Walking Red Flag (Ocean View #2)

by Morgan Elizabeth

“I have two things to say. You’re going to listen.” I widen my eyes because Cassie is bossy, but not usually like this. And not usually with me. “One, and it kills me to give any man other than Luke props, but the way that man looks at you? It is not ‘taking someone’s virginity and calling it a day.’ I’d know. That’s the look my high school boyfriend gave me when he took mine.” She rolls her eyes, and I try not to laugh. “It’s more. Two, when you set a man up to force him to give you an answer you want to hear but you lead him to the wrong one? He will give you the wrong answer, babe. Men are simple, stupid creatures.” I try to speak, but she cuts me off. “As women, we’re taught never to ask questions.” I start to interrupt because has she met me? All I do is ask questions. “Not questions like why does gum lose its flavor so fast.” She rolls her eyes at me, exasperated. “Questions like, ‘What is our relationship and where is it going?’ We’re taught that if we ask these questions, if we ask for too much or demand too quickly, we’ll lose the man. He’ll become the one who got away and then we’ll end up buying Meow Mix in bulk when we’re 80.” I laugh, but then I think about how cat fur would totally mess with my velvet couch and frown. “But do you know what happens when we don’t ask what’s on our mind?” She raises an eyebrow as I run my spork through the puddle of melted chocolate ice cream. “You lose the man. Or you lose yourself. You become my mother, who knew all along my f...