“I love you too,” I whispered back. He twisted his head toward mine, so we were nose to nose, and it felt so perfect, so complete, so totally filled with love, that I worried he needed me to take the edge off it. I didn’t want him going off on a stag do with just a loving fuck. I wanted to give him a fucking fuck too. Just in case... I’m not sure what. “I also love you fucking me.”

The words had the desired effect and he let out a grunt and took things harder and faster. And, though it felt less nice, it also felt more nice, because I knew he was enjoying it so much. I wrapped my legs around his back and let him impale me. With every thrust, I said in my head, “Choose me. Pick me. Decide on me. Please. Please. Soon. Please. I cannot bear the waiting to be chosen. Look what I’m giving you, so please, please, pick me.”

I picked up Jessica at Mile End Tube station, as she, like most people unaccustomed to London, felt like you needed a special Masters to understand the bus system. We shrieked as we flung ourselves at each other.

“I’m here,” she said. “I know I sound like such a fucking country bumpkin right now, but I honestly, truly, think I should get a medal for figuring out the difference between the Circle, District, and Metropolitan line.”

“You got it right first time?”

“Yes.”

“You’re a natural Londoner.”

Her face cracked open at that, and she hugged me again. I guided her to the bus stop, and her neck twisted in every direction as she took in the chaotic bustle of Mile End. She looked incredible, of course. Even for a lazy springlike Saturday. She’d teamed a long-sleeved maxidress with biker boots, an expensive-looking leather jacket, and a perfect red lip. I smoothed my white T-shirt down over my high-waisted jeans—feeling a tiny bit silly for the printed headscarf I’d tied around my ponytail. I shouldn’t have bothered trying “effortless chic” when I knew I’d be competing with Jessica.

“God, it’s so busy,” she shrilled, as we tapped onto the bus, holding on to the pole tightly as it lurched us toward Victoria Park Village.

“It’s cuz of the weather,” I said, slightly defensively. “First warm day and all.”

“No, no. It’s great. I feel so ALIVE.”