“That was probably intentional,” Summer adds.
“I wouldn’t put it past a romance author to come up with a cheesy name,” Raven scoffs.
“Well, this book will definitely change your mind about romance books and men who like to praise their women. It’s the first book in her newest cowboy romance series, and the mouth on this man is delicious. It’s a fake marriage to save the ranch story. You will definitely likegood girlafter reading that one,” I say.
“Anddarlin’,” Summer adds.
“Andmine. And the way that man growlsmy wife? Ugh.” Bella shimmies her shoulders, and we all get quiet, probably thinking over our favorite scenes from the book.
Raven scowls, crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m just not really into romance.”
Summer leans forward on the couch. “But these ones are different. The characters feel so real, and the stories feel cinematic, like you’re watching a movie in your head while reading.”
“Ayana’s books are always a one-handed read for me, if you catch my drift.”
“Bella, you could have your kindergarten student with the worst penmanship write it out for us, and we’d still know exactly what you were talking about.” Raven playfully rolls her eyes.
“All I’m saying is if you want to let loose, you should check out Ayana’s books. She might really open your mind to some things.” Bella winks.
Raven visibly stiffens, and I chuckle. Every so often, Bella says something crass that makes Raven uncomfortable, and it’s comical to watch them tiptoe around each other.
“So, what happened with Mike? Does he not want to be with you? Is that why we’re here, to beat his ass?” Summer asks.
Bella claps her hands like she’s calling her classroom to order. “Mike got called into the fire up on the ridge last night, but he told Hardy to tell me to tell Lucy that he loves her and that will never change.”
“So, what’s the issue?” Raven asks, flicking her hand. Her practical approach to every situation is calming. While she might come across as cold or uncaring to those that don’t know her, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. She grounds our group, is the order to Bella’s perverted chaos, the balance to Summer’s romanticized naivety, and the calm to my anxiety-ridden storm.
“I think I’m just panicking because I told him I can’t have kids and then he left for the fire, and we haven’t talked since.”
“He’s probably just resting after the fire. RJ said they were up there all night,” Raven says.
“RJ was there? He’s okay, right?”
Bella and I exchange curious glances at Summer’s question. Sounds like someone is still hung up on her first kiss.
Raven nods. “Still an idiot, but otherwise okay.”
“Oh! I’ve been dying to tell you ladies. Guess what Mike calls Lucy?”
“Please tell me it’s darlin’,” Summer says with a wistful look in her eye.
Bella shakes her head. “It’s Lucky!”
Summer lets out an audible sigh.
Raven rolls her eyes. “What’s with your men adding letters to your names for nicknames? Bells, Lucky. Am I the only one who understands how nicknames are supposed to work?”
Summer swoons. “I think it’s cute.”
“It’s technically not a nickname when it’s what’s on your birth certificate.”
“Wait, what?” Bella gasps.
“I dropped the K and shortened it to Lucy in middle school. I just never believed that I lived up to the name, and it made me feel like shit every time someone called me that. I’ve always been unlucky. In love. In life. But when Mike calls me Lucky, it feels right for the first time in my life.”
Summer sighs. “I love that.”
“He’s your person,” Bella adds.
