Page 58 of Mr. Swoony

“Unfortunately, yeah. Rowan always waited for me outside when we were dating.”

“I had the security code from day one,” Jade says with a grin.

“Oh, how nice for you,” Kyleigh jokes, lightly pushing Jade’s shoulder.

We wait at the curb for our Uber.

“What do you guys need fancy dresses for?” I ask.

“Well, Rowan and Henry’s agent holds a big dinner for all of his hockey clients in August so it’s before they start preseason,” Jade explains. “We just need cocktail dresses.”

“Anywhere specific you guys want to go?”

The Uber pulls up to the curb, and Kyleigh talks to the driver to make sure it’s ours before opening the back door and climbing in. “We were hoping you’d guide us since you’re the one with all the fashion sense. I just told the driver Michigan Avenue.”

“You’re a wedding dress designer,” I say to her.

“Yeah, I can work on an elaborate bridal gown, but not cocktail dresses or even everyday wear. I can see why my brother is so smitten with you. You always look like you stepped out of a fashion blog.”

Jade side-eyes me, and Kyleigh catches it, giving me no choice but to tell her.

“I used to do a little fashion blogging, but those days are over.”

“They don’t have to be,” Jade says.

I sigh. “It would take me a long time to find followers again.”

Thankfully, they let it go. It’s something I can’t think about yet. My future still feels very rocky, and my first step has to be settling things with Tristan and getting him out of my life. Which reminds me…

“So, Tristan messaged me yesterday. He’s back from our honeymoon.”

Jade’s head whips in my direction, and Kyleigh leans forward with the same reaction.

“What did you tell him?” Jade asks.

“Nothing. Not yet at least.”

Jade’s hand falls to my knee. “Just get it over with and put him behind you.”

“I know. I plan to, but I don’t want to see him again.”

“Make it a public place,” Kyleigh says.

“And I’ll go with you. I’ll sit at the bar and wait.” Jade isn’t asking, she’s telling me.

“I’m sure my brother would go.” Kyleigh smiles wide.

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, I don’t need another fight to break out.”

“That’s why I’ll go. He won’t even know I’m there.” It’s clear from Jade’s voice that she won’t take no for an answer.

I wouldn’t mind some support for after I say goodbye to him. Not because I think I’ll be sad—I’m sure about my decision—but I don’t think I’ll want to be alone. Even if I know it’s the right call, thinking about how much time and energy I put into the relationship to have it not work out is upsetting.

“I’ll let you know.”

We arrive at Michigan Avenue and file out of the Uber. Kyleigh and Jade let me lead them to the stores I frequent the most.

“How do you know all this?” Kyleigh asks when I lead them into one of the smaller shops that I love but isn’t nearly as popular as some of the others.

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