The Con by Justine Elvira Page A

very
little money in return.
    He's a good guy, really, he is. He treats me
well, he's decent in bed, and he's loyal. He may make crude jokes
and ogle other women when I'm around, but he's never strayed. I've
tried to make it work over the years, but as hard as I try, I'm not
in love with him. I don't think love is something a person should
try hard at having happen. It's either there or it's not, and with
Dougy and me it's not there.
    I've wanted to break up with him for some
time now, but I chicken out every time an opportunity presents
itself. I think it's because I don't want to break his heart. But
last night I decided that if I want to get serious about my life I
have to start being honest with myself, and everyone in my life. I
have to break up with Dougy.
    He's still watching me so I smile back at
him before facing forward to bring my focus back on the ceremony,
but I'm nudged in the ribs from the annoying friend on my
right.
    "This is such a snooze fest. I don't see why
we have to sit through this thing. They could have just handed us
our diplomas on the last day of school and then we wouldn't have to
sit here," Leah complains from the seat next to me.
    "I think they're trying to prepare us for
the dull adult lives we have ahead of us, Leah."
    "Your life may be dull, but my life is going
to be filled with sex, boys, more sex, and more boys. Crying out in
ecstasy from multiple orgasms is anything but dull." I ignore my
sexually adventurous friend and continue to listen to the speaker
in front of us.
    Leah's been the closest thing I've had to a
best friend these past three years. Once I stopped going to the
Performing Arts school, Monique and I drifted apart. Leah was there
to pick up the pieces. She listened to me whine for weeks after
Jagger and I slept together. While she tolerates my relationship
with Dougy, she was very happy when I ran over to her trailer last
night and told her I wanted to break up with him.
    "What are you thinking about, Ronnie?"
    "Nothing. I agree with you about one thing
though, this ceremony is a snooze fest."
    "Not the multiple guys and hot, hot
sex?"
    "No, Leah."
    "Why not? You're going to be single soon.
It's time to taste other flavors out there. You've had vanilla, and
now you need to try cinnamon, mint, and chocolate."
    "I'm good, but thanks."
    "All right. Well, if you don't want to talk
about sex, I've got some gossip to entertain you. Do you want to
hear it?"
    "What's the latest drama in the Evergreen's
now? I swear our trailer park could have its own reality show."
    Leah turns her body toward me, not caring at
all that anyone who might look over at us would see that we're not
paying attention to the ceremony.
    "Jagger dumped Lola last night."
    "What?" I ask shocked, my voice coming out a
lot louder than I wanted it to. I look around the gymnasium to see
if I caused a scene but thankfully no one is looking at me.
    "Yeah, I guess Lola went over to Angelo's to
cry on his shoulder after Jagger dumped her, giving him the sob
story. He was all too willing to comfort her, if you know what I
mean." Leah makes an indecent noise and wiggles her eyebrows.
    "It won't last," I sigh out. "Jagger will be
back with her by the end of the week."
    "Maybe, but even when they're together,
they're not really together. Jagger likes to plant his seed in any
willing woman he can find."
    My face goes pale as I stare ahead, trying
not to let her words offend me because a few years ago I was that
willing woman.
    Leah's expression changes to remorse. "Oh,
Ronnie, I didn't mean you. You're not an easy lay. You love Jagger
and I know he doesn't look at you like just some piece of ass."
    "It's okay, Leah. You were just telling the
truth."
    "Yes, but I was also being insensitive. And
you know what? If Jagger was stupid enough to let a catch like you
get away, then his skanky ass doesn't deserve you. You could do a
lot better."
    Tilting my head in her direction I smile
weakly. "Thanks, Leah."
    The ceremony lasts for