Marcus: Normally when a girl sees me half-naked, we end up in bed.
I smile and turn onto my side.
Me: I’m in LA. I came home for a funeral. I don’t know if you heard, but Leigh’s mom passed away.
A few seconds later my phone beeps. I quickly turn off the sound before I read the message.
Marcus: I heard. How is she?
Me: She’ll be okay. She’s sleeping right now.
Marcus: How are you?
I stare at the words, and for some reason it makes me want to cry.
Me: Careful, Pretty-Boy. People might start thinking you care.
Marcus: Fuck. We can’t have that. Ignore my last question.
Marcus: What color panties are you wearing?
I press my face into the pillow to smother the laughter.
Me: Cream granny panties.
Marcus: That’s cruel. I’m going to have nightmares.
Me: How was your day?
Marcus: Quiet. This crazy stalker chick isn’t around to annoy me.
Me: Admit it. You miss the crazy stalker chick.
Marcus: Not even if someone tortures me.
Me: I like you, Marcus. See, you’re not so bad at this friendship thing.
Marcus: It hasn’t been that horrible hanging out with you.
I smile, wishing I could see his face.
Marcus: I’ll admit it’s different. Usually, we just …
He stops mid-sentence, but I know what he means.
Me: So usually you just hide the snake in the bush?
Marcus: I haven’t heard that one before.
Me: I’ve got more.
Me: Poke the pie.
I struggle to keep my laughter back.
Me: Bumping Uglies.
Marcus: LOL. You’re killing me.