The Lies That Define Us (Us 2)

“Thanks,” I said, promptly handing the bag to Talia.

“Thank you so much.” Talia grabbed me in a hug. “This means a lot to me, you have no idea.” The tears returned to her eyes.

I shrugged like it was no big deal. “You and Ollie really helped me out, and now it’s my chance to return the favor a little.”

“Stop being sappy. You guys are going to make me cry.” Rebecca fanned at her face. “And I don’t cry.”

I bumped her shoulder. “There’s nothing wrong with shedding a tear now and then. It cleanses the soul.”

“Bleh,” she made a face as we started toward the food court, “my soul is practically a hunk of a coal. Nothing is going to cleanse that thing.”

“What do you guys want to get to eat?” I asked them.

“Cheesecake Factory,” Talia cried and then looked a little astonished when she realized she’d yelled so loudly. In a softer tone, she added, “I really want some cheesecake.”

“That sounds good to me.” Rebecca nodded.

“I’ve never been,” I mumbled.

They both looked at me like I’d grown two heads. “It’s only the best.” Rebecca shook her head.

I followed them into the restaurant, and after a short wait, we were seated.

I picked up the menu and began flipping through the pages. “Oh, wow, there’s a lot to choose from.”

“They have everything,” Rebecca agreed.

“And even more cheesecakes.” Talia licked her lips.

The three of us each decided to only get a sandwich because it was necessary to get cheesecake. You couldn’t go to a place called Cheesecake Factory and not get the cheesecake. Blasphemy.

When the waiter set down our waters and left, Rebecca clasped her hands together and announced, “So I met a guy.”

“Ooh, a guy-guy?” Talia waggled her brows and took a sip of water.

Rebecca nodded with a silly grin.

“Tell us about him,” I urged, surprised she hadn’t brought him up last night.

“His name is Chase, and we’ve only gone out twice, but I had a good time. He’s nice, but not overly so, if you know what I mean.” She winked.

“So he’s dominant in bed then?” Talia laughed.

“Oh, yeah.” Rebecca nodded. “The boy knows what he’s doing.”

I shook my head, pink staining my cheeks.

“Ari, what’s Liam like?”

“Huh?” My eyes widened.

Rebecca laughed. “What’s Liam like in bed?”

“I told you we’re not together.”

“So?” she questioned. “You don’t have to be in a relationship to have sex.”

I squirmed in my seat. “Can we talk about something else? Anything else?”