“Stop it. I’m not in love with him. I barely know him. It was hot because he’s forbidden, and he’s experienced. That’s it,” I explain slowly.

“So what are you? I’m confused. If he’s gonna be with your mom, you can’t keep fucking him. I don’t care how hot he is.”

“Well, we don’t have to worry about that. He’s been ignoring me since the day after my mom got back from New York,” I snap, as if she should know all this.

“Okay. Good.” I can hear her lighting up a cigarette. “So here’s what you need to do.”

I stop pacing.

“You need to take a shower, and then go out, pick up the hottest man, and fuck him. I’m telling you that’s the only way you will ever get Daddy Powers out of your system.”

I turn and blink at my reflection from the balcony doors, barely recognizing myself. I’m tan from days of sun, but it’s my eyes that look so different.

I look kind of savage. Instead of crying, I’m taking my life into my own hands. Screw Jett Powers and my disgusting mother.

I breathe out. “I agree.”

“You do?” She sounds shocked.

“I do. Fuck Jett. He can have my mom. They deserve each other. I’m going out.” I spin around, marching to my closet.

“Are you okay? I’m a little concerned. Maybe you should wait until I come home.” Cher’s voice reminds me I’m still on the phone with her.

“Nope, you’re right. I’ll text you later.”

Then I hang up on her loud, “Wait.”

This is exactly what I need. I shiver, feeling goose bumps. Two weeks ago, I’d never have done anything like this. Now… My phone vibrates and I glance down.

CHER: CONDOMS?!!

ME: Don’t worry.

As I turn off my phone, my mind races. Shit, condoms. I’m on the pill, and Brody was tested, so, until this second, I haven’t even considered I might have gotten an STI from Jett.

“Oh my God.” I cover my mouth. What if I did and it’s just marinating, getting ready to explode in the next week or so? Just because I’m clean does not mean Jett is, although he does have that giant box of condoms in his nightstand drawer.

Clearly, he doesn’t use them, since he didn’t think twice about wrapping up his dick with me. Jesus, what if he gave me herpes? I mean, he fucks my mom. And that whole threesome comment.

I feel sick.

Stop thinking about him and worry about how you’re gonna get rid of Maria. Maybe she’ll be off. She’s been here all day. Doesn’t matter. I intend to get drunk and have sex.