“Why the hell would we do that? You’d have undoubtedly got an attitude.”
“Maybe because Lawson is being overbearing.”
“No, he’s being protective, and I agree with him.”
“Actually, we all agree with him. I like the way he looks out for you,” Jenny pipes in.
“Me too. It’s romantic.” Bessie swoons, her eyes growing dreamy.
I want to share her sentiments, but there’s a nagging feeling that turns in my stomach.
“Uh-oh, what’s wrong?” Jenny notices the change in my expression.
I glance around to find my friends’ eyes all aimed at me with the same concern.
I sigh, leaning back on Jenny’s couch, and take a sip of wine before I speak. “Something’s different with Lawson
.”
“What’s the problem?”
“I can’t pinpoint, but it’s definitely there.”
“He seemed fine last Saturday night. Did something happen since then?” Jonas points out.
“Yeah.” My cheeks burn, remembering Sunday morning… afternoon… evening… and the last three nights we’ve spent together.
“Oh shit, I’m thinking this conversation is about to take a turn into extreme chick territory,” Enrique groans loudly.
“Thank God, I’ve been waiting for this since the morning he waltzed down the hallway to your door,” Jenny throws in. “Took you long enough.”
I ignore her jab, rolling my eyes.
“What is he doing to make you think something’s different?” Bessie urges me to continue.
“There’s not one instance that stands out. It’s a feeling in my gut. It’s nothing negative or out of the norm.”
“I bet I know what it is. Sex,” Jenny states matter-of-factly.
“You think he’s changed because we had sex?”
“Yes.” She sets her wine on the table and turns her body completely to face me. I inwardly cringe when I see she’s slipped into ‘doctor’ mode. “I’ve studied a lot about human psychology and behavior.”
“We know,” we all groan in unison, knowing she took the classes for fun.
“Well, Lawson’s personality is confident, controlling, and protective. It was evident the night he showed up to your apartment and didn’t blink an eye at joining us for dinner. Even Enrique’s overprotective act didn’t deter him; it challenged him. Since that night, he’s ingrained himself into your world. Now that you’ve had sex, his possessive nature is coming out.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Ohhh, I totally see what she’s saying,” Bessie chirps. “The other night at trivia, he was very affectionate and practically glued to your side. I noticed his eyes roaming around the bar several times, almost like he was staking the place out. When you and Jenny went to the restroom, his focus stayed locked on the path until you returned.”
“We hadn’t even slept together yet,” I inform her.
“This may make me a dick, but I’m going to say it. This right here is exactly why I prefer casual, no-strings-attached sex. Tons less complicated.” Enrique scowls at our exchange.
At the term ‘complicated’, I remember the discussion with Lawson on my couch, and my stomach twists. “I’m not complicated!”
“Then why the hell are you even having this ridiculous conversation? The guy you’re dating wants to make sure you get home safely. Nothing more, nothing less. You girls are sitting here making shit up.”