: Yes. I love my giraffe cup.

Luca: OUR giraffe cup.

Nova: I’m gonna need you to shut up.

Luca: Make me.

Nova: Goodbye, Ace.

Luca: Goodnight, Starshine. See you on Friday.

7

nova

It’s just a cup.

You’re going for the cup.

Utterly ridiculous.

“I’m not nervous.” I glance down at my chest. “But why are my tits out?”

On my phone screen, Poppy cackles, her video feed shaking as she nearly drops her phone. “I was aboutto ask you the same thing. That’s alotof cleavage for dinner that’s not a date, Nova.”

I huff, turning back to the mirror and adjusting the neckline of my top. Boobs out, girls poppin’.

They’re serving.

“I didn’t do it on purpose.”It just happened.

“Uh-huh.” She doesn’t believe me.

“What? I’m serious.”

“Right. Youaccidentallyput on the slinkiest, sexiest shirt in your entire wardrobe and have the girls out to play.”

I scowl at her reflection through the screen. “You think this is sexy?”

Poppy laughs. “Absolutely.”

I roll my eyes but can’t stop the corner of my mouth from twitching. She has been my friend for ages, the kind of friendwho tells me when my makeup is too heavy and when I’m lying to myself or if my boobs are popping out. I love her for it.

I only wish we lived in the same city.

Last year, she moved across the country for a job shesworewas her dream. And it probably is. But selfishly, I hate it. I miss having her within driving distance. I miss our late-night sleepovers because she was too lazy to take the Metrorail home and seeing her on the weekends.

I sigh. “It’s just a shirt.”

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