“I need a dress for a date,” I say casually as I pull away from the curb,“and you, Gwen, need an outfit for your first ice hockey game as the star player’s girlfriend.”
Her eyes widen immediately.“I never really thought of that,” she says, voice small.
Tess turns around from the passenger seat.“We’ll all go to the game,” she says reassuringly.
“Yes, we will!” I add.“And we’ll have drinks at Zane’s place after. He’ll love it.”
Gwen leans her head back against the seat like she’s trying to process the phrasestar player’s girlfriend.
Honestly? Same. Not because I’m surprised she and Zane are together. Because they make sense in that quiet, inevitable way. But still. It’s a lot.
“Wait,” Tess says suddenly.“What date? What do you need a dress for?”
I grip the steering wheel tighter. Too soon. Way too soon.
“It’s too early to talk about it,” I say quickly.“But I am going on a date with this really cute guy. I’ve known him for some time, but they say sometimes people change, right?”
That part isn’t even a lie. Blakehaschanged. Or maybe I’m just seeing him differently now.
“I’ve seen it first hand,” Tess says confidently, crossing her arms.“A year ago, I would’ve laughed if you said I would date Leo, but now he is the sweetest man.”
“You two are adorable,” I say honestly.
Because they are an adorable couple. And also because it distracts the conversation from hockey players named Blake Saxon.
“I didn’t know you were an Ella Langley fan,” Gwen says asDandelionstarts playing through the speakers. I grin.
“Are you kidding me? I have seen her live like twenty times.”
“Twenty?” Tess asks in shock.
“I haven’t even been to a single show,” Gwen laughs.“What am I doing wrong?”
“We are so changing that,” I tell them immediately.“Next time a cool band is in town, we are going to a show.”
Preferably one that doesnotinvolve Blake showing up unexpectedly and watching me sing every lyric like a lunatic.
Although knowing him, he probably would.
We’re almost at the mall when Gwen’s phone buzzes. She glances down at it and immediately smiles in that soft, private way people do when they’re trying not to look obvious.
“What are you smiling about?” I ask, watching her through the mirror. Then I pause.“Actually, if it’s related to my brother, maybe don’t tell me unless you want to. But don’t.”
She laughs.
“He’s so dreamy and sweet.”
“I don’t know about the dreamy part,” I say.“But he definitely is sweet.”
“Since Leo is not your brother,” Tess says thoughtfully,“I need some fun lingerie.”
“He kind of feels like a brother to me,” Gwen teases, making me laugh.
“Alright,” I say, pulling into the parking structure.“Let’s get to shopping.”
The mall feels crowded. There are so many people, I immediately regret wearing heels. We’re going to have to wait a lot today.
People everywhere. Music echoing. Perfume clouds drifting through the air like tactical obstacles.
