No Such Thing As A Hollywood Ending

chapter 20

Lucy sat across from Sarah at their usual spot in the mall's food court, sipping on her iced coffee, her mind more focused on her project than the buzzing conversations around them. She had been working on her idea, but the progress was slow, and she needed help—more than she was willing to admit. That's why she had reached out to Sarah.

"So, I've been thinking," Lucy started, trying to keep her voice casual, "about my project. You know, the restaurant idea based on a school cafeteria?"

Sarah raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Oh yeah, that's the one your dad didn't want to fund, right?"

Lucy nodded, sighing. "Yeah, exactly. I just feel like it has potential, but I can't do it alone. I need someone who knows people, someone who can actually help me get this thing off the ground."

Sarah leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms, a mischievous smile creeping onto her face. "And you think I can help you with that?"

Lucy hesitated, fidgeting with the straw in her drink. "Well... yeah. I know you've got connections. You know people who are into creative stuff. I thought maybe you could... I don't know, point me in the right direction?"

Sarah's eyes lit up. "Oh, I know a group of people who would be all over this. They love weird, out-of-the-box ideas. They'd probably think your school cafeteria concept is hilarious and genius at the same time."

Lucy felt a flicker of hope. "Really? You think they'd help?"

Sarah nodded, but her smirk remained, her expression shifting into something more curious, more playful. "Oh, for sure. But..." She leaned in closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "If I'm gonna help you with this, I need something in return."

Lucy frowned, unsure where this was going. "What do you mean?"

Sarah's grin widened. "I need the gossip, Lucy. Don't think I haven't noticed how weird you've been acting lately."

Lucy blinked, caught off guard. "Gossip? About what?"

Sarah's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Oh, come on. You know exactly what I mean. You and Henry. You've been all flustered and awkward around him for weeks, and I can tell something's up. So spill—did you or did you not have sex with him?"

Lucy's cheeks flushed immediately, her heart skipping a beat. She had expected this conversation to be about her project, not her personal life. But, of course, Sarah would want to know. She always wanted the juicy details.

"Well, I..." Lucy stammered, looking down at her drink as if it held the answer.

Sarah gasped dramatically, leaning in closer. "Oh my God, you did, didn't you? I knew it!"

Lucy winced, her face heating up even more. "Yeah... we did."

Sarah practically squealed, clapping her hands together. "No way! You actually did it! Okay, okay, you have to tell me everything. How did it happen? Was it good? Was he... y'know... good at it?"

Lucy squirmed in her seat, feeling even more awkward than she had anticipated. She had hoped to avoid this exact conversation, but now there was no getting out of it. She bit her lip, glancing around the food court as if someone might overhear them.

"Well... it was, um... it was good," Lucy mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper. "We... I used the present he gave me for Christmas."

Sarah's jaw dropped, her eyes widening in shock and delight. "No. Freaking. Way. He gave you condoms for Christmas and you actually used them? Oh my God, Lucy, this is the best thing I've ever heard!"

Lucy groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Please don't make a big deal out of it."

Sarah laughed, clearly reveling in her friend's discomfort. "I'm sorry, but this is gold. I mean, I never thought you and Henry of all people would get together, let alone... well, that. I have to know though, how was he?"

Lucy peeked through her fingers, mortified. "Sarah, seriously?"

"I'm just curious! You're my best friend, and this is a huge deal!"

Lucy sighed, giving in to the inevitable. "Okay, fine. It was... awkward at first, but it got better. He's actually really sweet about the whole thing. We talked a lot beforehand, and he made sure I was comfortable the entire time."

Sarah nodded, her grin softening into something more genuine. "That's good. I'm glad it wasn't weird or anything."

"It wasn't weird, but it was a little fast," Lucy admitted, fiddling with her drink again. "He's still figuring things out, and I guess I am too."

Sarah nodded knowingly. "Hey, as long as you're both happy, that's all that matters. I'll help you with your project, no problem. But don't be surprised if I continue to ask about you and henry, you know me."

Lucy rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "fine"

As they continued chatting about the project, Lucy felt a strange sense of relief. It was awkward and embarrassing to talk about what had happened with Henry, but somehow, sharing it with Sarah made her feel a little less anxious.