“When my dad moved out I was kind of a bitch about it,” she said. “During one fight with my mom I accused her of being a slutty bisexual, basically, which is embarrassing on so many levels, including the one where I am also bi and fucking hate that stereotype.” Parker dragged her toe through the shag rug. “I’m not sure if she got this as a peace offering or to make me feel bad for being a shitty kid, but I kind of love it. We’re a house of bis. More so now that you’re here.”
At least Parker knew her mom was into women. It’d be awful to find that out by learning she slept with your friend. Not that Parker was gonna learn that. Obviously.
Cassie realized she needed to react to what Parker said and smiled belatedly.
“You tired?” Parker asked.
No, just thinking about fucking your mom.
“Yeah,” Cassie lied, rubbing at her neck. “Also like, does anyone actually use this bathroom? It’s fucking spotless.”
There was a candle on the tank of the toilet, a clear glass bottle of soap by the sink, and that was it. No toothbrush or toothpaste. No hair ties on the counter or slipped over the doorknob. Cassie wondered if there was even shampoo behind the frosted opaque walls of the shower-tub combo.
“My mom is obsessed with looking good for company,” Parker said. “She’s not like this in real life. Here, see.”
She led Cassie out of the bathroom to the opposite end of the hallway from the guest room. Parker opened a door before Cassie could process what would be behind it.
“I knew it’d be messy.”
Fuck.
When Cassie had fantasized about seeing Erin’s room, this was not how it happened. There was a nice bed, way too big for one person. It was made, but hastily, covers askew. A bra hung out of one of the open drawers of Erin’s dresser. Cassie looked away. Why did she ever think visiting was a good idea?
“That’s pretty much it,” Parker said when they were safely back in the hallway. “I’m going to take a shower and go to bed.”
“Yeah, I’m going to pass out,” Cassie said. “I’m exhausted.”
It was true, but she also absolutely did not want to be alone with Erin while Parker showered. Cassie said good night and slipped into the guest bedroom. As soon as she closed the door, she pulled out her phone to text Acacia.
Cassie [Today 9:32 PM]
I’m actually going to die.
Acacia [9:34 PM]
That bad?
It wasn’t. And it was only two weeks. Dinner had been fine, not counting that one conversation. But Cassie couldn’t tense up every time Erin smiled at her. Erin wasn’t flirting. She wasn’t interested. She’d made that clear. Which wouldn’t be a big deal if Cassie could just get over herself.
Acacia [9:47 PM]
Get some sleep. It’ll be better in the morning. No jet lag and stuff.
Acacia [9:48 PM]
Also wtf just control yourself?
Cassie pretty much agreed with all of that.
The next day, Cassie woke up before she wanted to. During finals, she’d lived off coffee and any energy drink she could get her hands on. She needed caffeine.
She mostly stumbled down the stairs, eyes not fully open yet. The door to Parker’s bedroom was still closed. Erin was sitting on a stool at the kitchen island when Cassie walked in. She gave her a smile.
“Good morning.”
“Morning.” Cassie tried not to sound too grouchy. She stifled a yawn. “Coffee?”
Erin gestured to the pot. “Cups are in the cupboard above it.”
Cassie grabbed the first mug she could reach and didn’t realize until she was pouring her cup that it said WORLD’S BEST MOM on it. She didn’t care. It was everything she could do not to gulp it down steaming and black. She didn’t even like black coffee, but it smelled so good, and her head pounded. Erin pushed a carton of cream toward her on the counter; the sugar was next to it. A splash and a spoonful and as Cassie lifted the cup to her lips, Erin interrupted her.
“I hope you don’t mind that it’s decaf.”
Cassie sputtered. “It’s what?”
Erin’s eyes crinkled when she laughed. It’d be pretty if she weren’t literally laughing in Cassie’s face.
“Teasing,” she said.
“That’s rude,” Cassie said, and drank half her cup in one go.
Erin was still chuckling when Cassie plopped onto the stool next to her. Their elbows bumped together and Cassie immediately pulled hers away.
“Did you sleep well?” Erin asked, getting up to put the cream in the fridge.