“Maybe,” I admitted. “But enough about me, how you holding up? When are you coming back? I miss you.”
“We all miss you,” Josh shouted from the driver’s seat.
I laughed. “And Josh too? He’s my driver today.”
“Should’ve known Seth wouldn’t let you out by yourself,” RJ joked. “Everything’s good though. I’ll be back in a few months we extended the stay a little.”
“How’s Ari feeling about that?”
“She wasn’t happy, but she’s coming up next week. Gonna spend the rest of the time here with me. She’s got work she can handle up here, so it’ll work out.”
“Glad to hear it. Love her for you. Last thing I want is work coming between you two.”
“I’m trying, man. Trying to be like my baby mama by next year.”
“Marriage and kids on the horizon?”
“Yeah, I’m gonna propose while she’s here. Got something planned.”
“I hate I’m gonna miss it.”
“I’ll FaceTime you.”
“Thanks. Let me get my suit ready; you know I’m the best man.”
Josh raised an eyebrow from the driver’s seat. “How you the best man, Stormi?”
I smirked. “I’m the groom’s best friend.”
We all cracked up as Josh pulled into the spa from the note Seth left me.
“Speaking of Ari, she’s right here,” I said, spotting her hopping out of her car.
“Ari!” I called, hopping out and catching her attention.
“Stormi,” she smiled, pulling me in for a warm hug.
“Talking to your man now,” I teased, handing her the phone so she and RJ could see each other.
“Knew you hung up on me just to call Stormi.” Ari laughed.
“You coming into the spa?” I asked.
“Hell yeah,” Ari said, eyes lighting up. “Your husband called me last night, asked if I wanted to join you for a girls’ spa day on his dime. After seven twelve-hour hospital shifts? I said hell ya. Exactly what I needed.”
I smiled. “Okay, let’s enjoy today.”
I hung up with RJ, and we walked inside, greeted with glasses of champagne and fresh fruit. The receptionist led us to change into robes before the day’s pampering began facials, mani-pedis, massages, waxing. Four hours later, feeling like new women, we sipped wine and nibbled finger foods.
“What you about to do after this?” I asked Ari as we gathered our things.
“My bed.” She laughed. “And I gotta pack leaving next week.”
I sighed, the weight of goodbye heavy on my chest. “I’m really gonna miss you both.”
“We’ll FaceTime every day, like we already do. Hopefully this time flies.”
I nodded, feeling the bittersweet mix of love and distance that seemed to be my life lately.
