We all clink our glasses, laughing.
I drop my head when we gain the attention of the nearby tables. “My leg was on fire, I had no other choice,” I try to justify.
“You don’t have to explain yourself, Nina. Henry has spent many summers at my aunt’s pool. I totally get it,” Lucy teases.
“Whatever.” I wave them off. “Erin texted me today. She’s flying in on Sunday. Will you girls be free? I thought we could get takeout. She will probably be jet-lagged, so better not to go out.”
“Sure,” Megan replies. “We could go out though?” She grins.
“Ugh, I don’t know. We will have work the next day and I need a weekend off, girls. I can’t afford or stomach it,” Lucy voices.
“Me too!” I say, knowing my attempt at saving any money this month is already impossible.
“You said we would take her out? She hasn’t been home in over a year,” Megan complains.
“I know, and I feel bad for her. Why don’t we just see what she wants to do when she gets here. Hopefully she will be happy staying in.”
The waiter brings our mains and we settle into a comfortable silence as we indulge in a carb overload.
“So…” I hesitate, knowing they are going to freak. “Mason kind of made us official today.”
“Fuck off!” Megan shouts, then immediately turns to the couple in the window seat to apologise.
“Nina, that’s fast,” Lucy says, shocked.
“But holy shit! Good job, girl,” Megan says, saluting me.
Lucy clutches my hand. “You’re happy?”
“Yeah. Yeah, I am.” I shrug, knowing I won’t be able to explain to them how it feels different with him. I probably look like a stupid dumb girl, falling for the rich guy after knowing him for five minutes.
“Well then go with it, babe. We are here if it goes south.” She winks at me.
“Always.” chirps Megan, mimicking Lucy’s wink.
“Thanks, girls.”
“When are you seeing him next?” Lucy asks.
“Tomorrow, we are going for dinner with his family.”
“You’re meeting the fucking family?”
“Megan!” I hiss. “You’ll have us thrown out in a minute.” I look at the waiter and smile sweetly. “And yes. It’s only food. Stop making it such a big deal, you’re giving me anxiety.”
The girls both sit quietly as they watch me like you would an animal at the zoo. Lifting my wine I take a sip, needing the quick buzz it gives me.
I know things are moving fast, it’s why I wanted the week away from him. But seeing him again today only confirmed that although it’s moving fast, it feels right.
I just hate the judgement on my friends’ faces.
“It’s too soon. I know.”
Megan shrugs, having nothing to say for once in her life, so I look over at Lucy.
She signals to the waiter. “More wine, please!”
* * *
