I skip down the stairs and fling open the door. Jill squeals like a teenager at a boy band concert, throwing herself into my arms for a hug and nearly knocks me off balance.
“Whoa there,” I laugh, steadying us both. “Not that I’m not thrilled by this enthusiasm, but what’s the occasion? Did you win the lottery and decide to share?”
Jill pulls back, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Evenbetter. I found an insane DJ for your birthday party. And before you say anything about your wedding connections, trust me, this guy is next level. He could make a funeral sound like Coachella.”
I bite my lip, guilt gnawing at my insides. Fuck. The party. The one I’d completely forgotten about.
Jill’s excitement dims as she tilts her head, studying my face. “You forgot, didn’t you?”
“No, of course not,” I lie, my voice higher than usual. “It’s just... Um...”
“Uh-huh,” Jill says. “The guilt is written all over your face. It’s like you’re wearing an ‘I Forgot My Best Friend’s Plans’ t-shirt.”
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Okay, fine. I forgot. But in my defense, I’ve been a little preoccupied with, oh, I don’t know, trying not to die?”
Jill’s eyes widen. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m receiving death threats, Jill. Real ones. Not just the ‘your playlist sucks’ kind from angry wedding guests.”
“Oh my God,” Jill gasps, pulling me into another hug. “Why didn’t you tell me? We’ve been planning this ridiculous party while you’re dealing with all this?”
I shrug, trying to play it cool despite the tremor in my hands. “I didn’t want to worry anyone. Plus, I was kind of hoping thatif I ignored it, it would go away. Like my ex’s weird collection of anime body pillows.”
Jill snorts despite the seriousness of the situation. “Always with the jokes, huh? Even in the face of danger.”
“Hey, if I don’t laugh, I’ll cry. And my mascara is way too expensive for that.”
She squeezes my hand. “So, I’m guessing the party is off?”
“Rain check?” I offer. “We can celebrate when I’m not on some psycho’s hit list.”
“Deal,” Jill nods. “But speaking of hit lists, what’s this I hear about you and a certain hunky bodyguard?”
My cheeks heat. “Ryder? Oh, he’s just helping with security.”
“Uh-huh,” Jill smirks. “And does this ‘security’ involve thorough body searches?”
I can’t help but laugh. “Jill!”
“What? A girl’s gotta live. Some of us are in a drought so dry, we’re considering dating cacti.”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t keep the smile off my face. “Fine. If you must know, yes, we may have engaged in some extracurricular activities.”
Jill’s eyes light up like it’s Christmas morning. “I knew it! Spill, girl. On a scale of ‘meh’ to ‘religious experience,’ how was it?”
“Let’s just say I now understand why they call it ‘seeing God.’”
Jill fans herself. “Lord have mercy. You lucky bitch.”
I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in days. “Yeah, well, it’s not serious or anything. Just a bit of fun.”
“Right,” Jill says, her tone making it clear she doesn’t believe me for a second. “And I’m just browsing Tinder for my soulmate.”
“Speaking of Ryder,” I say, desperate to change the subject, “he’s offered to let me stay at his place for a while. To get away from all this.”
Jill wiggles her eyebrows. “Oh, I bet he did. Planning to ‘protect’ you up close and personal, huh?”
I swat her arm. “Stop it! It’s not like that. Well, not entirely.”
