A day full of surprises

«I know it's probably too late to say this, but... I'm sorry, Ren. I'm sorry for being such a bitch to you,» Brianne murmurs, her eyes lowered, clearly regretful. «It's just that... you know, the rumors about you aren't exactly the best introduction. It's normal that, seeing how interested you were in me from the very beginning, the first thing someone would think is, 'Okay, he's just being nice because he wants to add me to his list of conquests.' Even though, in the end, you didn't do anything wrong. I mean, it's normal to want to chat with the new girl. But you get me, right? If anyone else does it, it feels like they're just being friendly. But if it's you... well, everyone assumes the worst. Anyway, I'm sorry for treating you so coldly for no reason.»

Elaine and I exchange glances—I don't know which of us finds it harder to believe that Brianne actually said those words out loud.

Thing is, I only approached her because of that stupid bet with Elaine.

So yeah, the situation's even worse than she thinks.

Forget about adding her to my list of trophies—I was just hoping to add twenty bucks to my wallet...

«I get it. I'd probably think the same thing if I were you. But you know, rumors are just rumors. Probably made up by some jealous jerk who can't stand me. Judging people based on gossip when you don't even know them... that's the worst thing you can do...»

Yeah, I've got zero shame—am I seriously preaching to someone right now? Sure, technically I'm right—judging others based on gossip is crap—but those damn rumors going around about me? They don't even come close to what I've actually done.

They say I fucked one teacher, when it's really five! And no one's even whispering about the three janitors? Come on, if you're gonna spread shit, at least do it properly!

«...besides, I'm happily taken! I'd never hit on another girl!» I add, wrapping an arm around Elaine.

I can't tell who looks more shocked—her or Brianne.

But Elaine, clearly caught off guard and super embarrassed, goes along with it.

She's a true friend—and fuckbuddy.

I guess she understood I only said that to make Brianne stop thinking I'm some kind of dangerous predator.

Of course, that move nukes any chance I had with her—if it was already hard before, now that she thinks I'm taken, she wouldn't let me touch her even if she wanted to.

But I'm not in a rush—the bet's off anyway.

Actually, this just makes the challenge even tougher.

And the idea of eventually managing to have sex with her... that would be insanely satisfying! I mean, a sweet religious girl like Brianne letting me fuck her even knowing I'm taken? Damn, just thinking about it gets me hard.

«Oh, I didn't know you had a girlfriend… then I'm really sorry. I've been so stupid, believing those nasty things people said about you… I'm truly mortified.»

God, Brianne looks so apologetic I almost feel guilty.

«And you, Elaine… let me just say, you're truly a beautiful girl. It must be hard being with someone who's surrounded by all those rumors. It probably wasn't easy at first… but I really admire you. The love I see in your eyes when you look at him… how did I not notice it sooner? I definitely wouldn't have treated him so badly if I had. I'm sorry to you too—for how I acted toward your boyfriend, even though he never did anything wrong…»

Only the bell ending the break saves Elaine from what might've been the most embarrassing moment of her life. Honestly, I didn't think she'd take it that badly.

«Ren, you fucking idiot, why the hell did you tell her we're together?! If that rumor spreads, besides risking getting shot by your mom… the guy I'm seeing is gonna go nuts!»

«Oh come on, it's Brianne. Like she'd go around spreading gossip. But wait—what do you mean you're seeing someone?! Since when?!»

«We've been seeing each other for a couple of weeks. I didn't say anything 'cause it's nothing serious yet. Not really. But if it ever turns into more than just sucking his dick every now and then, of course I'd introduce you!»

Elaine… is seeing someone? That hits like a lightning bolt—though not because she's dating someone.

What really stings is that she never told me. She's always shared everything with me, just like I do with her.

Even the dumb stuff!

I even tell her when some girl brushes against my dick on a packed bus.

And now she keeps this from me? After we just had sex two days ago? What the fuck.

«Does this guy know you spent Saturday riding my dick all night? And who even is he? Someone from our school?»

«S-Stop being an idiot… of course he doesn't know, and I don't want him to! He's a good guy. He's sweet, thoughtful, it's just that…»

«...it's just that he can't make you cum three times in a row. Right? That's why you didn't look too guilty about letting me fuck you while you're seeing him.»

«What I do with him in bed is none of your business… and yeah, you said it yourself—we're just seeing each other. We're not a couple. So there's nothing wrong with having sex once with my best friend, just for fun, like you said… Anyway, no, he doesn't go to Ordrienne High. In fact, he doesn't go to school at all—he's turning thirty soon. He works an office job, and he's actually really mature and responsible.»

I feel like saying something like: A thirty-year-old going after an eighteen-year-old? What a loser.

But honestly, that'd sound a bit rich coming from an eighteen-year-old who sleeps with women in their forties and fifties…

Still, I think it looks way weirder when a grown man goes for a teenage girl than the other way around.

Probably.

And then again, when a girl dates a much older guy, it's either for the money, the sex, or both.

But come on—he's just an office worker, not a millionaire.

And apparently, he's also a dud in bed…

So what the hell is Elaine doing with him?

Women really are a mystery sometimes.