Taboo Temptation

“You’re right, Jacob,” Alexis says as she puts the cup down. “This is the best chicken parm I’ve had in my life.”

“I’ve been here awhile,” I reply with a shrug that knocks our elbows together. “I know all the best places in the city.”

That’s not completely true, considering I don’t get out much. A more accurate statement would be that I know all the best places within the delivery range of my apartment. I don’t think that sounds quite as impressive, though.

“I can’t wait for you to show me,” she says, smiling at me conspiratorially before picking up her utensil again.

“Likewise,” I reply, thinking that I wouldn’t mind going places with her.

“You’d welcome company?” my dad asks, raising an eyebrow at her. “I thought you liked experiencing things on your own.”

“Oh, honey, you can’t do that here,” her mom interjects. “It’s not like back home. Things are dangerous here.”

Something protective flares up inside me. The thought of something happening to her makes my stomach turn. Her mom is r