Glancing around, there was a couple at the next table that was too busy eye-fucking each other and another table filled with people all on their phones. A whole table of five people and none of them talking to each other. Hailey was suddenly really thankful for her friends that knew what a conversation was.
“Big news you guys!” Abby brought everyone’s attention to her. “I found a tour in Italy and I’m going in five months!”
Everyone at the table asked a bunch of questions at once but Abby raised her hand to silence them. Hailey wasn’t sure how she did that. She had that quiet confidence that just made people listen to her.
“I’m going to see the villages of Cinque Terre, Rome and visit Florence in Tuscany! Plus some towns I’ve never even heard of, wine tastings, so much food. I’m so excited!”
Hailey melted. This trip sounded like a dream and she could definitely use a vacation. Five months wasplenty of time to save up.
She couldn’t help blurting, “Take me with you!”
“Don’t tease me! I thought you couldn’t come!”
Hailey blushed a bit. She originally told Abby she couldn’t travel with her when she first brought it up because Gage shot it down immediately. He couldn’t get the time off work and he strongly implied that she couldn’t go without him because she didn’t have the money and needed him. Her fists clenched just thinking about it. Geez, she was an idiot. Emphasis on was.
“Well, five months is plenty of time to save,” not to mention her future no longer included narcissists. “Send me the info!”
Abby pumped her fists. “Yes! Please come so I have a friend. It would be so much better! Then, you can help me document my adventures.”
Hailey raised her hand to her chest as if she was making a vow. “I’d be honored to be your assistant and aid you in your quest for inspiration.”
Abby chuckled before raising a hand to high-five Hailey, which she promptly slapped while letting out a loud whoop.
“When are you going again?” piped up Elena.
“The very end of June for ten days,” answered Abby.
The wheels seemed to be turning in Elena’s head for a moment before she responded.
“Okay, I’m in, too. School is out by then.”
“Really?” Hailey and Abby exclaimed at practically the same time.
“Yeah, why not? I could use some inspiration, too.”
Hailey and Abby freaked out for a few minutes then promised to discuss details in a new group chat soon. Elena wasn’t much of a joiner, so her coming was a surprise. Hailey just couldn’t wait to get away and experience a different part of the world.
“Man, so jealous. Hey, did you hear Diane from school got married?” Riley asked across the table.
“Diane Walker? Was it to that musician guy?” Hailey asked.
“Yes! The guitarist for that local band. Geez, their photos are all over social media.”
At that, Cole turned to Hailey and, like typical Cole, had no tact when he asked, “Oh shit, Hailey what are you going to do about a date next month for Bridget’s wedding?”
Hailey’s jaw dropped and then she quickly closed her mouth. All she could do was blink for what felt like ten minutes, but was probably five seconds.
“I forgot about that. I guess I’ll have to go alone. That head table thing with all the bridal party and their dates will be uneven, but I think Bridget is pretty happy I’m not bringing Gage so I guess it’s not a big deal.”
Hailey sat back in her chair and sipped her soda and noticed that everyone’s eyes were darting between herand Avery.
What the hell?
She turned to Avery and noticed he was blushing and quickly looked away, suddenly distracted with the ice cubes in his drink.Ah, this restaurant has crushed ice instead of uncrushed. Fascinating.
When she looked back up, Abby was smiling at her. “Have you thought about just bringing a friend instead?”
“You guys literally just reminded me about it. I haven’t thought about it at all.”
