get over him, I should let loose and experience the thrill of sleeping with a stranger. I laughed and told her even though I didn’t believe in love, I did believe in self-respect and self-discipline. I graciously thanked her for her unwanted insight into my love life, and said that didn’t really excite me. Stephanie rolled her eyes and said, “Ohmigod Megan. When are you ever going to live a little?” I snapped back that I did live a little, just not with weird random men sweating all over my body. But for some reason, as I stare at Ben, he may as well be a perfectly good stranger snuggled up against my pillow.
I sheepishly glance at my reflection in the mirrored closet doors across my bed. We had no business being so irresponsible about our friendship, and even less business doing something so stupid the day before our best friend’s wedding. But I smugly decide even though I am disgusted with my behaviour, against all odds after a drunken night of meaningless sex, I am having a really good hair day coupled with natural rosy glow. I kick myself from the inside, and note even though the aftermath of this “mistake” has left me feeling slightly flush and looking better than usual, it will never happen again.
When Ben rolls over, he stretches his chiselled arms across my pillows. I hold my breath and watch him flutter his eyes open. When he sees me, he turns about fifty shades of red and pulls my comforter up to his chin.
“Good morning,” He nervously chuckles, “Sleep well?”
I quickly look away and walk over to my bathroom door dragging my sheets behind me. I turn around, lean against the doorway and coldly say, “I think you should go.”
Ben throws the comforter off from his body, this time with no shame. I force my eyes shut, completely embarrassed and now fully aware of exactly why I am in so much pain down there. I can hear him slide on his pants and buckle his belt, so I peek through one eye grateful he is throwing on his tight black shirt over his smooth muscular chest. He catches a glimpse of the clock on my nightstand, and feels the need to state the obvious, “Wow it’s early. I guess we have to be on a plane in a couple of hours don’t we?”
“Listen,” I snap cutting right to the chase, annoyed by his casual banter. Ben looks up at me and flops down on my bed to put on his socks, “This was a mistake and it will never happen again.”
Ben bites his lip and nods in agreement before he mumbles out, “Fine by me.”
“Please don’t tell anyone about this. Let’s just pretend it never happened.” I plead.
“You’re the one with the big mouth, not me.” Ben snaps.
“I don’t think so.” I shout tossing my impeccable locks to the side.
“Ah I think so.” Ben mocks as he wrangles on his last sock, “Didn’t you once tell me you and Jessica share everything with each other? Didn’t you say it’s like some golden rule of sisterhood or some garbage like that?”
I look down at the ground and feel myself begin to blush. I hate how he remembers every little thing I tell him! Because even though Jessica and I do happen to share everything, this event is an absolute exception to the rule.
I finally look up, and lock eyes with Ben still patiently sitting on my bed. It feels like time stands still, until he looks away and rudely adds, “Do me a favour when we are in Costa Rica, remind me not to pound back the rum. I wouldn’t want to be flipping coins with just anybody.”
“Very funny” I snort, and pull up on the silk sheets wrapped around my body.
He rolls his eyes at my stoic face and shakes his head. I watch him stand up and methodically walk to my doorway. He runs his fingers through his thick dark hair and glances back at me. His mouth slightly parts, and he looks like he wants to say something more, but he doesn’t.
“Nothing has changed between us, right?” I desperately shout.
“Of course not,” Ben says as he places his hand on the brass knob. “Don’t worry Megan. If that is what you want, mum’s the word” He runs his fingers across his lips, and pretends to zip them shut before he walks out of my bedroom.
Less than ten minutes later, I have brewed a