Page 81 of Embers in the Dark

“Actually, I would totally ask that question,” Marissa says through the phone.

I look down, having completely forgotten she called in shortly after the guys left. She was bummed to have missed the show.

“Hi, Baylee, I know you don’t know me well, but I have no problem asking that question,” Marissa clarifies.

“It’s true. She’s super invasive,” Abby confirms.

I look over at Samara. “Don’t look at me. I barely know you, I wouldn’t ask you. I couldn’t even confront my aunt about a dick purse at my wedding.”

“Huh?” I look at Kennedy. Now I’m really lost.

“It’s a long story. We don’t have time for that right now. Let’s stay focused.” She grabs my hands. “Baylee, I adore my fiancé, alright? But let’s be real. Your boyfriend—he’s gigantic. Like he should be living in a forest with an ax or something. He must be proportional, no?”

My cheeks flame.

Kennedy stands from her seat and points at me. “She’s blushing, Marissa,” Kennedy squeals.

“I fucking knew it!” Marissa screams through the line.

“You two are so bad. Leave her alone,” Abby says. “You don’t need to tell them anything.” Then leans in. “Even though you are super red.” She winks and that only intensifies the heat I’m feeling on my face.

If only they knew it’s not just the size I’m reacting to, but the damn piercing. I bet they have no idea he’s hiding that damn jewelry on his anaconda. I mean, no one flaunts that kind of shit on their dick. It’s so hot though.

Did someone turn on the heat in here?

“Okay, fine, don’t answer the question about how well-endowed he is,” Kennedy says, “because River wouldn’t appreciate that. But how’s the sex?”

“I’m so glad I missed the show and called for this part of the night,” Marissa says.

“You know I’m right here, right?” we hear Marissa’s girlfriend yell in the background.

“Yes, Josie, I love you!” she says. “Malloy is a big teddy bear. I just need to know if he cries after sex or something weird.”

I laugh, because I honestly can’t wait to meet Marissa in person.

“No, he doesn’t cry after sex. Gross!” I scrunch my nose. “I could never. Have you had sex with someone who cried after sex?” I look at everyone at the table.

“Well, no, but I had one guy scream ‘touchdown!’ and it was not a touchdown for me, if you catch my drift,” Kennedy says as she takes a big gulp of wine.

“That’s sad.” Abby pats her friend’s hand.

“I mean, it was a long while ago, but I had sex with a guy in high school and he was like a jackrabbit, but that might be normal in high school,” Samara shrugs.

“I mean, I’m not attracted to guys, but I don’t think you should ever think that’s normal, babe,” she says through the phone.

“I second that sentiment,” Josie yells from afar.

We all laugh and nod our agreement.

“Oh, then I guess that’s my horror story.” Samara laughs.

“Um, I appreciate you bringing me in even though I’m so much younger.” I look around.

“Hey, none of that.” Abby winks.

“Hold on, how young is young?” Marissa asks.

“I’ll be twenty-three pretty soon,” I tell her.

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