Page 59 of Next Time We'll Fall

“I think we’re a little bit more than friends. I had my tongue inside of you last night. I literally know how you taste.”

The phone is silent on the other end.

“Hello, Juniper? Are you there?”

“I can’t believe you just said that, Rafe.”

“What?”

“That you … you know …”

“What? That I had my tongue inside of you?”

“You can’t just be blurting that out.”

“What? It’s true, isn’t it? You seemed to enjoy it.”

I smile as I think about how she cried out my name as her fingernails dug into my back.

“Yeah, well, it was just a moment of temporary insanity.”

“Okay. Is that what we’re calling it now?”

“Yes. Plus, I’m about to be on a reality dating TV show, so I can’t just be messing around with you on the side as well.”

I feel pissed at her comment. Absolutely pissed.

“Are you wearing a thong bikini?” I ask her because I can’t stop myself.

“Yeah, of course. I’m not a grandma. I’m not going to wear granny panties. I’m going to be on a reality TV show. It’s almost a requirement to wear a thong bikini.”

“Juniper …”

“Yes, Rafe?”

I realize I can’t tell her not to wear it. It’s her body. It’s her life. But I feel annoyed, just thinking about men looking at her.

“Is there something in particular you called me for, Rafe? Or can I go?”

“I don’t think this is a good idea. I don’t think you should be in this show.”

“What do you mean, you don’t think I should be in this show?”

“I think it’s not something that goes with your personality.”

“What? Dating hot guys and possibly winning two hundred thousand dollars?”

“So, it’s about the money?” I say.

“No, it’s not about the money, but the bookstore’s not doing that well, so I could definitely use the money.”

“Mia and I can help you.”

“Mia doesn’t have money, and you know that, Rafe.”

“Well, I can help you.”

“If I’m not taking money from Mia’s fiancé, we’re definitely not taking money from you. We’re going to do this by ourselves.”