“We look too cute,”Meadow declares, and my heart swells at the sight of us in matching pajamas.
I feel overwhelmed in a way I haven't quite experienced before, as if I don't know what to do with the happiness and joy that resonate inside of me.
Running my hand over the silk material, I smile. “You didn't have to do this,” I breathe, and she hip checks me.
“I know, but I wanted to,” she insists as I stare at my reflection.
Brushing my hair behind my ear, I feel my nerves flutter in my stomach. “Sometimes I wonder why you're so nice to me,” I admit, and she offers me a sad smile.
“Losing my mom felt like losing a part of myself too, and when I look at you, it's like you're missing that same piece. I feel that connection in my soul.” Tears threaten to burn the back of my eyelids, but I manage to keep them at bay as she exhales. “Now, enough of the soppy shit. We need some bliss,” she declares, spinning us both around to stare at the setup she's made across my bed.
There are bowls of snacks, enough for a hundred people, scattered pillows and throws, and a promise of peace in the air. The ambient lighting is cutesy too, and I’m excited for the projector she brought so we can kick back, relax, and watch a movie.
I'm thankful that she opted to do it in my room again, bringing my space to life, turning the four walls into a home with ease.
We settle in, getting comfortable, and just as we do, a flash of red barrels through the door, zipping around the room before nestling at the bottom of the comforter.
“What are you doing here?” Meadow asks as Ember gets comfortable.
“Girl time,” she replies like it should be obvious, and I tilt my head.
“How do you know there's girl time?” I ask, acutely aware that I haven’t seen her since my meltdown earlier, and she rolls her eyes.
“Coal said so.”
Of course he did.
I sigh. “So I'm finally worthy of your time then?” I muse, earning another eye roll as she twirls in the air.
“When you're doing something fun, absolutely.”
I plant a hand on my chest. “You make me feel used,” I mutter, a smile on my face, and she exhales.
“Ivy, please. I'm always in your favor.”
I blink at her, but Meadow speaks first.
“When?”
My thoughts exactly.
Ember gives us both a pointed look. “Well, for one, I'm aware we don't know why they rejected you two years ago, and I'm trying with all of my heart to find the reason.”
I gape at her in disbelief.
The tension that threatened to lie between us melts as I soften.
“Thanks, Ember, but it's only going to bring further heartache, and they're not worth it,” I express, and Meadow nods.
“Besides, we are not talking about them tonight.” She lifts a glass of champagne, and I do the same. I was planning on avoiding alcohol since the other night, but girl time calls for needs, and this is one of them.
Clinking my glass against hers, I bring the rim to my lips.
“Agreed.”
I gulp down more than necessary.
“Or any night,” Meadow adds with a snicker, offering her glass out again, and the sound of our drinks clinking rings through the air.
