“And now?” Her face softened.
“He’s sober.”
Nova arched her brow. “And you’re not bringing bottles of wine to his house?”
“No. I’m not making that mistake again. I did that with Austin and felt like absolute shit after. Different circumstances, sure, but... I get it better now. I understand what it means, what it takes. So, no. Not even a drop around Jer. Not because he asked me not to, but because I want to.”
“And the three of you?”
“We’re... together? I don’t know. Dirks and I have said we love each other.”
“Luna.” Nova’s eyes went wide. “Oh my god, that’sbignews.”
“Yeah, it was a while ago. We went to see his family during his bye week.”
“What the heck? I feel like I don’t even know you anymore. I’m sorry, I’ve been?—”
“Don’t apologize.” I interrupted her quickly.
“Okay, well . . . sorry anyway.”
I stuck out my tongue at her, and she rolled her eyes but smiled.
“So tell me,” she said, resting her chin in her hand.
“We went to his family’s,” I started, feeling my cheeks warm. “Dirks told me he loved me... but you know Jer. He’s... noncommittal.”
Nova’s eyebrows shot up. “And yet?”
“And yet,” I sighed, “we date each other. So... that’s positive. You’ll see him tomorrow. I begged him to come to the opening of the studio, but don’t overwhelm him or anything.”
She held up her hands like she’d been caught red-handed. “No. I promise. I’ll even tell Oll the same.”
I took a sip of my drink. “Sorry about making it eighteen-plus. I wanted to invite Scar, but?—”
“Aunt Mae is happily taking her overnight. Plus, Oll and I need a date night after coming back from England. We didn’t get a honeymoon—it was just like returning from vacation and jumping straight back into real life.”
“Oh, perfect.”
Her brows pulled together, and she tilted her head. “Luna,” she said, her tone all mockinglyserious, “whatsex thingsare going to be at this party?”
I doubled over with laughter.
45
jeremy
“Are these apology flowers or a love confession?”
I glanced up from the display to find the florist standing way too close, hovering over my shoulder.
“Congratulations flowers,” I muttered.
“Ah.” He gave a knowing nod, his bright amber eyes catching the light. His hair was perfectly styled, and the brown apron made him look like he’d stepped out of a home decor catalog. “Those are the best kind.”
He pointed toward a cream-colored bouquet.
I shook my head. “Brighter.”
