I removed the pink ribbon and carefully took the top off the box. When I unwrapped the pink tissue paper, I found a black and white bikini. I picked up the black bottoms with the white strings that tied in a small bow on the sides and swallowed hard. G picked up the black top with the same matching white strings and a cute little white bow in the center. There wasn’t much to it.

“Oh my God, Gabby. Who sent you this? It’s so fucking sexy.” She smiled as she held the bikini top up to her.

Lying in the bottom of the box was a small white envelope. I picked it up and pulled out the card inside.

“I think you would look amazing in this. See you tomorrow. ~ Simon”

I shook my head as G ripped the card from my hand. She read it and then looked at me with an expression of shock.

“What the hell is going on between the two of you?”

“Nothing. Nothing is going on. He comes on to me like it’s no big deal. He says things he shouldn’t and he makes me uncomfortable ninety percent of the time I’m around him.”

“And the extra ten percent?” she asked.

“Drop it, G.”

She set the bikini top down and took my hand. “Listen, Gabby. I know you’re not used to real men and they can be kind of scary, but Simon is for real. Just go with the flow. Shit. I know you’re freaked out because you’re not used to someone wanting you like that. If you must, put up a wall of defense around you and just have fun. Tuck your emotions away in a neat little pile in the corner of your mind and just let go! Use him. Fuck him with no strings attached. No emotions and no attachment. Just two people having great sex for fun. It’s easy. I used to do it all the time before Donovan. Just don’t feel. You already know what a playboy Simon Young is. Do you think he’s going to get all emotional? No, he’s not. Be like him, Gabby.”

Oh my God, my head was spinning from her spiel. Just to shut her up, I agreed.

“Good girl. I’m so happy for you.”

“I’m leaving tomorrow morning.”

“I thought you weren’t leaving until tomorrow night.”

“He changed his mind.”

“You’ll have a great time, sweetie. Don’t let what Brendon did to you affect the rest of your life. This is your time to go out and live. You’re single. You’re beautiful and you’re desired. Play it up and take it for all it’s worth.” She kissed me on the forehead. “I have to go. I’m meeting Donovan for dinner. I’ll see you in the morning before you leave.”

I gave her a small smile. “Have fun.”

Chapter 13