Page 10 of Icing the Cougar
"He's too young for me." It sounds weak. Even to me.
"No way," Nova says, certain. She doesn't bother with details. "Doesn't work like that, Trin. Listen. You know my mom and dad?"
“Yeah. Why?”
“Trin. Get this. Guesstheirage difference."
I hear the dramatic pause, like an announcement of what kind of studio Nova wants to open next, like she expects my mind to be blown all the way to L.A.
“I’d guess only a couple of years?”
“Nope,” Nova says, triumphant. She lets it sink in. "A whole decade! It's the new two years. No big deal."
"So, your dad is... ten years older?" I already did the math but hearing her say it makes me doubt.
"Yep."
"You think I should text him," I say. Not a question, just a repetition of what she’s already told me.
"Yup."
"Just like that."
"Just like that," Nova says. “I’ll say it slower, Trin: Go. For. It."
It’s hopeless. I don’t know why I fight it.
Okay, maybe I do.
“You’re not going to let this drop,” I say.
“Not in a million. Bye, Trin.”
I try to beat her to the hang-up, but she's too quick. Like always.
After the call, the rain slows to a drizzle, barely more than a mist, and there’s a thunderous silence.
I open the computer and type, "Yogis Wanted: Try Our New Sessions!"
Delete.
The dog across the street is not winning its standoff. An umbrella appears in the doorway, and it gets yanked into the rain. It knows when it’s beat. It knows when there’s nothing to do but follow where you’re led.
Fine.
I pick up my phone. I type, then delete, then start over.
Me:Hi.
Then wait. Then wait some more. Then type some more.
Me:Want to try another yoga session?
Chapter 7
Jasper
It takes fifteen minutes, two bribes, and one desperate compliment before we find a table at The Frost. Riley’s endless grin. Alfie’s eyes searching for friendly faces. Zach is halfway to wasted. It’s a crowd of bodies and big egos, but we’re back in Chicago. We’re celebrating. Then the jackass goes and ruins it all.
