Cole: There’s a bar near your building called The Copper Tap. Seven okay?
My lungs forget how to function. I fumble for the TV remote as if silence will somehow help me make the right decision. My reflection stares back at me in the dark TV screen and it’s a mess. My hair is in a frizzy bun, my hoodie is stained with cabernet, and my all-day makeup is practically melting off my face.
“Hailey Simpson,” I whisper, pointing at the reflection. “You cannot show up like that.”
I grab my phone again, thumb trembling over the keyboard. It’s 6:41 and I have no idea how long of a walk this place is from me, but I’ll figure it out.
Me:Sure, The Copper Tap works. See you soon.
The moment it delivers, I run to the bathroom, turn on the water, and take another hard look at myself in the mirror. “Okay,” I breathe, gripping the edge of the bathroom sink. “You are not going to panic. You are going to shower, pick an outfit, and act like a normal person.”
I glance at my reflection again, then immediately cover my face with both hands. “Oh God. I’m going to panic.”
I take what has to be a record-breaking shower, then dart into my bedroom and fling open my closet like most of my clothes aren’t still stuck in boxes around my room.
“Shit! Shit! Shit!”
I trip over a pile of clothes spilling from one box and land on another with a loud thud. I paw through the boxes, looking forthe one labeled jeans, and tear it open. I grab my faithful pair of black jeans, the ones that make my waist look tiny and my ass look like you could bounce a quarter off it.
The jeans will look lethal paired with a fitted cream sweater that dips just enough at the neckline to look effortlessly chic with just a touch of sexy décolletage. I tug on a single thigh boot, then immediately rip it off.
“Jesus, get it together,” I mutter, hopping around on one foot. “Trying way too hard.”
I catch my reflection in the mirror and groan. My hair looks like I stuck a fork in a socket. I grab the curling wand and start damage control, burning one finger in the process.
I swipe on mascara, dab concealer over a few spots, and slick on my favorite red gloss. I smile at my reflection, impressed that I managed to pull this together so quickly, and then I look down and realize I’m still wearing my hoodie.
“Focus, Hailey.”
I yank it over my head, scurrying back into my bedroom to put on a bra. When I finally swap into my sweater, I look marginally like someone who could survive social interaction… Maybe even flirt. The thought sends a thrill through me so strong it almost knocks the breath out of my lungs. I try to rationalize it in my head.
It’s just a drink. Just a thank-you. Just two adults being polite.
But the image of his hand steadying my waist last weekend flashes in my head, and every rational thought combusts.
I grab my purse,check for wallet, keys, lip gloss, then check again because the cheap grocery store wine I used as therapy earlier is rapidly turning into a poor choice.
I’m reaching for my coat when Cole texts again.
Cole: Leaving now.
Every muscle in my body tightens. I grab my coat as I half laugh, half squeal into the empty room. “Oh, this is happening.” I take one last look at myself in the mirror above my console table, fingers gripping the doorknob.
“It’s a drink. With Cole. Maddie’s brother. Nothing more.”
CHAPTER 9
Cole
The Copper Tap has nailed the Christmas spirit. Classic Christmas carols play on the overhead speaker and there’s even a fully decorated tree in the corner. I’m busy looking at the ornaments when the bell of the door jingles and a cold rush of winter air sweeps across the floor.
It’s Hailey. She spots me right away, and a small smile plays across her lips. She raises her hand, offering me a nervous wave as she approaches.
“Hey,” she says, breath puffing out a little laugh. “You beat me.” She shrugs out of her coat, turning to place it on the stool next to me and that’s when I notice her jeans.
Christ.
“Yeah.” I tip my chin to the stool beside me. “Figured I’d grab seats.”
