“Whoever did this has no idea about my relationships with Declan and Sayge. His protective instincts have kicked into uber mode. But there’s one good thing that came out of all this shit; I’ve got a job after graduation. I’m going to manage Sayge on the summer tour.”
“Silver lining baby! You’ve always been able to find the silver lining.” Kendall says. “Now if there’s no more, it’s time to celebrate.”
“Let’s eat later and get this party started!” Harper refills all our glasses, and we go back to the living room. Tracy has set out more displays, and my eyes bulge at the vibrators and other items on the table. I try to hide my embarrassment, but she picks up on it right away.
“Raven, don’t be shy. Sex is natural and enhancement items can help build a strong sex life.”
“Oh, I’m pretty sure her sex life doesn’t need enhancing, but this is fun!” Charlie answers her.
Abbi takes me to the center of the sofa, and everyone else finds a seat. Tracy starts her presentation and by the middle, I have a feeling this was not just for my benefit. Each one of my friends has oohed and awed over almost everything. The only person that looks like she might bolt is Ember.
Since I’m on my third Cosmo, I get brave. “Ember, I want you to know something. I was a virgin when I met Declan. He’s the only man I’ve ever slept with. Don’t let this stuff intimidate you.”
Her face relaxes, and she looks at me in wonder, “Really?”
“Yep, I learned how to give a blowjob from that book right there.” I point to the book on the end of the table and Amber snatches it up.
“Hold on, hussy! You mean to tell me that Declan is your first and only?” she says smiling.
“Yep. First, only, and forever. So I think everyone may need to grab that book.”
Everyone makes notes on their order form, and Ember smiles shyly at me. I wink back. We haven’t had a lot of time to talk privately since Robbie invited her to the wedding.
I’m pretty sure Tracy was surprised at some of the questions my friends asked. If I wasn’t buzzed, I’d be mortified. When the presentation is finished, we all fill out our forms and Abbi grabs mine.
“Rave, we all pitched in and we’re buying you some stuff. Go on in the kitchen and eat, so we can shop.”
I try to protest, but it’s useless. Ember follows me into the kitchen, and we fix a plate. I can tell she’s nervous, so I break the ice.
“I’m glad you’re coming to Florida next month.”
“Raven, I’m absolutely terrified. I’ve never been on a trip with a guy before, especially to a family wedding. I’m still confused about the whole thing.”
“What’s there to be confused about? My brother likes you and wanted you to be his date.”
“Yeah, but why? It’s obvious he’s out of my league. Look at him.”
“Ember, you’ve got to be kidding me. You’re beautiful, sweet, kind, and hardworking. If anything, he needs to be the one thinking that.”
“You don’t understand, I’ve never really dated before. The times Robbie and I have hung out, he’s attracted a lot of attention from girls.”
“Let me tell you something, I understand you’re shy, but stop being so self-conscious. He’s really into you. But let me give you some advice, these guys can be a little protective and bossy. You need to learn up front to stand your ground. Be yourself and not a pushover.”
“I kinda got that impression when Robbie commented on my outfit the other night. I thought it was cute, but he kept making comments about needing a jacket and sitting in the corner.”
“Yep, he’s into you. Don’t overthink this.”
“Thanks for letting me come to your wedding.”
“I’m thrilled you’re coming. I’ve got you and Robbie in the condo with us. You can have a choice of the rooms when we get there, but there is a room with twin beds.”
“I’m not a complete prude. We’ve slept in the same bed before, but he’s being patient with me.”
She turns red but doesn’t say anything because the other girls start filing in and fixing their plates. Most of our conversation revolves around Kendall and Harper’s move earlier this week.
I’ve spent a ton of time with Amber working on Sayge business, but we have never really socialized. I notice she isn’t wearing her diamond anymore, and I ask her about it.
“Amber, I know it’s none of my business, but you were wearing a diamond ring when we first met. Now you’re not.”