“Aw, come on.” I hold my hand out for the girls. “I love you guys in the super-dramatic way, too. I always will.”

We’re all pressed together, the people that I love with me. And so what if I don’t win Best Director at the ceremony tonight? I don’t need acceptance from some random judges, not when I have this: heaps of condoms, and excellent people.

EPILOGUE

The next time I have a gynecologist appointment, Dad wants to listen to Aretha in the car, and before long, Pops is belting out the lyrics to “(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman” so loud I’m surprised it doesn’t stop traffic.

These are the moments I secretly love.

It’s just that I’d rather see my doctor by myself.

“So,” I say, tapping on my knee as Dad pulls into a parking spot. “What would you say if I asked you two to drop me off?”

They pause, sharing one of their looks. I can’t read their expressions from the back seat. Aretha continues singing in the background.

“I mean, I love you and everything,” I say, biting my lip. “It’s just—I’ll be eighteen soon. You’re my parents, but I’m the one responsible for me, especially when it comes to—you know. Sex and stuff.”

This definitely sounded less awkward in my head.

“Why don’t we go outside?” Pops clears his throat. “It’ll be easier to talk.”

I bite back a groan, unbuckling my seat belt and sliding out the door. Pops and Dad stand next to each other. It’s just like the first day they dropped me off at Our Lady of Lourdes, when Dad wouldn’t stop hugging me and Pops made me take the blanket from the end of their bed. It smelled like clean soap and mint. Like them.

Fuck. I don’t need to get all emotional now. This is important.

“I’m old enough to go by myself,” I say, rushing out the words so they can’t interrupt me. “I get that you’re worried and that’s fine and everything, but you don’t have to baby me or freak out about me and sex. I’ve researched and talked to people and I’m going to make good choices. I just need you to trust me to do that.”

Dad smiles. “We know.”

“I know I’m still your kid, but—”

Wait. I close my mouth. Did he say what I think he said?

“We know that you understand the risks of sex,” Pops says, heaving a deep breath. “And it’s important that you manage your own sexuality.”

“Really?” I raise a brow, folding my arms. “Are you serious?”