Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“Does it even matter?” I hedge, enjoying Mazzy’s tiny huff of frustration.
Willa sets her glass down. “It matters because that means you two are getting close and I think that’s lovely. I could tell those sparks between you when we went dogsledding were the real deal.”
“It’s casual,” I insist, fiddling with the corner of the menu. “It’s just convenient. Like going over to his place tonight. Rafferty’s place is farther away and North offered, so…”
“It’s convenient,” Mazzy says, drawing out the word as though it’s the punch line to an inside joke only she’s in on.
“It is!” I say, my voice rising slightly. A waitress appears at the edge of our booth, a notepad in hand, and I welcome the interruption. “Can we order, please?”
“Sure thing,” the waitress says, smiling brightly. She’s in her early twenties with her hair tied up in a loose bun, a friendly energy about her. “What can I get you ladies?”
“I’ll have another glass of the Riesling,” Willa says, gesturing to her almost-empty glass.
“Same for me,” Mazzy adds, her grin never faltering. “And we’ll take the artichoke dip to start.”
I glance at the menu, still feeling their eyes on me. “I’ll have the Riesling too. And the flatbread.”
The waitress scribbles down our orders and nods. “Got it. I’ll be right back with those drinks.”
As she walks away, Mazzy turns to me, her eyebrows raised expectantly. “Convenient, huh? Sleeping over at his place for four nights. Sharing meals. Showering there. Totally casual.”
“I mean it,” I say, exasperated. “Look, I don’t want to make a big deal out of it. It’s not a big deal.”
Willa tilts her head, her gray eyes boring into mine. “Is that what you really believe, or is that what you’re telling yourself?”
“It’s what it is,” I reply, crossing my arms defensively. My pulse ticks up a notch, but I force myself to keep my voice steady. “We’re having fun. That’s all.”
Mazzy flops back against the booth, draining her wineglass as the waitress returns with a fresh pour. “You can tell us that all you want, but your face says otherwise.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask, irritation creeping in.
“It means you’ve got that look,” Mazzy says, winking at Willa. “You’re not just casually seeing him. You like him.”
I open my mouth to protest, but Willa cuts me off, her voice softer now. “Farren, it’s okay if you do. We’re not saying you have to marry the guy, but you’ve got a good one. Don’t let fear hold you back.”
Mazzy nods. “Exactly. I mean, yeah, dating a hockey player comes with its challenges, but it’s not all bad. I never thought I’d fall for Foster, but here I am, happier than I ever thought I could be.”
“And King?” Willa adds, her face lighting up at the mention of him. “He drives me crazy sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade him for anything.”
I fidget with my straw, their words sinking in more than I’d like to admit. “It’s not that simple for me.”
“Why not?” Willa asks gently, her gaze steady.
I hesitate, the familiar weight of my past pressing down on me. I never share like this, but as irritating as these ladies can be, I also know that they really care about me. “Let’s just say I had a really bad experience in my formative years. Trust isn’t something I give easily.”
Mazzy reaches across the table, her hand brushing mine. “We’ve all got our baggage, Farren. But sometimes, the right person makes it worth unpacking.”
Before I can respond, Willa’s phone buzzes on the table. She picks it up, her face brightening. “It’s Tempe on FaceTime.”
Mazzy and I scoot closer as Willa taps the screen and positions it on the center of the table so she can see all of us. Tempe’s face fills the frame. Her hair is pulled into a messy bun, and she’s sitting on a bed, propped up with pillows.
“Hey, girls!” Tempe says, her smile wide. “What’s up?”
“We’re just having a ladies’ night,” Willa says. “How’s school?”
“Busy,” Tempe replies, and looks upward to the ceiling. “And I have a really annoying neighbor in the apartment upstairs who seems to do aerobics all the time. Otherwise, it’s all good. I miss you guys, though.”
“We miss you too,” Mazzy says. “And we know Rafferty misses you more than anyone.”
“How’s he doing?” Tempe asks, her expression softened with love and concern. “He says he’s fine, but I’d like an unbiased opinion.”
“He’s fine,” I assure her. “Still grumpy, still Rafferty. But yeah, he misses you a lot. Do you know when you’re going to be able to come home for a visit?”
“Probably not until spring break, but Rafferty’s going to fly here weekend after next. Only for the day and he’s going to charter a private plane.”
“That’s true love,” Willa exclaims.
“And what about you, Farren?” Tempe asks. “Rafferty says things are heating up with you and North.”