Beautifully Broken

“You’re beautiful, Katherine. And smart. You don’t need to let a boy use your body just to make him like you.”

“Stephen’s not like that,” I argue. “He didn’t pressure me at all. I’m the one who…who took my clothes off first.”

“I appreciate your honesty,” he says. “Look, I’ll make you a deal. If you want to drink, I’ll let you drink. But only in moderation and while I’m at home so I can keep an eye on you. If you want to fool around with boys, hell, I can’t stop you from doing that either. But you need to promise me that you’ll be responsible. When you feel ready to have sex, you need to come talk to me or Judy. We’ll make sure you’re prepared.”

“Really?”

“Really. And if you’re curious about sex, there’s other ways to get answers.”

“Like what?”

“Movies, magazines, things like that.”

“Like porn?” I ask, shocked that he’s even bringing this up.

He laughs. “Yeah, like porn. I’m pretty sure that’s how all of my high school friends got their education.” He holds a hand up. “Now you need to understand that most of those videos aren’t realistic—but if you’re anything like I was back then, it will help…get you by without getting yourself into trouble. It’s okay to have these feelings, Katherine. And there’s no shame in exploring your own body when you’re turned on.”

“Um…okay.” Could this conversation be any more awkward?

He walks over to the desk in the corner that doubles as his in-home office. He writes something down on a piece of paper and hands it to me. “Here’s a website that I like. You should check it out.”

“WAKE UP, SLEEPING BEAUTY.”

I stretch languidly as I drift from dreamland back into reality. I look over and see Gavin smiling at me, looking freshly showered and dressed.

“What time is it?”

“Almost six-thirty. I have to get to work but I figured you needed time to go home and get ready.”

I sit up. “Um, yeah, thanks.”

“Are you going to be okay?”

“Yeah,” I assure him. “If Cybil’s home, she’s definitely not awake this early. Besides, I’m sure it was a one-time thing.”

He gives me a sad smile. “Let’s hope. I have to head out. Elle is still asleep so just lock the door on your way out. Okay?”

“Okay. Thanks for dealing with my drama last night. And for letting me stay.”

Gavin leans over and places a soft kiss on my forehead. “You’re welcome here anytime, Kat. I mean it. My door is always open as your friend.”

“A non-naked friend?” I clarify.

“Right,” he laughs. “We’re definitely friends who wear clothes around each other.”

“Pity,” I tease.

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“I’ll see you in class, Miss Kennedy,” he winks.

“Bye, Mr. Cooper.”

*

I’m sitting in the school cafeteria eating breakfast when Bree sits across from me.

“Will you please start talking to Dylan again? He’s such a pain in the ass without you as my buffer.”