“Okay, we can talk about it on our date, and you can update me on the progress you’ve made here. Oh, that reminds me —can you give me your brother’s number? I want to see if he can take on a small renovation project to add a small bookstore, to start with a few bookshelves.”
He pulls his phone back out and sends me his brother’s contact info. My phone dings again. “Thank you. I’ll get out of your hair.”
“You don’t have to. I enjoy having you here.” He steps a little closer—too close; my body is boiling over full of heat and soaking wet panties. I lean back slightly, not on purpose, but my body is trying to protect me.
I tap him on his arm and say, “Yeah…I apparently have been invited to girls’ dinner tonight at Kendall’s.” When she asked me to join them, I was taken aback, but eternally grateful to be included and spend time with my sister and her newly found friends.
“Oh, I’ve heard about those nights.” He smirks at me. “Have fun, and I’ll see you on Wednesday night.”
“You’ve heard about these nights? You can’t gloss over it now. Tell me what you’ve heard.” I’m tapping my foot, resisting crossing my arms over my chest.What does he know?
“Whoa, okay, okay, I’ll tell you everything, except it’s not much…I’ve heard Dane and Logan talking about it. It’s girls only; they eat and drink margaritas. If it’s at Kendall’s, I’ve heard she has animal floats for the pool, and they talk about everything. But I have no real details.” He shrugs with a devious smirk on his face.
“Okay, so you’re telling me I’m about to have a ton of fun at Kendall’s night, eating yummy food and drinks? That’s right up my alley.” I raise my hand to give him a high five.
He wasn’t sure what to do at first, then slapped my hand. “Have fun.”
I smile back at him. “I’m definitely going to have a ton of fun. I’ll see you in a couple of days…can’t wait.”
“Me either.” His hundred-watt smile hits me in the heart, shaking me to my core, thinking about spending time with him on Wednesday.
I walk out the door and straight to my car, my knees wobbling with each step. I grip the steering wheel, but my fingers tremble against the leather. I close my eyes, picturing us in the hot tub at sunset, his shoulder pressed against mine as the water bubbles with the glow of the gold and orange reflection. In my mind, I'm laughing at something he's said about work, something only he would notice, and he gazes at me instead of at the view.
He has this effect on me, not only the physical ache low in my belly that I felt the last time we hung out. No, this is deeper, a yearning that spreads through my chest. I want to sit beside him on his boat, watching the sunset paint the lake copper and gold, while we talk about everything and nothing—his dreams for the business, the stories that have him laughing until his eyes crinkle at the corners, the quiet thoughts he might only share when darkness falls.
I laugh and smile at myself. I can’t wait for our date.
TWENTY-THREE
Ava
My sister and I pull up to Kendall’s house, which has a cute front porch. As I slide out of the driver's seat, another car pulls up. It looks like Faith. I’ve only met her a couple of times before.
Once she’s out of the car, my sister strolls over to her. “Another girls' night.”
Faith hugs my sister. “It is. How are you feeling?”
“Slept soundly the last couple of nights.”
Faith pats her back. “I’m happy you’re still able to come out for girls’ night. Ava, glad you came too!” She moves from my sister and hugs me.
“Yes, my first time doing the whole girls' night thing. You’ll need to pop my girl’s night cherry.” That came straight out of my mouth with no filter; laughter consumes us.
We walk to the front door. Faith knocks a couple of times and steps in. “We’re here,” she yells.
“In the kitchen.” It sounds like a few excited voices echoing through the house.
When we rush through the kitchen doorway, the other girls—Kendall, Addison, and Lane—come running over, and it’s a group hug. I thought I’d feel out of place, but now that I’m here, it’s like one big love fest.
“We’re all here…let’s show Ava how we start every girls’ night.” Kendall pulls out the tequila, and she finishes making the margaritas. Handing glasses to everyone, she gives my sister a glass and says, “And a virgin marg for my favorite sister-in-law.”
This group of ladies…It’s like I fit in so easily with them. I want to hang out all the time.
With margaritas in hand, Addison says the toast, “Thank you for such amazing friends, old and new. To this beautiful house we will have to say bye too soon. She’s treated us well. To Kendall’s beautiful love and special guy…Cheers.” Glasses clink, and we all sip on our drinks.
I don’t know why they are saying bye to the house; I'm just assuming she’s selling it to move in with Dane. I’ve only heard bits and pieces of their love story, and it sounds like they’re soulmates.
Although I’m not sure, I believe in the whole soulmate myth. My sister married Logan, and she said the same thing. I thought she was blowing smoke up my ass, but then I witnessed their love. From my perspective, it only happens to the select few.
