“No,” she practically shouts. “I’ll make this work, and who knows, in a month there may be something else that comes up.”
She doesn’t sound so sure, but I don’t push her on it. It won’t hurt to ask my brother if he'd do me this favor. He’s going to be so busy in the new year with projects and work that he’ll hardly be home. He’s even thinking about hiring a ranch hand to watch over the ranch while he’s at work. Maybe Raven can help with some tasks too?
“Let’s go in here,” Billie says, opening the door and leading us into Clementines, a small clothing boutique that has some of the trendiest pieces on display. “We need new outfits for tomorrow night.”
As we enter, we’re immediately met with rack after rack of the most stunning gowns in all lengths and colors. From sparkly denim skirts to floor-length rhinestone gowns you’d see girls nowadays wearing to prom, every piece is absolutely breathtaking.
“At least you’ll be at the party tomorrow night. I can’t fathom how excited I am to make themed nights a monthly event at the bar. I can see it now. A Lover's Affair for Valentine’s Day,” Bailey says as she and Raven sort through the racks of shorter cocktail dresses.
Billie’s excitement is apparent as she drags me along with her, holding up a silver gown that’s short in the front and longer in the back. She holds it up in front of me. “Ooo,” she chimes in, “Can you also do an anti-lovers Galentines event? Like in thatmovie with a heart-shaped piñata and everything. Maybe even a dick-shaped piñata.”
Raven shakes her head. “Why? We’re not hating on the dicks, only the owners of them.”
“Amen, sister,” Billie says, and we all burst out in a heap of laughter. I’m so glad I came out with them today. Being with my girls is the only therapy I need.
All laughter immediately stops as my best friends suddenly go silent. “Ugh,” Billie mutters under her breath, “Look what dear old Satan dragged in.”
I follow her gaze and there, perusing one of the clothing racks on the far end of the shop, is Indigo. Beside her are the most hateful gossipers, who I am sure are about to have the time of their lives when they look up and see us.
Anne-Marie whispers something to Mary Beth, and suddenly Indy’s eyes find me. A slow smile creeps along her lips, and in her eyes is a scheming twinkle that says she knows exactly how this encounter is about to ruin my afternoon. As if she hadn’t already ruined my morning.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Monroe Bishop,” Anne-Marie says, her voice dripping with fake sweetness as she approaches. “You’re looking…healthy.” Her gaze flicks down to the bump now visible in the light blue fitted sweater I’ve paired with my black leggings.
Healthy. The word hangs in the air a little too pointed, like she’s daring me to react. I take a sip of my coffee, allowing the hot liquid to tame my tongue. “Must be all the good food around here,” I joke, knowing well enough they’re aware of my pregnancy.
Mary Beth’s gaze flicks down to my stomach, her smirk not subtle at all. “Mhmm. Funny, last I heard, things weren’t going so well with you and Jase.” She looks over at my friends, who I know are ready to give them a piece of their minds but respect me enough to handle this on my own.
“Last you heard,” I say, keeping my tone even as my gaze flicks to Indy. “I can’t believe for once you’re out of the gossip loop, Mary Beth. We’re living together, having a baby, and not that it’s any of your business, but we are a couple.” The lie doesn’t feel so wrong anymore.
Indy finally speaks, her voice uninterested but full of spite. “So, you think you’ve tamed the one and only Jameson King, huh?”
My friends grow impatient beside me, while the vultures perk up as if they have been tossed fresh meat.
“Are you implying I haven’t?” I ask, though my heart is pounding with fury. I’d forgotten how horrible these two could be, and now that they’ve somehow befriended Indigo, things are about to get a lot worse.
“Oh, I don’t think so,” Indy drawls. “People talk, Monroe. And from where I’m standing, it’s not looking so, how do I put it, authentic. Word around town is the two of you rarely ever spoke to one another and then suddenly, you’re pregnant, dating and living together?” Her suspicion is clear in her tone.
“Not that it’s any of your business, Indy,” Bailey says, stepping around me to meet her face to face. “Monroe and I have been friends for over a decade. Our brothers are also best friends, and I’m dating Nash. You’re new around her so I don’t blame you for being so ignorant, but it’s best you pay attention to where you're getting your news from. Some sources around here aren’t so reliable.” Bailey’s comment is pointed at the two mean girls who never left high school.
Indy’s face turns red, but she doesn’t lose her composure. “Well, either way. Jameson isn’t the kind of guy who’s up for settling down?—”
“That’s enough.” I step forward, closing the space between us, my chin lifted. “I’m going to stop you right there, Indigo. You don’t get to stand here and pretend you know a damn thingabout me or Jase. Not after the crap you’ve pulled, showing up like some damsel in distress who needs saving. You fucked shit up with him and now he’s with me. Get over it. He’s not going back to you, even if you try your best to get his mama on your side.”
My girls let out a low gasp, as if they’ve just been handed front-row seats to the best show in town.
I turn to face the two witches. “Since you’re so interested, let me clear it up for you. Yes, Jase and I are together.”
Indy’s jaw tightens, her face now bright red, matching the color of her lips. But I don’t give her a chance to respond.
“Now, if you’ll excuse us,” I say, stepping back to link my arm with Bailey. “We have better things to do than feed the gossip line any longer.”
My girls and I walk out of the shop without looking back, though I can feel their eyes burning into my spine. Billie gives a low whistle once we’re out of earshot.
“Damn, Moe. That was legendary.”
I take another sip of my coffee, my pulse still racing, but this time for a better reason. “I’m done letting other people write my story for me.”
“You have no idea how hard it was for me to bite my tongue and hold back from ripping those girls a new one,” Raven adds, and I can already see my friend is a little spitfire who’s ready to throw down.
