“My thoughts exactly,” Lois mutters, before dipping off to the right.
I sigh. “Gonna be a long fucking day.”
I don’t know whether I’m imagining things, but it’s like my friend is enjoying stretching the shopping expedition out as long as possible. The atmosphere is icy, but he doesn’t seem to care. I can’t stop rolling my eyes, and it’s the same for Lois: when we spot each other doing it, we exchange a quick smile, a split second of softness that evaporates as soon as Lois catches herself and shuts it down again. Before today, I was still so pissed at her. But I’ve spent the past two weeks without her, and I suddenly feel tired and guilty in equal measures.
“Cups.”
Adam points to somewhere behind me, and I stretch out a hand without looking, my fingers closing around something soft and warm. I glance down. I’ve caught Lois’s hand by mistake, and as she tries to shake loose, I can’t help but tighten my grip. She blinks a few times, breathing hard. I watch as she frowns, defiance glinting in her eyes, before she drifts over to a stack of cups, my hand still in hers as she reaches out to grab them.
She yanks harder. “Let go.”
“You first,” I shoot back.
“He asked me to grab them.”
“Nope, he asked me.”
Neither of us is willing to back down. I’m stronger than her, and though it wouldn’t take much for me to overpower her, I don’t want to let go.
“Guys, I need two hundred of ’em. You can both grab a few.” Adam glances back and forth between us, smiling.
Lois breaks free from me with a sudden jerk, scurrying away with her stash.
At the checkout, my fingers brush hers with every item I lift outof the cart.What are you doing, Lane?Just an hour ago, I was raging. Now I can’t even remember why I was ever mad in the first place—the same old roller-coaster ride I’ve been on since we met.
“We need to pick up some booze,” Adam says, swinging open his trunk. “We’ll get the rest the day before, once we know exactly how many people are coming.”
“Lewis always invites people at the last minute,” I remind him, holding out a bag.
“Absolute disgrace, dude,” Lois mutters.
I bite back a laugh. It’s like she’s always been part of our family, and the realization cuts me to the core—things wouldn’t be the same without her. Shit, I hadn’t realized just how much I’ve missed her.Don’t forget what she did, though.She made herself at home, taking space that was never hers to take, finding my chinks, cracking them open.
I slam the trunk shut, slip into the passenger seat, and fasten my belt while Adam swings open the door. I listen as Lois clears her throat.
“Sorry, Adam, but I need to head out. I’m meeting up with someone…”
Who?
“And since Lane is here”—she leaves the sentence dangling in the air—“you guys don’t really need me.”
Why do I want so badly to tell her she’s wrong?
“Your call. Can you come help decorate on the twenty-eighth, though?”
She shifts from foot to foot. “Yeah, sure. I said I would.”
“And you’ll be there for the party?”
I can make out the warmth in Adam’s voice but not her reply, and while I should just keep focusing on my feet, I can’t help but look up and watch her walk away down the parking lot, wishing so hard she would glance back one last time.Turn around, Lois.
When she vanishes behind a pickup, I let out a sigh.
I stare at Adam as he reverses out. “You proud of yourself?”
“Are you?”
“Did she say anything?” I know I shouldn’t ask, but I can’t help it.
