She goes on. “I got excited when they told me it was Marco, and after that, we connected differently. Although his schedule was still hectic with work, traveling, and dating, he never missed out on the important things.”
Stevie pauses as if contemplating whether to tell me what she’s thinking.
She looks me straight in the eye, and says, “He moved to Spain with his partner when I turned thirteen.” She shrugs. “I didn’t handle it all that well, until they told me I could visit every summer. Young Stevie was a lot bolder, and I demanded to spend at least a month there during the summer.” We both chuckle, and I can’t help thinking that she was pretty fucking bold last night. “Starting that year, I went to Spain every summer for at least a month. That was until last year when everything happened.” She looks away and clears her throat. “Can I tell you more about that another time? We should start getting ready.”
Stevie stands and starts clearing the plates, looking defeated by the memories of her diagnosis. My hands flex with the need to touch her, and I stand.
“You cooked, that means I’m the one to clean, got it?” I raise a brow, daring her to deny me.
Her eyes, which I hadn’t noticed were starting to water, clear. I wouldn’t have said that in the way I did if I knew she was crying. Then Stevie puts the plates in the sink, and I’m about to protest until she turns around, lifts onto her tiptoes, kisses my cheek softly, and whispers, “Thank you.”
She doesn’t linger. Instead, she saunters out of the kitchen and straight into the bathroom, leaving me stunned at her heartfelt action. My body doesn’t seem to understand that it was a friendly thank-you because now, I’m hard.
“Fuck me.” I lean my forehead on one of the cabinets. “Friends, my ass.”
Today is going to be a long. Fucking. Day.
An hour and a half later,we’re in the mall looking for the gang. Stevie was once again unsure of what to wear. This time, I told her to choose her favorite outfit since Kami and Em need to see what they think needs changing.
Not surprisingly, her favorite outfit consists of baggy flared jeans, brown boots, and a brown-and-green cardigan. I like her seventies-themed clothing, but the things she owns don’t seem to match her personality. More than looks, it’s the confidence, strength, and slight sassiness in her that’s hidden within her wardrobe.
We’re both looking around when we spot the top of Cam’s head over the end of the escalators. The guy is taller than any of us at six-foot-five.
When she spots him, Stevie smiles excitedly. A grin spreads across my face. Knowing she lost all of her friends here and that she was able to get along with everyone in my odd group brings me satisfaction.
“Stevie!” Em jumps and gives her a hug, and Kami follows suit.
The guys and I exchange claps. Noticing their bored expressions, I look at what the girls hold and now understand why. They’re both holding bags from a bookstore that’s a floor above us. Cameron isn’t a reader, but Kami is into mystery and horror novels. Meanwhile, Em says she’s into fiction, which of course means extremely horny romance books that probably include monsters.
No judgment here. Joan is the same way. It’s how I got introduced to the world of smut and got the craving for what I do now. They might not be study guides when it comes to sex, but it sure was fucking fun to read.
Sending a smirk Em’s way, I ask, “Have fun shopping?”
She narrows her eyes while crossing her arms. “As a matter of fact, we did.”
I smile and discreetly bump Jake’s arm. “Let me see what you got.”
Emma’s face blanches.Always open to talking about everything except sex.
Kami intervenes and saves her best friend. “Today is Stevie’s day. Let’s put all of our focus on her.”
Stevie looks like a deer caught in the headlights.Poor Bambi.“Um…” She trails off.
Throwing Kami a dirty look, I lay a hand on Stevie’s shoulder.
“Remember how I said we were checking two things off your list?”
She nods.
“Kami and Em here are going to be your personal shoppers for the new look you’ve been wanting.”
My friends curtsey and I roll my eyes.
Stevie is finally processing what I’m saying, but I tell her the two final pieces before she can open her mouth.
“Em booked you an appointment with her hairdresser and nail girl.”
“She works in one of the salons in the mall, which might sound tacky, but I swear she’s the best,” Em adds.
