refresher course in what goes where or anything?” She smirks at me, crumbs of glaze dropping from the corner of her mouth to her chest.
I roll my eyes. “No, I’ve got this. It hasn’t been that long.” At her narrowed eyes, I admit, “Okay, maybe it has been a while, but it’s like riding a bicycle. You don’t forget how.”
She takes the last bite of her donut, licking her fingers for the last few crumbs. “You get everything all clean and fresh below? Shaved or trimmed is standard protocol these days. No bush allowed.”
I laugh at her serious tone, like she’s educating me on something I don’t know. “Yeah, Tiff. Legs, pits, girly bits clean and smooth. Lotioned and perfumed and ready for whatever the night might bring. What are you planning?” I ask, looking at her sweats and messy bun and the box of donuts sitting on the table.
“A muck bang. Not mine, but online . . .”
“Do I want to know what a muck bang is?” I ask, confusion on my face. “Never mind. Knowing you, I know I don’t.”
Tiffany sits up, turning her screen toward me anyway. All I see is a guy sitting at a table looking like he’s about to die. “It’s a broadcast where people eat a ton of food and interact with their audience. This idiot just put down three bags of tortilla chips in four minutes.”
“People actually watch that?” I ask, confused.
“Uh, yeah, it’s a popular thing,” Tiff says as if I’m that far behind the times. “It makes me feel better about polishing off my third donut. If I ever get tired of working at Stella’s, I might do it. Get residuals from the videos online and everything.”
“You’re full of shit.”
Tiff laughs. “Okay, maybe I am. Seriously, though, this dude eats all this stuff and is skinny as a rail. I’m so damn jealous. It’s addicting to watch. Don’t knock it until you try it. And it’s hella better than watching pimple popping videos.” Her body shudders at the disgusting thought, or maybe at the overload of sugar, I’m not sure which.
“No thanks, I’ll pass. You can watch for the both of us.”
“Okay, you’re off the hook. For now. But I’m making you watch some with me one day,” she says, pointing at me like she means business while grinning. “But back to the business of the night. Ooh, that sounds sordid.” She fakes a vampire-ish accent, repeating, “Business . . . of the night . . . I vant to suck your caaahhck.” I giggle and she goes back to her real voice. “I’m so excited for you, honey! You’re finally doing it!”
Tiff leans over, wrapping her arms around me in a big hug. I lean in, a little relief filling me. “Thank you. I’ve gotta admit, I’m really nervous.”
Tiffany laughs. “Don’t be. That man wants you so damn bad. You’re the one in control, honey!”
Yeah, I’m in control all right. Up until I see him face to face, then I’ll melt into a puddle.
She’s on a roll and continues. “And don’t you ever forget it again. Just because Rich treated you like shit doesn’t mean another man won’t treasure you the way you deserve. Not saying Mr. Danger is Mr. Right, but don’t start the date with doubts and baggage. Just enjoy the moment for what it is, whether that’s crazy-hot sex or a lovely dinner. Or if you play your cards right, maybe both.”
I realize that Tiff said Rich’s name and I didn’t even flinch. I really am getting better, stronger every day. It’s about damn time. Enjoy the moment. It’s been a long time since I’ve done that, and honestly, I’m not sure I really remember how. It seems like I lived in a world full of perpetual worry, stress, and anxiety for so long, and then when I left Rich, I stayed in that place emotionally. But recently, I have felt brighter, less stagnant, and ready to move on and be happy. It’s a good feeling.
I smile at Tiff. “You’re the best. I’m hoping for option three, playing my cards right for dinner and a hot night.” Even saying it makes it feel real, possible . . . exciting.
There’s a knock on the door, and Tiff jumps up, giving me a little happy dance wiggle. “Show time, babe. Do what feels right, and getcha some.”
She looks through the peephole, then turns back to me, smiling goofily and fanning herself. “Girl, you’d better get some of that,