Page 56 of Crashing Into You

I’ve messaged Joss and Sal. Couldn’t resist, just a cherry emoji with the word “popped” next to it.

I want to go back to bed with Bryce and figure out all the ways we can fuck each other. And then try them, over and over again. It actually hurts to be parted from him, my body aching for his touch. It’s ridiculous. And I love it.

The bell on the shop door rings and I look up, jolted out of my latest Bryce daydream.

“Claire!”

It’s Joss, her dark hair looking slightly dishevelled, a huge smile on her face. She runs at me and grabs me, hugging me, and we jump up and down together, laughing.

I love her so much. She’s been the best friend to me. I want to share my joy with her.

“I can’t believe you did it. And withhim! You fucking lucky bitch!”

We both sigh, staring at the poster of Bryce. I might have to ask Anna if we can change it, as I’m finding it incredibly distracting.

“So?” Joss nudges me.

“What?”

“Claire, do not think that you can shag one of the hottest surfers around and then not share details,” she squeals. “How was it? What’s he like? How big is his?—”

“Enough!” I almost can’t speak for laughing.

“Claire. I work in a pharmacy. I do not have a boyfriend. I need this in my life.”

“All right! It was… amazing. “

“Well, duh. I didn’t imagine sex god Bryce Maylands would be anything but.” Joss folds her arms. “I need details. Something to take back to work with me.”

“Don’t tell everyone at your work!”

“What? That my best friend is dating a famous surfer? You better believe I’m telling everyone that shit.”

“You cannot tell your co-workers details about my sex life!” I hiss.

The bell on the door jingles again and a woman comes in. She starts browsing through the racks. Joss grabs a piece of paper from behind the till and a pen. She starts writing something. I head over to the woman.

“Hi, let me know if you need any help.”

“Thanks,” the woman says. “Do you have this in a 12?” She holds out a top.

“I’ll just check. Hang on a sec.”

I make a face at Joss as I pass her, heading for the small stockroom/office at the back of the store. I rummage around and find the top, then head back out. I give it to the customer.

“Thanks,” she says. “Where can I…?

I point out the small changing room. When she closes the door, Joss comes over, handing me the piece of paper.

I look at it. A giggle bursts out of me. “What the hell is this?” I whisper.

“You have a customer; I need details,” Joss hisses. “I have to go back to work in a minute. And don’t think Sal won’t be calling you as well, wanting the same information. This way it saves time.”

The paper has a list of sex positions on it, with check boxes next to each one.

“Fill it in,” Joss says, nudging me.

“No need,” I say, warmth running through me at the memory of Bryce and what we did together. “We did all of it. Except that one.” I point to where she’s written,bent over the outside balcony, trying not to imagine what that might be like. “Although I’m sure we’ll get round to it soon.”