SLOANE: See you there.
I feel relieved as if all the heaviness I’ve been dealing with has suddenly vanished and the universe is telling me, you did the right thing.
Then I scroll to my texts with Jax.
All the chicken updates. All the sweet messages. All the times he said, ‘I’m here’ and meant it. I know what I want now.
21
SLOANE
The bar Maggie picked is one of those trendy downtown spots with exposed brick, Edison bulbs, and a cocktail menu that uses words like artisanal and hand-crafted. I don’t care. I just need alcohol. Riley and Maggie are already at a high-top table when I arrive, and they’ve ordered a bottle of champagne.
“We’re celebrating!” Riley announces, pouring me a glass as I slide onto a stool.
“We got the business,” Maggie says, her eyes bright with excitement and terror. “It’s real. It’s actually happening.”
I take the champagne and down half of it in one gulp.
“Easy there.” Maggie laughs. “We have all night.”
“To new beginnings. To taking risks. To being brave as fuck,” Riley says, raising her glass high in the air.
“To us,” Maggie adds. “The three scariest, bravest women I know.”
We clink glasses and drink. The champagne goes down easily. Too easily. By the time we’ve finished the bottle, I’m feeling warm and loose and like maybe everything is going to be okay.
“Another round?” the server asks.
“Yes,” I say before anyone else can answer. “But something stronger. Tequila shots.”
Riley’s eyes widen. “Sloane Winters wants tequila shots. Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?”
“I’m celebrating. We’re celebrating. We bought a business! We’re moving to a cute mountain town! We’re going to be small business owners!”
“Hell, yes, we are.” Riley whoops.
The tequila arrives. We toast again. Down the shots.
My head is spinning now, but in a good way. Everything feels possible. Everything feels right.
“I need to tell him,” I announce suddenly.
Maggie and Riley exchange glances.
“Tell who what?” Maggie asks carefully.
“Jax. I need to tell Jax. About the business. About moving there. About ...” I wave my hand vaguely, “everything.”
“Okay,” Riley says slowly. “And when are you planning to tell him?”
“Right now. I should call him this very moment.”
“Maybe wait until you’re sober?” Maggie suggests.
“No. I need to tell him now before I lose my nerve. Before I talk myself out of it. Before …”
“Before you’re not drunk anymore,” Riley finishes. “Babe, maybe this is a conversation you should have when you can form complete sentences.”
