I scrolled through my contacts looking for Cindy’s number, when I thought about Sam. Even though I was not in the mood to hear her tell me how right she was, I owed her an apology and wanted to get it over with.
Fact was, Sam was usually the first person I called when I was pissed off or upset about anything, and I was the one she always came to when she was in the same boat. I hated to dump stuff on her. But like she always said, that’s what friends were for.
She answered on the second ring. “Hey, lover boy, what’s up?”
“Listen, Sam, I—”
“You need help cleaning another park tonight to make sure you get your piece tomorrow?”
“Thanks, Sam.” I said, “That’s not what I needed to hear right now.”
“Sorry, did I say that out loud?”
“You say everything out loud,” I said softly. “But don’t worry; I didn’t call to ask you for anything.”
“Hey, everything okay?” she asked. “You don’t sound good.”
“I’m not. I just got some bad news.”
“Oh, shit! I’m sorry, Justin! I feel like a jerk! What happened, are you okay?”
The sincere concern in her voice made me feel even worse. Not just for earlier today, but for doubting that she had been looking out for me all along with Jen.
“I guess. I mean it’s nothing that serious, I guess.”
“What is it?”
“Jim called me. He’s at a beach party in Jamestown. The same one where Jen is and …”
“And what?”
“Sam, you were right. Jim said Jen was slutting around cock teasing all the guys and that her and Rob went into her uncle’s house to fuck around.”
“Holy shit! And right in front of him? ” “Yeah. She … she was even telling people she was going to do me tomorrow. She said she figured she would throw me a bone.”
“Oh, wow. That’s crappy, Justin. I’m really sorry.”
“Are you? You called it all along.”
“I … I guess I’m not sorry in one way because this would have been worse if you found out after you slept with her, but I’m sorry for you.”
“I’m sorry too, Sam. I’m sorry I was an ass today, and I … I’ve been one since I met her.”
“Don’t be sorry. I know you were caught up with her. I think you were more focused on just trying to have the first time and getting to where you were thinking more about the act than the girl. But you don’t owe me an apology.”
“Yeah, I do. I guess I wasn’t sold either and whenever you brought it up, I was a jerk and took it out on you.”
“Hey, that’s what friends are for. Besides, I rode you a lot about it.” She paused. “Justin, are you okay?”
“I—no, Sam, I’m not. I’m pissed off and I’m fucking humiliated! She’s up there fucking around and telling people I’m next. Are you kidding?”
“That’s pretty low. I didn’t think she was that bad.”
“Jim said she was drinking and these are her friends, so who knows? But I—”
“It hurts,” Sam finished. “I don’t blame you.”
“And I’m fucking frustrated!” I snapped. “I’ve been good, Sam, I really have, and tomorrow was supposed to be the day!”
“I know, but would you have wanted it to be with her and then you find that shit out?”
“I … you know what? Maybe I would have.”
“What?”
“Yeah, damn straight!” I was letting the anger get the better of me. “At least if I found out later I would have gotten laid!”