Page 76 of Switch

I glance at her over the rim of my cup. “For what?”

“For you.” She gestures vaguely at me. “For this whole thing where you pretend you’re fine but actually look like someone kicked your puppy.”

I sigh and lower my mug. “I just need to think.”

She nods, then leans forward, resting her arms on the table. “Okay. Think somewhere that isn’t my kitchen.”

I frown. “What?”

She smirks. “We’re going on a girls’ trip.”

I blink. “We are?”

“Yep. You, me, Bri. Packing up and getting out of town for the weekend.” She shrugs. “Figure you could use a break from—” she waves a hand in the air— “all this.”

I let out a slow breath, staring down into my coffee. “Brooke, I don’t know…”

“Nope.” She shakes her head. “I’m not giving you a choice. You’ve spent enough time thinking about him. It’s time to think about you for once.”

I press my lips together.

She leans back in her chair, watching me closely. “I’m serious, Bella. I know you. If you stay here, you’re just going to overthink everything and wait for him to call. And I love you, but I refuse to let you spend the weekend staring at your phone.”

I scowl. “I wouldn’t.”

Brooke just lifts a brow.

I sigh, rubbing my temple. “Where are we even going?”

“Somewhere cute. Somewhere with snow. And good food.” She smirks. “Maybe some hot guys, if you’re interested.”

I snort. “Hard pass.”

She grins. “Fine. Then just a weekend of sister bonding and a whole lot of drinks.”

I hesitate.

A weekend away. No Jax. No club. No waiting for something that may never come.

Just me, my sisters, and a chance to clear my head.

I take another sip of coffee. “Fine. But only if we don’t go somewhere with too much snow.”

Brooke beams. “Deal.”

The second we step inside, the warm, smoky scent of whiskey and spiced cider wraps around me. The bar is packed with locals and tourists alike, boots scuffing against the wooden floor, laughter rising above the twangy country song playing from the stage.

It’s cozy in the best way—dim lighting, rustic decor, and the kind of place where everyone knows everyone.

I pull off my coat, already feeling the buzz of the last round of drinks we had at dinner. It’s been a good night so far—good food, good conversation, no talk of Jax.

And I plan to keep it that way.

Brooke links her arm through mine. “I say we get shots and find the hottest cowboys in the room.”

Brianna grins. “Agreed.”

I roll my eyes but let them drag me toward the bar. “I’ll take a drink, but no cowboys.”

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