Page 37 of Lost Lyrics

“It’s a date.” I giggled and flicked my finger towards Tia’s abdomen. “So, how is the baby coming along?”

“So far, so good.” She stuck out her tummy and smoothed her hand over her barely there bump. “I’m ten weeks. Am I showing?” Tia turned sideways, one way, then the other.

“Ah... a little.” Not really, but, hey. I was so happy for Tia and Lewis. Smiling, I swiveled my head to Sutton and Flint. “And what about you two? Can you come?”

“Abso-freaking-lutely.” Sutton wrapped her arm around mine and hugged it tight. “We’ll be there. I’ve been itching to see your new house. I can’t wait.”

“Me either.” I rested my head against her shoulder. But something hard yanked low in the depths of my stomach. Something I hadn’t felt in a long time. I missed this—hanging out with our friends. I had to go back to the studio in two weeks. Then life would be different yet again. I wouldn’t have to come to LA to see Mom anymore. I wouldn’t have to run her around to appointments. I didn’t need to plan secret rendezvouses with Slip anymore. So would I make the trip home as often as I used to?

No? Maybe not?I didn’tneedto...and I didn’t like that.

My best friend was getting married.

Tia and Lewis were having a baby.

Cole’s and Ava’s kids had grown so much in the past fewmonths.

I loved Slip. I loved our life on Bowen Island, but...for the first time in years, I missed LA and being close to our friends.

What was with that?

Was Sutton’s wedding and not being a part of every step the root of the problem? Or was it not seeing Tia’s belly grow each week? Or was it missing out on playing with Cole’s and Ava’s children? I didn’t have baby fever in any way, but I loved Charlotte and Josh.

For the past few years, I’d been so consumed with working in Vancouver and flying home to LA to take care of Mom, I hadn’t had much time to myself or to think. Slip had been my element of fun; Sutton, my grounding. But now, after having time away, I’d reevaluated what was important to me. Losing Mom had hit home hard. These people were my world—my life. Sutton was my closest friend. She couldn’t wait to marry Flint. We’d seen each other through more relationship ups and downs than I cared to remember. Now...we were both happy. In love. Facing new chapters with the men who’d changed our lives. Flint was perfect for Sutton. I wanted to be part of her celebrations. I wouldn’t let her down. I’d be there as much as I could.

“Sutt.” I swept her hair back over her shoulder and smoothed it down her back. “I’m here for three more days. Once today is over and Mom’s affairs are finalized, I’ll have some spare time. Would you like to do some wedding stuff? Dress shopping? Lingerie hunting? Cake tasting or anything else you’d like?”

“I’d love that.” Excitement flashed in her eyes, but then she softened her tone. “But it’s okay. There is no rush. You just lost your mom. When you’re ready, we’ll sort out some dates to catch up.”

I appreciated her thoughtfulness, but I didn’t miss the longing in her voice. Time was ticking. Her wedding was in eleven months. She’d want to get as much done as soon as she could. And I wanted to be there for her. “I’m okay. I’d actuallylike something else other than losing Mom to focus on. I’d love a day out. Do you know how long’s it’s been since I’ve been shopping?” I hadn’t been to a mall since Slip and I’d set up house in January, six months ago. No clothes stores, day spas, or specialty retailers. My God...my hairdresser was going to have a fit when I saw her next week. I had to get my hair cut and colored before returning to work. I couldn’t wait. I looked forward to being pampered again. Bring on the manis, pedis, facials, and salon treatments. They were the perks of my job I loved.

“Too long, right?” A playful but cautious smile lit her face as she nudged her hip against mine. “I’m always up for some retail therapy. But only if you’re sure.”

She didn’t have to tiptoe around me. I needed this.

“Yes, I’m sure. It’s a date.”

“Perfect. I really need to get things moving for my wedding. Time is ticking, and Flint has been less than useful.” She slumped her shoulders and shook her head. “He thinks everything will just happen like magic.”

Well...he had people waiting on his every whim, so I understood that.

“Sutt?” Flint slipped his hand underneath Sutton’s hair and rubbed her neck. “I know you’re behind it all. I don’t want to get in the way. I’m happy with anything you want.”

“See?” She rolled her eyes and sighed. “Useless.”

The wedding meant so much to Sutton. She was hurting. I didn’t want that. I’d do everything I could to help.

As the afternoon lingered on, guests began to leave. By five o’clock, everyone had gone. I shut the front door behind my neighbor, the last person to head off, and ambled down the hallway into the living room. Bridget headed upstairs to rest.

Slip drew me to a halt by the sofa. “Mads, are you okay?”

“Yes.” I lowered my chin and nodded. But then I met hisgaze. I couldn’t lie. “Actually...no. I miss everyone.”

He drew me into a hug and kissed the side of my head. “Yeah. Me too. Why don’t we stay in LA for a bit longer? We don’t have to go back to Bowen Island straight away. Not until you start work in two weeks.”

“Really?” Light filled my chest. My pulse did a quick skip. “You want to do that?”

“Yeah. We can take more time going through and packing up your mom’s stuff. You can spend time with Timothy before he heads back overseas. We can catch up with our friends. And most of all, enjoy some fucking sunshine and heat.”

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