And then she went and added, “If things work out right, maybe you can even knock up my wife."

Somehow, I was already hard again and pounding into her.

Thursday was Mari day. Gerald had been coming around more often to chat with the luscious Latina. I tried not to let it bother me, and Mari assured me that they were just friends and it wasn't going anywhere. I was more of a mind that where there's smoke, there's fire, but Belle reminded me that guys were hitting on Sam, Naimh, and Zofi at school all the time without any of it really bothering me. I pointed out there was a difference between guys making flirty comments in passing, and stopping to have a one-on-one conversation the way Mari was doing.

Towards the end of Lunchtime on Thursday, Gerald stopped by again and

Mari wandered away from the table to chat, giggling and playing with her hair. I seethed inside, but Belle quietly told me, “Let her have this. You can only give her one-sixth of your attention, and that doesn't even count Neevie being your official girlfriend and ending up with more than a one-sixth share. Mari's spent years in the shadow of girls like Sam, and now that she's grown up into a curvy fit hottie, let her enjoy herself, huh?"

"You're right, you're right," I conceded, tamping down on my jealousy.

“You're still the only man for her. You're still the only man she feels safe with."

“For now."

Belle's eyebrows rose.

“What's your endgame with her, huh? Are you going to marry her and give her a whole bunch of kids?"

"I... I mean I could..." I hedged, but caught Belle's disapproving stare.

“Alright well I can admit that outcome doesn't look very likely at the moment."

“You'll have to let go of her eventually."

“Eventually doesn't have to be NOW. Can't we all at least wait until the end of the year?"

Belle looked at me darkly.

“Sometimes when people know the end is coming, it's better to get out early instead of staying still, dreading the inevitable."

I blinked and gave her a serious look.

“Are we still talking about

Mari, here?"

Belle shook her head and walked away. But I followed immediately after and grabbed her hand to stop her progress.

“Hey, hey. You alright?"

“I'm sorry," she apologized with a sigh.

“I'm just being hormonal. It's that time of month."

"Oh." I blinked and immediately blushed. I think males of the human species are pre-programmed to get awkward around discussions of female hormonal cycles. But I arched an eyebrow and asked, “So that comment was not an attempt to deflect me away from thinking about that inevitable darkness comment?"

Belle pursed her lips and stepped forward to hug me, pressing her cheek into my chest. "I Love you, Matty. ALL this talk about having to Let go of each other eventually just scares the hell out of me."