Page 136 of That First Flight

“How was the trip, by the way?” Jan asks.

I’ve gotten close to these two since working so closely together. It’s nice to have people you work with who are easy to talk to and make working actually enjoyable. There’s no drama, they care about my life outside of work, and we work as a great team.

I smile at the thoughts of the weekend before I answer her question. We barely slept while there. I don’t think we ever left the bed once we got in it Saturday night. He had me completely worn down and sated.

“Oh, girl,” Jan drawls. “Don’t even answer that. Your smile tells me everything I need to know.”

“I just had a nice, relaxing time.”

“I bet you also got plenty of cardio in too.” She winks.

“Stop that.” I laugh as I throw a cooked pasta noodle at her. “We did not.”

“You don’t have to lie to me. I have a keen sense for that kind of thing. And you”—she tosses a pasta noodle at me now—“are glowing.”

I want to say something back, tell her it’s the glow of the kitchen lights and how freaking bright they are. But I can’t deny that I evenfeellike I’m glowing.

It’s not just because of the mind-blowing sex we had all weekend but everything that’s happened the last few months.

It’s seeing my daughter the happiest she’s ever been and finally being able to be a kid. It’s having the dream that I’ve had since I was a little girl finally come true. It’s finding some of the best friends a girl could ask for that look me in without hesitation and has made this feel like home.

It’s Oliver and every day spent with him that’s turned into so much more than I ever expected.

“I’m really happy here,” I finally say.

“Oh, we can tell,” Kevin jokes.

Jan scans me up and down. “It looks good on you, girl.”

“Why don’t you cut out early,” Kevin says. “You look beat. Lunch rush is over and there are only two tables left, both of which we’ve served already. Plus, the dinner crew will be here soon.”

“I can’t do that to you guys.”

“Yes, you can.” Kevin nods. “It’s your turn to go out early anyway. You’re always the last one here and work harder than anyone I know.”

“Get outta here.” Jan nods towards the back door.

“Thank you, guys.”

I hang up my apron and change out of my kitchen shoes. I pull out my phone and see thegirl ganggroup chat has multiple messages but decide I’ll read them once I secure my Uber. A couple minutes go by and I’m still standing at the corner waiting for the car when my phone rings.

“Hey, Ave.”

“Hey girl. Have you gotten any of my texts? Em and I are heading to Old Jose for Taco Tuesday. Are you down?”

“I just got out of work. I have to talk to Oliver and see if Mackenzie is okay.”

I hear muffled noises in the background. Maybe a hand covers the microphone on her end? It sounds like she put me in her pocket or something. Then I hear someone say, “we’re good.”

“Hello?” I say.

“Yes, I’m here. You’re good to go. Em was just on FaceTime with Oliver and Mackenzie anyway,” Avery says.

My heart.

How did I get so lucky to have best friends who love my daughter like their own? Emiline actually saw Mackenzie over the weekend when she stopped at Peyton's house but she still can’t get enough of her. I love that for Mackenzie.

“Okay. I’ll meet you guys over there. But I won’t be staying for long because I’m exhausted.”

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