“Of course not. I guess they’re doing some kind of guys’ babysitting night or whatever.”
“A dads’ night,” Jasmine said, nodding. “Oh, okay. Well, I’ll be there.”
Lucy turned to me. “You should come.”
“I should?” I glanced between them, a little startled at the invitation.
“Yes,” Jasmine said firmly. “It’s a great way to meet people. You’re new to town. You need some friends.”
“Okay… Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”
“It’s always a mix-and-match night. Please come. Are you even moved in yet?” Jasmine pressed.
“I’m moving out to Heartfire Falls tomorrow.”
“Well, move in and then come. If you need a ride, you can ask Elsa, Chloe, or even Kendall. They all sometimes come,” Jasmine explained. “I’ll text them with a reminder.”
Lucy’s phone chirped, and she glanced at it. “Gotta roll,” she said, waving. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She slipped away just as a few customers wandered into the gallery.
Jasmine turned back to me, giving me a quick hug. “Welcome to Willow Brook. I expect to see you tomorrow.” She pulled her phone from her pocket. “In fact, give me your number.”
Before I knew it, I was exchanging numbers with—apparently—a brand-new friend.
Friends were something that made me a little nervous. Not because I didn’t want them, but because, growing up, I’d been so frequently in and out of the hospital. It felt like trying to build connections with a skipping record. Start. Stop. Start again.
There were times I’d spent weeks in the hospital while life carried on for everyone else. I’d come back to school, to friends who’d already moved on and made new memories without me. Maybe, just maybe, if I was actually going to stay here for a little bit, I could try again.
Maybe I could actually make some friends.
As soon as that thought entered my mind, another followed—Rowan. Before I thought about it, I was texting her.
Me:Willow Brook is a really great town. You could commute if you wanted.
Rowan:Maybe. My job keeps me pretty busy, but it’s nice that you’re going to be closer. I promise I’ll come to see you soon.
Me:Pinky swear.
Rowan:Pinky swear. Love you!
Chapter Eleven
ADELE
Nobody has a thing for Cole
The following day, I took one last look around my tiny rental. With a nod to myself, I silently declared it clean enough. Snagging the keys, I locked up. When I stopped in to drop them off with Janet, I ended up sharing with her that I’d been invited to card night.
“I don’t know. I feel like I might be imposing,” I finished as I idly rubbed the edge of my sleeve between my fingertips, one of my many nervous habits.
Janet pressed her lips together, narrowing her eyes, just as Luna came out of the back. “Luna, are you going to card night tonight?” Janet asked.
“Janet!” I squeaked.
“Maybe,” Luna replied easily. “I need to make sure Parker will be there for Fuzzy.”
“Who’s Fuzzy?” I couldn’t help but ask.
“Oh, our dog.”
