Even though she knew Marisol was only joking around, she couldn’t help but get defensive on Erin’s behalf. “It’s not about that. The sex is great, but it’s such a small part of our relationship, I’m not even worried about that.”

“Shit.” Marisol’s smile dropped as she tilted her head and studied Blair’s face. “You’re in love with her.” The way she said it made it sound like it was a death sentence. “Please be careful.”

Blair tried not to roll her eyes. Why was everyone telling her that recently? “Now you sound like my mom.”

“Of course I do, because your mom is a smart fucking lady, and even though you’re an asshole at times, we love you like crazy for some reason.”

Blair crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Erin isn’t going to hurt me.”

“I don’t know Erin all that well, but from what I’ve seen, I think you’re half right. I don’t think she would ever hurt you on purpose. But I’m afraid you’re in so deep that you’re going to let her drag you along until you have nothing left to give.”

Blair loved Marisol, and while she knew Marisol was only having this conversation with her because she cared, it still wasn’t what she wanted to hear right now, so she couldn’t help but be bitter. “Wow. Happy birthday to me.”

Marisol’s face softened and she walked over to Blair and grabbed her hands. “You’re right. We shouldn’t be talking about this when we’re supposed to be celebrating. If you promise me you’ll be careful, I promise I won’t bring it up again.”

“I’ll be careful. I promise.”

“Good.” Marisol wiggled her eyebrows. “Now tell me more about this amazing sex.”

They both laughed and everything went back to normal as Blair gave Marisol a play-by-play, making sure to make it very  detailed just to drive Marisol a little bit crazy.

***

That night at dinner, everyone was acting a little too interested in Erin, and Blair hoped Erin didn’t realize it. It wasn’t that she didn’t want her family and friends to get to know Erin, but more that she felt like they were interrogating her.

When she rode back to Erin’s with her and Nolan that night, she thought about bringing it up, but wasn’t sure what to say. It was still all she could think about as they put Nolan to bed together, then both got ready and fell into Erin’s bed.

As Blair stared up at the ceiling, Erin scooted close to her and began to kiss her neck. As good as it felt, Blair wasn’t in the mood for birthday sex. It wasn’t Erin’s fault, and it’s not like she was mad at her. She just had a lot on her mind.