Kevin glanced at his girlfriend.

“She's been rubbing off on me. And don't change the subject. If given the opportunity," he paused after using my own phrase, “would you ask her out on a date with the express purpose of getting into her pants?"

“Fine, fine. Yes. I mean, I'd still want to get to know her befo-"

“No, no, no! You're missing the point. Who was your first girlfriend?"

I hesitated only a moment, habit from my avoidance of all things related to the term ‘girlfriend’.

“A girl named Monica.”

“When you first met her, did you think ‘Oh, what a wonderful personality. I'd like to get to know her better'?"

I cleared my throat.

“Ahem... uh, well, no.”

“No one is ever going to replace Ellie," Jen said quietly.

I flinched visibly at the mention of her name and glared daggers at

Jen.

“And why would you think I'm trying?"

“Because you keep thinking ‘relationship’. That's not normal for you.

Other guys, maybe, but not you. You're too alpha male." Jen shrugged her shoulders. "So if you're thinking ‘I want to get to know her’ then you're either mature beyond your years, which I doubt, or your mind is still hung up on Ellie."

“What's wrong with that?"

"You gotta live your Life, dude," Kevin jumped back in. "Ask Cherys.

Ellie would want you to move on."

I sighed and let my head lean back against the tree.

“So what do you propose?"

“We get you laiiiid," Kevin made it sound Like the ultimate therapy.

“No relationship. No commitment. At least not the first time. Big, handsome guy like you. Just enjoy the sex. Because I know for a fact there are girls on this campus who just want to bang you. After that... well, if you still want to look for a relationship then I won't stop you."

“Fine, fine. What do I gotta do?"

He waved me off.

“Let's deal with that later. For now, I think the game's over because dude, I'm hungry. Let's get some food."