“I’d just watch out for the smell of car grease and then I’d know it was you for sure.”
“God, you remind me of Lydia,” I say to Dilynne through laughter and unshed tears.
Her hand reaches out for mine, squeezing it. “Then I’m honored. Best girlfriends are the sisters we never got to have, or at least the ones we wouldn’t dropkick if we had the chance.”
All of us laugh. “Yeah, I’m an only child, so Lydia was definitely like my sister.”And the only friend who stood by my side when I made some questionable choices in my life.
Dilynne glances at Laney and then turns back to me. “I know the feeling.”
Elodie clears her throat. “I know no one can ever replace her, but you have us now, Vienna.” Her smile is soft and comforting. “These two took me under their wings when I moved here back in August, so I know how it feels to be alone in a new place. Don’t be afraid to call any of us if you ever need anything, okay?”
“I—I really appreciate it.” Blowing out a breath, I blink away my tears that I kept from falling. “God, I didn’t realize how much I needed some female interaction. Being around five-year-olds all day is draining and affecting my ability to have a conversation with adults.”
Dilynne laughs. “I don’t know how you do it. I would scream back in their faces if they started whining.” She shakes her head. “Me and kids don’t mix. That’s why I never want any.”
“It’s definitely a struggle some days,” I say. “But seriously? No kids?”
Dilynne shrugs. “I like my life the way that it is, and I don’t need to have children to feel fulfilled. Now, if some man wanted to buy me Jay Leno’s car collection in place of an engagement ring, I might consider marriage too.”
I chuckle as Laney rolls her eyes and Dilynne focuses back on me. “I take it you want kids then?” Dilynne asks.
The cheer I was feeling earlier gets cut in half. “Yeah, but I don’t think it’s in the cards for me.”
“I used to think that way too,” Laney says. “But I’m a converted believer now that timing is everything. And I honestly can’t wait to have babies with Fletcher.”
“And when you do, I will maintain my status as the best aunt on the fucking planet,” Dilynne adds. “I certainly love my little Ellis and Remy and will fuck anybody up that ever breaks their hearts.”
Elodie rolls her eyes at Dilynne this time, but with a grin on her lips. “You might have to worry about Dilynne going down to the elementary school now to fight a kindergartener, Vienna.”
I shrug. “Honestly, I could think of a few that could use some discipline, that’s for sure.”
Dilynne shudders. “Seriously, I don’t know how you do it.”
“And I bet having Ellis next door doesn’t give you much of a break either,” Laney adds.
The soft spot I have in my chest for Ellis swells from the mention of her name. “Oh, gosh. I could spend all day with that little girl and never get tired of her.”
Laney smiles proudly. “She’s such a character. I can’t wait until she gets older and I can teach her all of the important things about being a girl. It’s one of the duties as her aunt that I’m most concerned about since Sarah isn’t around, you know?”
I cover the center of my chest with my hand. “I think about that all of the time. My heart just breaks for her. I mean, even though I’m not super close with my mom, the thought just makes me so sad.”
“Well, she has us, and Rhonan is doing a phenomenal job,” Elodie interjects.
“Speaking of Rhonan, have you seen my brother lately?” Laney adds, failing at her attempt at being sly. Dilynne arches a brow at me and Elodie weaves her hands together on her lap while she stares.
Suddenly, I feel like I’m under an interrogation, which only makes my cheeks heat up even faster. Needing to compose myself, I reach for my plate and head toward the kitchen. “Oh, uh…I’m not sure.”
By the time I place my dish in the sink and turn back around, all three of the girls are right behind me with curious expressions on their faces.
Laney purses her lips. “You’re not sure if you’veseenhim?”
“I mean, I haven’t. No. I thought you asked if I knew how he was.”
Dilynne snaps her fingers and points at me. “Oh my God. You’ve slept with him, haven’t you?”
“What?” I ask with a nervous laugh.
Laney practically squeals. “I knew it!”
