She wasn’t there when I grabbed my coffee earlier.
“That’s great news, except it’s also not, unless I can fulfil their clauses too. Besides, fate is telling me to let it go.”
Her face floods with understanding and she lifts a shoulder. “Maybe only for now.”
“Anyhow, it’s nice to just relax. Last week was draining. Weddings cost a lot of energy.”
Esme thrums her fingers on the back of the sofa, considering what words she wants to let spill out of her mouth. “So.” She drags it out. Ah, crap. I just walked right into the topic that I knew was coming. “I know you don’t want to talk about it, but I’ve noticed that you’re not unaffected from last week’s… events.”
Rolling my eyes with a deep sigh, I have to press my lips together to hold back a lack of smile to show all is well.
Everything is okay. Everything is fine. It’s in the past. Repeat it to yourself, Hailey.
“There is nothing to discuss. We had our fun, and we’ll leave it in the past. We can be friends for the sake of my brother. I’m sure we’ll even be normal next time we run into one another on the street.”
She has an odd look on her face as she squints. “I can be honest with you, and I will be… You don’t want that one single bit. You’re also just assuming Oliver wants to return to ‘normal,’” she says, using air quotes.
I shake my head. “He does. He was the most adamant that we had what we did and should leave it there.”
Oliver has his rules, and I get it because I have the same issue. He’s my brother’s friend. Things could go wrong. The loss of their friendship. Awkward neighbor down the street. There’s a list.
“We haven’t spoken or texted all week while he is away for work.”
She offers me a soft smile. “But he’ll be back later today. I heard Keats on the phone. Around dinnertime, in case you’re interested.”
Oh.
“And?”
“Hailey, you’re a funny woman, but that’s also because you’re comfortable around people and that takes confidence. You’re always bubbly, and everyone wants you around. Don’t let Oliver be a reason that you close up into a shell. That’s not you.”
Her observations are on point today.
“I’m still all of those things. Not my fault that I have a nosy neighbor who shows up and insists that I feel something that I don’t,” I say, trying to convince myself.
“But you two at the wedding. Even if I didn’t know, I would have to be blind not to have seen the way you two looked at each other.”
“We’ve always been like that,” I justify and narrow my eyes at her.
She grabs the drink from my hands and attempts to get the last drop through the straw. “Ugh, you added a coconut shot.”
I push her arm playfully and smile. “Don’t criticize my summer coffee choice.”
“Sorry. That took us off track. Anyhow, I’ve said my piece. You’re being ridiculous, and we’re strong women, which means stand up for what you want.”
Rising up, I walk to the window for a change of scenery. “Message received.”
“Good.”
“Why don’t we focus on your upcoming nuptials? Have you thought about it?”
A sound of joy thunders out of her throat. “I’m easygoing. We don’t want to wait long. We’ll keep it not so big and probably over in Lake Spark at the Dizzy Duck Inn since Keats’s sister has connections there. You’ll have to help me pick a dress.”
“Of course,” I promise.
Esme hops up. “Perfect. Don’t make me toss the bouquet at you. Or cause me to send an invite for a plus-one as a guest.”
I wave her off, exhausted yet smiling, entertained. “Leave me be.”
