"Hard to believe Ethan even notices women," Daphne teases. "He's been ignoring Emily for years."
"Apparently he does." Vinnie's smile turns private, like she's remembering something too good to share. "Living together has been incredible. He reads his comic books in bed wearing these dorky reading glasses, makes me tea when I'm stuck on a painting, and . . ." She bites her lip, cheeks flushing. "Let's just say the sex isnext level."
"Get it, girl," Amelia cackles, clearly delighted by this development.
Vinnie winces, glancing at Daphne. "Sorry, I don't want to be that annoying person."
"You're allowed to be happy." I smile at her. "Seriously. Gush away."
"Plus," Amelia adds, "we needsomeonein this group to have their shit together romantically. And spilling coffee on the hot English teacher on your first day in town? That was some top-tier meet-cute material right there."
Vinnie laughs, relaxing back into her seat. "It really was something special."
Amelia points her spoon at me. "Why are you working so much since getting back?"
"I like to keep busy."
"Zara and Katie said you've been showing up on your days off," Amelia says, her caramel eyes narrowing in that way that means I'm not escaping an interrogation. "And they need more hours with summer break. You're literally hovering when you should be, I don'tknow,not working."
"And," Vinnie adds, "you've basically taken over the entire Fourth of July celebration."
"Well, someone has to organize the parade floats." I aim for nonchalant, as if I haven't been volunteering for every possible committee just to keep my mind occupied.
"You don't even like parade floats," Daphne laughs.
But staying busy means not feeling anything. Helps me avoid checking my phone every five minutes like some lovesick teenager.
"Let's plan something fun," Amelia continues, clearly done with my deflection. "Group bowling, like old times? We can go for drinks after?"
"I don't know," Daphne worries her lip between her teeth.
The possibility of seeing Caleb makes my stomach lurch, which is ridiculous because we arefine. "Yeah, maybe not this year."
"Come on!" Amelia protests. "Vinnie needs to witness how horrible our skills are."
"Unfortunately, I'm going home for the Fourth." She offers an apologetic grimace. "But next time, I'm there."
Amelia narrows her eyes at me and Daphne. "You two aren't getting out of this. And Ivy," her grin turns wicked, "don't forget about your date tonight."
I groan, dropping my head onto the table. "How could I? You've only texted me about it seventeen times since breakfast."
"Date?" Daphne perks up. "With who?"
"Mark," Amelia answers before I can. "Pottery class guy. I set her up."
"That sounds exciting," Vinnie offers.
Sounds like someone Caleb would hate.The thought slips in before I can shove it back down. But maybe that's the point.
"He seems nice," I shrug.
"Nice is good," Daphne murmurs.
"Plus," Amelia adds, "he makes these amazing ceramic planters. Very cottagecore meets modern art."
"As long as he doesn't have a man bun," I mutter.
"Nope!" Amelia grins. "Just regular, non-threatening hair. And he volunteers at the animal shelter."
